DIRECTOR’S NOTE

For several years, I have loudly sung the song, “Oh God, I hate Shakespeare” whenever the opportunity to be in or direct a Shakespearean show has come along. But give me fun young people and a hysterically funny take on an old story, and I am in! Many people know or at least know of the story, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and some may recall the “Rude Mechanicals” that perform for the Duke in that story. This is the backstory of those Mechanicals (laborers) and how they ended up in front of the Duke and his princess. 

Watching the cast grow into their parts has been amazing, and being able to help each of them learn a little more about community theater has been wonderful. This cast, their families, and the crew has been fantastic to work with and I got to challenge myself to explain words like doth, bellows, and bower. 😊 I hope you enjoy this story and these actors as much as I have!

I (BTU Member, Director, Actor, ASoB President) am thrilled to be a part of bringing more people from every part of Maryland into the theater. Our theater is billed as “Theater for everyone” because we not only welcome audience members and supporters from every background and age, but also encourage the participation of and seek those who are interested in being a part of theater in any way, be that on stage or backstage. We don’t let race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, nor religion define us, our casts and crews, or our audiences.

YOUTH PLAY - With scant allegiance to the work of Shakespeare, this play takes many liberties with the Bard's text. In doing so, it achieves a comedy style of its own. Petra Quince the carpenter is out of work, and in her idleness, persuades her friends, "the rude mechanicals," to compete for a prize the duke is offering for a play to be performed in honor of his wedding. The rude mechanicals snatch at the chance to recoup their failing fortunes. Manipulated by Robin, a playful sprite, Quince writes a play about Pyramus and Thisbe and recruits the rude mechanicals to perform in it. It proves to be a riot and wins the prize.

Freely adapted from William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Rights obtained through Dramatic Publishing.

Artistic Synergy of Baltimore (ASoB) began in early 2012 as a company of local performers with a love for theater and a dream of building a space where seasoned performers could work with and teach new performers, where different genres of performance could be explored, and where new performers could practice and hone their craft.

We aim to produce quality theatrical entertainment, throughout the year, featuring performers of all ages, races, backgrounds, and performance and/or technical experiences. We strive to achieve this by choosing plays and musicals that interest a wide variety of the Baltimore theater community and we sincerely hope you’ve enjoyed our performances.