arts & entertainment

The Indian River State College (IRSC) Performing and Visual Arts Department invites the community to the inaugural production of a new, innovative and immersive summer presentation of Shakespeare’s magical comedy, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Staged in six different performance locations in and around the McAlpin Performing Arts Center on the College’s Fort Pierce campus, this immersive theatrical experience will engage the audience as they move one scene to the next following along with the actors. Shows are June 10–12 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee performance on Saturday, June 12, at 2:00 p.m.

The production cast and crew consist of both IRSC Performing Arts students and select students from high schools in the four-county region. Directed by IRSC Theatre Director Alexander Kanter, “Midsummer” is the inaugural production of the “Summer ShakesPierce” program, which will create an innovative Shakespeare production for the community to enjoy each summer on the Fort “Pierce” campus.

Kanter says he specifically chose this play to kick off the “Summer ShakesPierce” program because it is engaging for contemporary audiences of all ages more so than some of Shakespeare’s other works. 

“’Midsummer’ serves as a fun ‘gateway Shakespeare’ experience as the characters are engaging and a plot is easy to follow,” shares Kanter. “With our multiple performance locations and interactive element, this production will feel more like a theme park visit or a haunted house walk-through than merely sitting down for an evening of classical theatre.”

One of Shakespeare’s most beloved and popular comedies, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is a magically enchanting romp that contains a little something for everyone. From runaway romantics to feuding fairies, “Midsummer” combines slapstick hilarity with spectacle and poetry. Two pair of mismatched young lovers must survive a night of beguilement in the woods outside Athens, where the King and Queen of the fairies are at war with one another, all while a gang of misfit craftspeople from town try to rehearse a woefully laughable tragic play at the Duke’s upcoming wedding. Friendships are tried, love potions applied, and a man even becomes ‘donkey-fied,’ but all turns out well in the end, as we realize that everything that has happened may have just been a fanciful dream.  

Shows offer limited seating availability, and patrons are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance. To purchase tickets, or for questions about upcoming shows, visit the IRSC Box Office staff Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or send emails to boxoffice@irsc.edu or call 1-800-220-9915. Online ticket purchasing is currently not available.

For a complete list of shows visit www.irsc.edu/student-life/arts-and-culture.

‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ (Comedy) Tickets: $15
June 10–12 at 7:30 p.m. and June 12 at 2:00 p.m., McAlpin Fine Arts Center and outside.

Join us for the inaugural production of the “Summer ‘ShakesPierce’” program, which features both high school and IRSC Performing Arts students. From runaway romantics to feuding fairies, this enchanting romp by Shakespeare combines slapstick hilarity with spectacle and poetry.