Worlds collide as love, magic and mischief intertwine in an enchanted forest outside Athens.
The University of Lethbridge Department of Drama is preparing for its first Mainstage production of the 2025/26 Signature Events season — A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare.
Directed by Doug MacArthur and designed by Lee Burckes, the play revolves around the classic Shakespearean tale.
Four young lovers flee into the woods, only to become pawns in a fairy feud between Oberon and Titania, the king and queen of the fairies. Meanwhile, a group of bumbling tradesmen rehearse a play for the Duke’s wedding, unaware they're about to be swept into the chaos.
Behind the Scenes
Fifth-year technical theatre student Kacie Hilliard is working as an assistant to production designer Lee Burckes for the play. Kacie is paint lead and is in charge of hair and makeup design.
Working with students in a scenic painting class, Kacie ensures that Lee's vision comes to life, while also exploring fun, new aspects of theatre design.
"Being a fifth-year tech student, I've gotten to play with a lot of areas in theatre, but I've never gotten to do hair and makeup before. The closest I've gotten was wigs briefly, so this is very new territory for me," says Kacie.
"I'm having to take the overarching vibe of the show and condense it into the context of hair and makeup, which can be overwhelming at times, but overall really really fun to find intention and purpose behind every detail and implement it into the show."
Kacie adds that the mentorship and support she receives from Lee has built her confidence in decision-making. As opening night draws closer, Kacie says her sights are set on preparing for tech week.
"On every show I work on, my favourite part is tech week. It's where you get to see everything come together, everyone's hours of work finally blending into a beautiful product. To me, it's magical — not only do I get to watch a great show, but I get to sit in a room with everyone else who cares about it just as much as I do. It brings people together in a way I can't describe."
On the Stage
Laura Bran Castro plays Hermia in the production, one of the four lovers.
"I have to explore the relationships between the three actors I work with most often who play Lysander, Helena and Demetrius. Establishing these dynamics between these characters is very important because my relationships with them are the main motivators for my actions and reactions," Laura says.
"Moreover, Hermia is a character who speaks in verse. This is my first Shakespearean play; therefore, I have had to work and learn how to speak in Iambic pentameter.
For Laura, the unfamiliar role empowered her to grow as an actor, as she diversified her skills and discovered new things about her character and herself.
"The experience thus far has been amazing. Every person involved in this show is dedicated and passionate about the role they have," Laura adds. "I believe our show is a great example of what theatre is. It is experimental, it is unique, it is beautiful and ultimately, it is our creation. I cannot wait to share our creation with everyone."
Carter Popielarz plays a dual role in the production, Oberon and Theseus, and says his primary (but fun) challenge has been embodying the two characters in a balanced way through voice and movement.
"Jacey DeMarni (also playing a dual role as Hippolyta and Titania) and I navigate complex relationship dynamics between our characters, both with those who appear onstage together and those who don't, and it's been so fun to watch each of those relationships evolve in their own way," he says.
Also his first Shakespeare play, Carter adds that working on the production has helped him learn how to sink into the show's imagery and text.
"Working with Dawn McCaugherty, our voice and text coach, has been pivotal in developing an understanding of the text, and the underlying emotions and subtext within it. Her passion and expertise are extremely motivating, and I will certainly carry everything she's taught me forward, not only for future Shakespeare work, but for contemporary work as well."
Playing one of Titania's fairies, Peaseblossom, is Nikko Hunt. Nikko says being able to work with a voice and text coach has allowed her to gain a deeper understanding for working on complex pieces.
"My role involves some singing and dancing and trying to support Titania to the best of my fairy abilities. The rehearsal process for this show has taught me a lot in a short time, which will be helpful for the future. Cidelle Crawford, our musical director, has also taught me a lot about singing in a theatre context," Nikko says.
"I'm most looking forward to the audience getting to see the designs for the show. The set design looks stunning, and I think it will be a big hit," she adds.
As spells go awry and identities blur, this timeless and beloved comedy explores the madness of love and the fine line between reality and illusion.
Join us October 29, and November 1, 6, 7, 8 at 7:30 p.m. nightly in the University Theatre (W500). Tickets for A Midsummer Night's Dream are on sale now. ULethbridge students get a free ticket with their student ID.