The Pahrump Theater Company is bringing William Shakespeare’s beloved comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream to life—this time, with a Western twist! Auditions for the production will be held this Saturday, March 15, offering local performers the chance to take part in a fresh, imaginative adaptation of the classic play.
Aspiring actors of all experience levels are encouraged to try out. The company welcomes seasoned performers as well as newcomers, emphasizing a fun and engaging audition process. Participants should be prepared to read from the script, move around, and immerse themselves in the world of Shakespeare—Western-style.
A Unique Take on a Timeless Classic
This reimagined version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream sets the story in the Old West, transforming Shakespeare’s noble court, mischievous fairies, and bumbling actors into a cast of frontier characters.
- Theseus, traditionally a duke, is now the Sheriff of Pahrump, an authoritative figure settling legal disputes.
- Hippolyta, once the Queen of the Amazons, is reimagined as a poised and confident Shoshone warrior, betrothed to Theseus but maintaining her independence.
- The mystical fairies become members of the Shoshone Tribe, with Oberon and Titania as feuding leaders, and Puck as a peyote-wielding trickster stirring up magical confusion.
- The play’s comedic acting troupe (the “Mechanicals”) are now local townsfolk attempting to put on a performance for the Sheriff’s wedding, adding small-town charm and humor to the show.
The adaptation blends Shakespeare’s poetic dialogue with the grit and grandeur of the Old West, promising an unforgettable theatrical experience filled with love, laughter, and a little bit of frontier magic.
Roles Available
The production offers a wide range of roles, from romantic leads to mischievous tricksters and comedic townsfolk.
The Lovers – A Classic Romantic Tangle
- Hermia (20s, Female): A headstrong young woman defying her father’s wishes to marry the man she truly loves.
- Lysander (20s, Male): A romantic who plans to elope with Hermia.
- Demetrius (20s–30s, Male): Once in love with Helena, now fixated on Hermia.
- Helena (20s–30s, Female): Smart but insecure, hopelessly in love with Demetrius despite his rejection.
The Shoshone Tribe (Formerly the Fairies) – Mystical and Mischievous
- Oberon (40s+, Male): The proud and powerful chief, feuding with Titania over a child’s custody.
- Titania (40s+, Female): The regal counterpart to Oberon, who is enchanted to fall in love with Bottom.
- Puck (20s–30s, Male): The playful troublemaker, using peyote cactus magic to cause romantic mix-ups.
- Ashi (20s, Female): A messenger discussing the feud between Oberon and Titania.
- Sageblossom, Cobweb, Stickerseed, Moth (Kids): Titania’s young and loyal attendants.
The Mechanicals (Local Townsfolk Performing a Play) – Comedic and Endearing
- Quince (30s–50s, Male): The well-meaning but frazzled director of the amateur troupe.
- Bottom (30s–40s, Male): A confident, over-the-top actor who is transformed into a donkey.
- Flute (Late Teens–20s, Male): A reluctant young actor assigned to play a female role.
- Snug (30s+, Male): A bashful performer cast as a ferocious lion.
- Snout (30s–40s, Male): The literal-minded actor playing a wall in the play-within-a-play.
- Starveling (30s–40s, Male): A timid performer playing “Moonshine” in the play.
How to Audition
Auditions are by appointment only. Those interested must first complete an audition form online:
➡ Audition Form
After completing the form, actors can schedule their audition by texting (775) 469-2072 or emailing pahrumptheatre@gmail.com.
This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a bold and exciting adaptation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Whether you dream of stepping into a lead role, playing a mischievous trickster, or simply experiencing live theater for the first time, this production promises an unforgettable and magical journey into the Wild West. Break a leg!
