Dreams of Midsummer

Alright babes, gather around because Alice Collins is about to spill the tea on what it takes to direct a classic by the OG of drama, Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Cast & crew of A Midsummer Night's Dream

During show week, when I was having nervous breakdowns daily and wishing I could go back to my day job for some peace and quiet, I had to keep reminding myself that directing A Midsummer Night’s Dream (set in the Love Island villa) wasn’t the culmination of all my years on earth and that I should relax. But I actually do kind of think it was the culmination of all my achievements. I am more proud of this show than anything else I have ever done: we had four sell-out shows two weeks before we went on and added an additional matinee, which also brought in a full house; the cast was committed and talented, the lighting professional; and the soundtrack highly praised. Best of all, it was SO. MUCH. FUN!

Here is what I’ve learned from directing this show: 

A big cast is a blessing and a curse. Do it anyway!

I had a cast of 18 people, we had only one rehearsal before our dress rehearsal where we had every cast member present. Every time I got a notification from my Midsummer WhatsApp group, I’d dread the bad news that someone was late, ill, or dropping out. However, a big cast brings in audiences, it makes for an energetic backstage atmosphere, and it gives you 18 new best friends!

Give people the space to bring their ideas 

The bits of Midsummer that audiences loved the most were the lines, actions, and ideas that the actors themselves had come up with. Giving people the opportunity to be collaborative and bring their own ideas to the show meant they all had a strong vested interest in the show and felt deeply connected to it. Side effects of this include being so obsessed with amdram that half your cast signs up to the next show! 

Shakespeare is awesome

Like most of us, I’ve studied Shakespeare at school and even at university. I've even seen a good selection of plays, but being honest, would never have called myself a fan. I’d always thought Midsummer Night’s Dream was a bit clichéd and hadn’t paid it much attention, but after six months of work on this play, I officially love it and can’t wait to see it again (we already have cast plans to). Shakespeare is a genius; the iambic pentameter is a gift to actors, the structure itself tells you how to deliver a speech, and it’s so relevant and endlessly quotable.

Thanks for your insights Alice and congratulations again on a fabulous production! If Alice has inspired you to get involved, keep an eye on our website for details of upcoming shows, auditions and the many other ways you can get involved with New Stagers.