Franciscan University Theatre Program to stage outdoor A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Franciscan University of Steubenville announced on April 8 that its Theatre Program will present William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream in an outdoor setting from April 24 to 26 at 6:00 p.m. on the university campus.
The event aims to offer a unique experience by blending Shakespeare’s classic comedy with the atmosphere of the 1960s Woodstock era. The production, directed by Associate Professor of Theatre John Walker, will take place on the lawn between Finnegan Fieldhouse and Christ the Teacher Hall. Audience members are invited to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and picnics for a relaxed viewing experience.
Walker said his approach uses a classical Shakespearean rehearsal method where actors work only with their individual lines and cues alongside one-on-one sessions with the director. The entire cast comes together for the first time during opening night, which Walker said results in 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 performance is open to all ages, free of charge, with donations accepted for the Theatre Program. In case of rain, shows will move indoors to Anathan Theatre on Egan Hall’s ground floor.
Franciscan University of Steubenville operates as a private Catholic institution providing undergraduate and graduate programs in higher education according to its official website. The university integrates Catholic and Franciscan values such as spiritual formation, community service and blending faith with reason into its educational approach according to its official website. It offers more than 80 undergraduate and graduate programs grounded in Catholic traditions according to its official website, aiming “to educate, evangelize and prepare joyful disciples” who serve God worldwide according to its official website.
Located on a hilltop campus overlooking Steubenville, Ohio according to its official website, Franciscan University achieved university status in 1980 after adding several graduate programs including an MBA and MA in theology according to its official website.
