Synetic Theater’s Teens’ ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ Opens This Thursday at 8 PM by Alysa Turner

See the next generation of Synetic superstars in 
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Beginning this Thursday, December 5th at 8 PM at Synetic Theater-1800 South Bell Street, in Arlington, VA.

Synetic Theater’s Teen Company follows in the footsteps of Synetic’s mainstage with a silent retelling of the Bard’s fantastical, darkly playful story of love, mistaken identity and the supernatural A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Synetic Teen Productions are a highly selective and physically intensive training program for the next generation of theatre artists. Many of their former teen ensemble members have later been cast in their main stage productions!

Here are some of the cast members’ reflections in Synetic’s Blog:

Most of the cast of Teen A Midsummer Night’s Dream had already been in a Synetic Show, taken a class, or attended a summer camp – but there were also a few Synetic newcomers to our cast this year!

Arianna (Hippolyta) said, “I really wanted to do something different than my usual all-ballet dance life, so my parents and I decided to look for different studios and dance opportunities. When I found Synetic Theater I was so ready to jump at a chance to perform in their teen productions.”

Usman, who plays Lysander, wasn’t sure about auditioning for the show at first. “I had heard about Synetic for a while and waited to audition because I wasn’t sure. Finally I told myself I could do it, and I did!”

A chorus of “excited” was heard when asked how they felt when they were cast, Annette (who plays a Mechanical) said, “I was really excited, because I’m technically a year too young, so I didn’t really expect to get in.”

Quadra (Oberon) then said, “It got me super pumped to see what challenges awaited me at rehearsal.”

Elis e(who plays Hermia in this production but also appeared in this Summer’s main stage Midsummer) agreed and added, “I was so happy to have been given the opportunity to work with Synetic again; I love it here – the style, people and work we do here is very special.”

Will (Demetrius) and Elise (Hermia) play a pair of lovers, kept apart by Hermia’s family. Both of them found reflections of their characters determination and stubbornness within themselves:

“Hermia is very protective and knows what she wants; I definitely identify with that,” said Elise. Will added, “I work hard at what I am passionate about” just like his character Demetrius works for Hermia’s father’s approval.

Julia (Helena) shares her character’s clumsiness when trying to impress others. “I find that I can be quite clumsy and awkward at time, especially when trying to impress,” she said.

Finally Sean, who plays Theseus in the production says that he and his character share a very important trait. “We’re both very dashing!”

There was a large consensus among the cast that the fight between the four lovers is one of their favorite scenes.

Julia said, “Helena is able to take advantage of her rough side that men do not seem to appreciate.” Elise agreed adding, “The four person fight is hands down the best scene for me. Hermia turns into an absolute mess, and then kicks some butt.”

Eliza (Titania) said, “The energy and movement is so intense. The choreography also seems to be advanced so the tricks and movement are impressive.”

Another favorite scene amongst the cast was the fight between the fairies. They all agreed it was pretty impressive.

Usman, who plays Lysander, said, “It has really cool pantomiming,” While Julia said, “the music and the stunts are amazing. There is so much power in the scene and it is very exhilarating and engaging.”

Some argued that Bottom’s transformation was pretty awesome and Sam (the actor who plays him) said, ”When I transform into a donkey. This scene allows me to be free with myself and get into character so outlandishly.” Elise (Hermia) agreed adding, “I love the donkey transformation scene; it always brings the most laughter and is such a great example of Synetic’s technique of mask work and character work in action!”

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CAST/DESIGNERS/CREW
My-Linh Aslanian (Fairy/Ensemble)
Sam Brumbaugh (Nick Bottom)
Charlotte Constantinides (Fairy/Ensemble)
Nadia Duncan (Fairy/Ensemble)
Roxy Fisher (Fairy/Ensemble)
Sean Hackes (Theseus)
Annette Hasnas (Mechanical/Ensemble)
Usman Ishaq (Lysander)
Julia Jones (Helena)
Ward Lehardy (Mechanical/Ensemble)
Will Lehardy (Mechanical/Ensemble)
Lexie Lounsbury (Fairy/Ensemble)
Elise McDonnell (Hermia)
Warren McQueary (Peter Quince)
Alaina Quirk (Snake/Ensemble)
Eliza Smith (Titania)
Arianna Tilley (Hippolyta)
Ana Tsikurishvili (Puck)
Eli Wassertzug (Mechanical/Ensemble)
Will Westray (Demetrius)
Quadra Wilcox (Oberon)

Director (Alex Mils)
Choreographer (Victoria Bertocci)
Stage Manager (Nate Shelton)
Wardrobe (Phil Giggy)
Technical Director (Phil Charlwood)
Production Manager (Ann Allan)
Producer (Joe Carlson)
Guest Artist Consultants (Irina Kavsadze, Irakli Kavsadze, and Ben Cunis)

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