Fall Play
THE NEW TRIER PERFORMING ARTS DIVISION PRESENTS
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
by William Shakespeare
Performances:
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at 7:00pm
Thursday, September 24, 2026 at 7:00pm
Friday, September 25, 2026 at 4:30p
Direction by Hilerre Kirsch, Technical Direction by Anders Jacobson, Scenic Design by Denise Karczewski, Lighting Design by Dave Ferguson
Fall Play 26-27 Audition Information
All interested New Trier students who are rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors are encouraged to audition for A Midsummer Night's Dream. Incoming Freshmen are not eligible to audition.
New Trier welcomes the participation of all individuals in our programs, including those with disabilities. If you have an IEP or 504 plan with reasonable accommodations that pertain to this activity, please indicate your request here. Please indicate your IEP case manager or adviser (504 plan) so we can coordinate any supports deemed necessary.
General Auditions: Wednesday, June 3, 2026 after exams from 10:00am to 4:00pm in McGee Theatre, Winnetka Campus in timeslots. Please note that it is okay to come part-way into an audition slot IF you have exams that preclude you from attending the entire time. Just let Ms. Kirsch know when to expect you.
WINNETKA STUDENTS: Please sign up for the earliest possible timeslot. Later timeslots should be reserved for Northfield students who need to commute, as well as students with Early Bird and Make-Up Exams.
NORTHFIELD STUDENTS: Please see the Exam Shuttle Schedule.
Callback Auditions will take place on Thursday, June 4 between 10-4 at the Winnetka Campus. All students who audition will receive an email with the callback list on the evening of Wednesday, June 3.
*Please double-check that the email you enter on the google form is CORRECT or you will not receive a callback and casting email!
You must also bring a signed conflict form to the audition in order to be cast. Please review the Midsummer Production Calendar to complete your conflict form.
WHAT’S THE PLAY ABOUT?
A Midsummer Night's Dream weaves together three interconnected plots as humans and fairies cross paths in a magical forest:
- The Lovers: Four Athenians flee into the woods to escape an arranged marriage. Due to a mischievous fairy's accidental enchantment with a love potion, a chaotic triangle of mistaken affections and comical rivalries ensues before the spells are reversed.
- The Fairies: The fairy king and queen, Oberon and Titania, are feuding. Oberon takes revenge by using the love potion on Titania, causing her to temporarily fall in love with an amateur actor whose head has been magically transformed into that of a donkey.
- The Actors: A group of amateur tradesmen (or "mechanicals"), including Nick Bottom, rehearse a clumsy play in the woods. They inadvertently get swept up in the fairy chaos, eventually performing their hilariously bad tragedy for the Duke's wedding.
The story resolves with the lovers happily married, the fairies reconciled, and everyone returning to celebrate.
WHEN ARE REHEARSALS?
Rehearsals begin with a mandatory week of rehearsals from 9am to 4pm from August 10 through August 18 (except for Sunday 8/16) with no exceptions. Please carefully review the Midsummer Production Calendar. Starting on Monday, September 14 weekday rehearsals extend to 8pm. Students must be available September 14-18 and September 22 from 3:45 - 8:00 PM with no exceptions.
HOW DO I AUDITION?
- Complete the Parent/Guardian Consent/Conflict Form
- Complete the AUDITION SIGN-UP FORM by June 2, 2026
- Prepare a monologue from this packet. PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS ON THIS DOCUMENT CAREFULLY.
- Come to the audition about 15 minutes before your appointment. We will check you in and you will present your monologue for the director.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO THE AUDITIONS?
Wear clothes that you can move in and make you look and feel good. Make sure your hair is out of your face. Do not wear costumes.
CALLBACKS
Callbacks will take place on Thursday, June 4 between 10-4 at the Winnetka Campus. All students who audition will receive an email with the callback list on the evening of Wednesday, June 3.
*Please double-check that the email you enter on the google form is CORRECT or you will not receive a callback or casting email!
WHEN DOES THE CAST LIST GO UP?
Cast lists will be emailed no later than 6pm on Sunday, June 7. 2026.
CREW APPRENTICESHIP
All performers are required to fulfill the Crew Apprenticeship Program within one year after being cast in their first NT production. Current Theatre 1 and Technical Theatre and Design students fulfill their CAP in class. Please see the NTHS Guidebook or Performing Arts website for more information.
WHAT IF I’M NOT CAST IN BUT I STILL WANT TO BE INVOLVED?
Stage Crew is a great way to get involved with the productions. All crews are open to anyone interested, and they are a LOT of fun – no prior experience is necessary. If you are interested in joining crew, please visit www.ntstagecrew.org. Q1 crew has two kick-offs: Monday, August 10,2026 from 9:00a - 12:00p & 1:00 - 4:00p or Thursday, August 20, 2026 from 3:45-6pm.
WHAT IF I NEED MORE INFORMATION?
If you have any questions or concerns about the play, contact the director, Ms. Kirsch (012B Winnetka), 847-784-6887, kirschh@nths.net
WHAT ABOUT THE MONOLOGUE?
Prepare a monologue from this packet. PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS ON THIS DOCUMENT CAREFULLY.
We are now accepting Rehearsal Assistant Applications for Fall Play! Please review the Rehearsal Assistant Application and submit to Ms. Kirsch via email. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications are due no later than Friday, May 29, 2026.