Shakespeare on Clark in search of young actors for summer production

Submitted by Shakespeare on Clark

Shakespeare on Clark is offering a youth theater workshop for young actors to prepare and present a production of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” The workshop will begin on June 11 and will meet weekly from 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays, and 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays.

The performances are scheduled to take place during the second and third weekends of August. Performances will start at 3 p.m. Aug. 3, 4, 10 and 11.

“‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ is the perfect script for introducing Shakespeare to young actors,” co-director Julane Sullivan said. “It features a group of interesting comedic characters, fairies, as well as royalty. It has combat scenes and lots of physical comedy to keep young actors interested.”

Co-director Bryan Renaud has played three different roles from this show and looks to bring his experience to the production team.

“We have edited the script to under 90 minutes, cutting down the longer soliloquies to manageable monologues for young actors; but we have kept the language as Shakespeare wrote it,” Renaud said.

This workshop is designed for all levels of young actors. Everyone who registers is guaranteed a role in the show and will be given a role that challenges their experience level while still allowing them to achieve a sense of personal achievement.

During initial workshop sessions, the class will play theater games which help teach basic stage techniques, character development and physical movement. There will be an audition process within the workshop so these actors learn the process of the audition, preparing them for future auditions. Once the show is cast, the class will continue with theater games as well as blocking, staging and creating the elements of the production.

All costumes, makeup, scenery and props are included in the cost of the workshop. Registration is $200 and can be made online at www.shakespeareonclark.com; at the Batavia Park District, 327 W. Wilson St., Batavia; or in person at All Dressed Up Costumes, 901 N. Batavia Ave., Batavia.

Initial workshop sessions will take place in the Jesters Courtyard at All Dressed Up Costumes. Rehearsals also will take place on Clark Island in downtown Batavia, the same location the performances will take place. Shakespeare on Clark is an annual event done in cooperation with Batavia Main Street, Batavia Park District and the Batavia Arts Council.