Casting - A Midsummer Nights Dream

I thought today I would give you some more information about the characters in A Midsummer Night's Dream, and what I am thinking of in terms of casting for them. If you or someone you know might be interested in getting involved in this show, please e-mail me at grinder@grinderproductions.org.

The Athenians: These are the upper-class characters in the play.

Theseus - The Duke of Athens, a middle-aged, battle-hardened warrior-ruler.
Hippolyta - Theseus' bride, whom he fought in battle to win her over. She is a Queen of the "Amazons" - an all-female tribe of warriors.
Egeus - Helena's father, a bit old-fashioned - either his daughter wed's the man of his choice or she is banished - or killed.
Lysander - A young man of Athens
Demetrius - A young man of Athens
Helena - A young woman of Athens
Hermia - A young woman of Athens
Philostrate - Theseus' Master of the Revels, a civil servant responsible for gathering entertainment for the Duke's wedding. A good small part for a newbie.

The Mechanicals: These are the workers of Athens, who rehearse and perform a play for the Duke's wedding. They are simple, rustic characters, who make their tragedy "Pyramus and Thisbe" into one of the funniest parts of the play through their very, very bad acting. These roles can be played by either men or women.

Peter Quince - the director of the players
Nick Bottom - a weaver, and great amateur actor
Flute - a bellows mender
Snug - a joiner
Snout - a tinker
Starveling - a tailor

The fairies: These are the mythical creatures who inhabit the forests outside of Athens (though they are actually a reflection of the creatures found in English folk and fairy tales). These roles are for young people.

Oberon - King of the fairies
Titania - Queen of the Fairies
Peaseblossom, Moth, Mustardseed and Cobweb - Fairies who attend on Titania
Puck - aka Robin Goodfellow, he is a sort of "super-fairy" who does things for Oberon, and in many ways serves as the catalyst for action in the play. You wonder whether if it is in fact he who is the one controlling the action.

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