STEUBENVILLE, OHIO-Franciscan University of Steubenville's Theatre Program will present William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream April 24-26 at 6:00 p.m. in a unique outdoor production on campus.

Directed by Associate Professor of Theatre John Walker, the performance will take place on the lawn between Finnegan Fieldhouse and Christ the Teacher Hall. This imaginative adaptation sets Shakespeare's classic comedy in 1960s Woodstock, blending the play's timeless themes with the energy and aesthetic of a more modern era.

Audience members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and picnics to enjoy the performance in a relaxed outdoor setting.

Walker's approach to the production draws on a classical Shakespearean method still practiced today. Actors rehearse using only their individual lines and cues, working one-on-one with the director to interpret meaning through the text's literary devices and punctuation. The full cast performs together for the first time on opening night, resulting in a production marked by spontaneity and authentic reactions.

"This play won't just make the students better actors or be more fun for the audience," said Walker. "It also trains the students to perform outdoors in front of a live crowd-to project, to communicate clearly, and to respond in the moment. Those are skills that can be invaluable in their future careers."

The event is family-friendly, open to the public, and free of charge, with donations to the Theatre Program gratefully accepted.

In the event of rain, the performances will be held in the Anathan Theatre, Ground Floor, Egan Hall.

A promotional flyer for the performances can be found here.