Cal Lutheran Students Interpret Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”  

California Lutheran University’s Theatre and Dance Department students make “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” their own in the fully student-run production, which runs April 24-26 in the Black Box Studio Theatre on the Cal Lutheran campus. The production features a script by fourth-year student Hadley Julca, who adapted one of Shakespeare’s most enchanting comedies through a child’s sense of wonder.

“Growing up homeschooled, I came from a world of imagination and play,” said Julca, who is also directing the play. “The type of creative wonder we have as children is something that we carry into our storytelling. ‘What is acting if not visiting that childhood world of pretend, but with a more elaborate wardrobe and more extensive plot?’ Storytelling at its finest.”

Cal Lutheran Assistant Professor Christine Cummings, MFA, mentored the students and helped facilitate campuswide and communitywide involvement. Cal Lutheran music students composed the original score, and students in the dance program did the choreography.

As part of the production, the actors conducted workshops in English classes on campus and are collaborating with the Kingsman Shakespeare Company on a workshop for local high schools.

Professional guest artists assisted the production by conducting workshops on clowning and stage combat. A certified intimacy coordinator was brought in to work with the student actors.

Julca started adapting the script in 2024 after meeting Cummings, who shares her love of Shakespeare. It was a big undertaking for Julca, as “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is one of Shakespeare’s most popularly produced plays. The complex storyline celebrates love, mischief and magic as young lovers and actors become entangled in a forest populated by fairies. There are also playful spirits, mistaken identities and a great deal of enchantment.

“I have been inspired and deeply proud watching her vision materialize from initial concept collages to gathering her production team and now giving it life from the page to the stage,” Cummings said.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” will be performed at 8 p.m. on April 24 and 25, and 2 p.m. on April 26. Tickets are $10 at the door, and free for Cal Lutheran students, faculty and staff. Reservations are strongly recommended, as seating is limited. To reserve tickets, visit CalLutheran.edu/midsummer.

The Black Box Studio Theater is located at 141 Memorial Pkwy, Thousand Oaks.