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Director’s Note

Our production of William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night’s Dream comes alive in the heart of the Louisiana Bayou. A setting rich in mystery, folklore, and natural magic. The Bayou’s moss-draped trees, winding waters, and haunting beauty mirror the enchanted forest of Shakespeare’s original, offering a fresh yet deeply resonant backdrop for the play’s dreamlike mischief and transformation. Louisiana folklore, with its tales of spirits, tricksters, and swamp magic, shares striking parallels with Elizabethan beliefs in fairies, omens, and the supernatural. Both traditions explore the thin veil between reality and fantasy, making the Bayou a perfect canvas for this timeless tale.

Our production was designed with my Ocoee high school students in mind. A Midsummer Night’s Dream is one of Shakespeare’s most accessible and imaginative plays, Its themes of love, identity, and confusion are deeply relatable to our students navigating their own transformations. The language is poetic and playful and the characters are bold and funny. I have invited my students, many of whom are new to the stage, to explore Shakespeare's storytelling through movement, emotion, and ensemble work.

This summer, I had the privilege of studying at The Globe Theatre in London, thanks to the English Speaker’s Union, where I immersed myself in a production process centered on making Shakespeare’s work feel alive, relevant, and joyful. I learned techniques to demystify the text, encourage physical storytelling, and connect students to the emotional truth of the characters. My goal was to foster a love of Shakespeare, not just as literature, but as living theatre.

My passion for Shakespeare began in childhood, when my mother, Karen, would read his plays and sonnets to me. Her voice brought the words to life, and her love for the language became mine. This production is a tribute to her and a gift to a new generation. I hope our students will discover, as I did, that Shakespeare’s stories still speak to us across centuries, cultures, and swamps.

Cast

Creative Team

Crew

** Designates a student in the Technical Theatre Scholastic Academy.

Meet the Company

Nathan Shakes

Oberon

Nathan Shakes is senior and is making his theatrical debut with OKTC's production of Midsummer. He would like to study music education after graduating. Nathan would like to thank his day ones, his family, and Jesus.

Armani Bennett

Titania

Armani Bennett is a senior and currently serves as the points clerk for OKTC. Midsummer marks her third production with OKTC. Last year she could be seen as Billy in Night of the Living Dead and Morticia in The Addams Family. Armani has loved theater since the 3rd grade, and after graduation, she plans to pursue public relations and theatre arts. Armani would like to thank her family, friends, and teachers for cheering her on, and she is grateful to Mrs. Kahn for guiding her through her first full-length Shakespearean show. She also wants to thank Dayana Corton, Leo Arteche, and James Lott for shaping her artistic voice.

Eryana Collier

Puck

Eryana Collier is a senior, and this is her sixth show with OKTC. Last year she made audience laugh as the grandma in Addams Family and can't wait to make this audience laugh as well. She plans to study performing arts after graduation. Eryana would like to thank her mother for being her biggest supporter, with the rest of her family following right behind her.

Molly Dunagan

Hippolyta

Molly Dunagan is a senior and proudly serves as the secretary for OKTC. This is her fifthteen show with OKTC and it will not be her last. After graduation she wants to go to a university to study graphic design. She wants to thank Mrs Kahn for creating this space to grow and share a love for theatre. She also wants to thank her fellow cast mates, especially Peyton, Mari, Colby, Gian, Jorden, and Diego for giving her a reason to be excited for rehearsal everyday.

Jorden Brunson

Theseus

Jorden Brunson is a freshman and Midsummer marks his debut performance with OKTC. He would like to study real estate after graduation. Jorden wishes to thank his seniors buddies, Colby, Molly, Ery, Giancarlos, Armani, Emily, Ali, Jaxon, Tiny, Jade, Jayda, Momo, Leyla, Will, Nate, Maely, and Damari who all inspire him to be a better person every single day. Also Hayden and Drey who helped him join OKTC.

Marianna Rodriguez

Hermia

Marianna is a junior and Midsummer is her second show with OKTC. Last year Marianna could be seen dancing as an ancestor in Addams Family. She would like to study Dance and Social work after graduation. Marianna wishes to thank her best friends Ali and Colby + their moms, her mom, her auntie nancy, her godmommy Iesha, and all the amazing administration at Ocoee High School who have been so inspiring and caring, and of course, loving.

Peyton-Ashley Method

Helena

Peyton-Ashley Method is proud to be playing one of her dream roles as Helena in Midsummer making this her eighth show with OKTC. Her previous credits include Addams Family, Junie B. Jones, Matilda and many, many more. Peyton-Ashley would like to thank her best friends Colby, Molly, and Elyanna for always being there for her. As well as her parents and siblings. Peyton-Ashley hopes you enjoy A Midsummer Night's Dream!

Diego Linarez

Lysander

Diego Linarez is a Junior at Ocoee High School. This is his theatrical debut. Upon graduation, Diego would like to study film acting. Diego wishes to thank Bresaia, Najee, and Ery for making his first year in theatre such an amazing experience and helping him become better everyday. He would also like to thank his parents, Angel and Mirna, for believing him him and supporting his dreams. And finally, Ms kahn for the opportunity to be in Midsummer and encouraging him to be a better actor everyday.

**Preston Marquez

Demetrius

Peter Parker Preston is a sophomore and Midsummer marks his third show with OKTC. Peter would like to study filmmaking and directing after graduation. Preston wishes to thank Mrs. Kahn for inspiring him and introducing him to theatre and Emily Marsden for trademarking his nickname. ** designates a student in the Technical Theatre Scholastic Academy.

Colby Salvatore

Egeus

Colby Salvatore is a senior and proudly serves as OKTC’s President. This marks his nineteenth show at Ocoee High and his twenty-eighth overall. After graduation, he plans to earn a degree in Education and help future generations make an impact. Colby wants to thank his parents for their love, Mrs. Kahn for trusting him to fill in and letting him live out their shared Shakespeare dream (which they’ve had since his freshman year!!), Mr. Kahn and Ms. Motherwell for their guidance, the OKTC officer board for their support, and his OKTC family for making his senior year truly unforgettable.

Elena Germain

Philostrate

Elena Germain is a Junior at Ocoee High School, and Midsummer is her 6th production with OKTC, Previous credits include Allegra in The Plot Like Gravy, Reporter in NIght of the Living Dead, and Evelyn in Mutually Assured Destruction. Elena wants to be an animator, voice actor, and one day a teacher after college. Elena enjoys drawing, spending time with animals, hanging out with friends, her and boyfriend. Even though she's socially anxious, she likes (and tries) to make new friends, so come don't be afraid to say hi!! Elena wishes to thank her family, especially her dad, for all the support they've given her (and car rides). She also wants to thank her boyfriend for keeping her company during long rehearsals and always being there for her.

Gian Delgado

Nick Bottom

Gian Delgado is a senior and Midsummer is his ninth show with OKTC. He is so excited to bring you this amazing Shakespeare classic live on stage. Previous OKTC credits include: Escapologist/Doctor in Matilda, Tony in the Plot Like Gravy Thickens, Stanley in Brief Encounter, Gomez in Addams Family. Regional Credits: Nazi Soldier in The Diary of Anne Frank with Bridge Theatre Company. Gian wants to thank all his friends and family for all their support through all his tiring endeavors.

Khloe Strickland

Peter Quince

Khloe Strickland is a proud sophomore of OKTC. Midsummer is her second show, last year she was an ancestor in Addams Family. Khloe can’t wait to brighten your day and make you laugh with her performance of Peter Quince. Khloe wishes to thank all her loved ones for being so supportive, and she really hopes everyone enjoys the show!!

Abby Horvath

Starveling

Abby Horvath is a senior and this is her sixth show with OKTC. Abby would like to study Musical Theatre after graduation. Abby wishes to thank her friends, family, and the Kahns for being such awesome people and supporting her through everything.

Madi Simmons

Snout

Madi is a sophomore and Midsummer marks their fourth show with OKTC. Previous credits include and ancestor in Addams Family and a Zombie in Night of the Living Dead. Madi would like to study animation after graduation. Madi wishes to thank the people they’ve worked with in this show for making it an enjoyable experience.

Noah Cortez

Flute

Noah Cortez is a ninth grader and Midsummer is his debut performance with OKTC. Noah would like to study more acting or psychology after graduation. Noah wishes to thank everyone I have ever interacted with.

Stephen Williams

Snug

Stephen Williams is a sophomore, and this is his second show at Ocoee High School. Last year he made his theatrical debut with OKTC in Night of the Living Dead. After high school, Stephen plans to go into the Air National Guard and/or pursue farming. He gives a huge thank-you to his mom for always supporting him, his dad, and his brother who may be in another state, but still inspires him every day.

Aaniya Simmons

Jazzyglow

Aaniya Simmons is a Freshman and midsummer marks her theatrical debut with OKTC. Aaniya would like to study physiology after graduation. Aaniya wishes to thank her mom and dad and Mrs. Kahn for dealing with her infrequent schedule.

Alani Caez

Mustardseed

Alani is a freshman and is making her theatrical debut with Midsummer her at OKTC. Alani would like to study to be a nurse after graduation. Alani wishes to thank her dad for always being there for her and Mrs. Khan for being an amazing inspiration for her.

**Alivia Roper

Nix Fairy

Alivia Roper is a Freshman at Ocoee High School. This is her first production with OKCT and her first time being on stage. She is still exploring all her options for future careers and is interested in so many things. So for now she is just appreciating each experience life brings her. ** designates a student in the Technical Theatre Scholastic Academy.

Amani Aguirresaenz

Fern Whisper Fairy

Amani is a Junior and Midsummer is their third production with OKTC. Previous credits include Karen Cooper in Night of the Living Dead and an Ancestor in Addams Family. She would like to study cosmetology after graduation. Amani wishes to thank her mother, father, brother Noah, Mr. and Ms. Kahn and everyone who has supported her thus far.

Ava Li-A-Ping

Lotus Blossom

Ava Li-A-Ping is a senior and Midsummer marks her debut performance with OKTC. Ava would like to study cultural anthropology after graduation. She wishes to thank her father and stepmom for always supporting and encouraging her, and also Mrs Kahn for allowing her to be part of this amazing production.

Madison Caputo

Cobweb Fairy

Madison is a Junior and Midsummer is her seventh show with OKTC. Previous credits include: An ancestor in Addams Family, A zombie in Night of the Living Dead, Connie in The Plot like Gravy Thickens. Madison wants to continue acting and study musical theatre after graduation. She wishes to thank Mrs. Kahn and Mr. Kahn for supporting her acting career, all the other fairies in the cast for supporting her and each other throughout the entire rehearsal process, and her late mother for giving her a passion for acting in the first place.

Maylani Perez

Rosalette

Maylani Perez is a freshman and is making her theatrical debut with OKTC in Midsummer. Maylani would like to study theater after graduation. She wishes to thank her mom, dad, and grandparents for the support, encouragement, and inspiration to pursue theater.

Marleigh Rashford

Zenaya

Marleigh Rashford is a freshman and is making her theatrical debut with Midsummer. Marleigh would like to own her own restaurant after high school. Marleigh wants to thank her family and friends.

Melissa Saint Hilaire

Lumi

Melissa Saint Hilaire is a freshman and Midsummer marks her Theatrical debut with OKTC. Melissa is thinking about being a voiceover artist after graduation. Melissa wishes to thank her friends and everyone who uplifted her and encouraged her and supported her during the times she needed it the most and for teaching her skills, confidence, and passion! Which influenced the person she is today!

Nora Klinc

Petalwink

Nora Klinc is in the ninth grade and is very excited to be in her first high school production. Nora would like to study technical theater after graduation. Nora wants to thank, her brother, mom ,dad and her dog for being flexible and supporting during this show.

Peyton Powell

Jazz Singer/ Clarinet

Peyton Powell is a Freshman and this is her second show at Ocoee High School. She would like to study Musical Theatre after graduation. Peyton would like to thank her friends, family, and Mr and Mrs. Kahn for being her biggest supporters throughout her journey.

Olivia Ayala

Glimmergleam

Olivia Ayala is a freshman and is making her theatrical debut with OKTC in Midsummer. Olivia would like study Computers and Coding after graduation. Olivia wishes to thank her mom and dad for supporting her through the hard times, as well as, her amazing friends for being by her side.

**Riley Olson

Peaseblossom

Riley Olson is a Junior and this is her first show at Ocoee High School. Riley would like to follow their passion for theater and biology after graduation. Riley would like to thank their parents for giving her the opportunity to be involved in her first high school production. ** designates a student in the Technical Theatre Scholastic Academy.

**Taelyn Barnes

Moth Fairy

Taelynn Barnes is a Freshman, and Midsummer this is their first production with OKTC. Taelynn would like to study nursing or acting after graduation. They wish to thank the entirety of their theatre company, as well as, their parents for all the opportunities they’ve been blessed with. ** designates a student in the Technical Theatre Scholastic Academy.

Madison Johnson

Clarinet

Madison is a senior member of the marching band and she is the head librarian of Ocoee Marching Knights. She is excited to make her Theatrical debut with OKTC as one of the jazz combo players in Midsummer. Upon graduation Madison plans to major in the medical field.

Bethany Adams

Saxophone (Thursday & Friday Performances only)

Bethany Adams is a senior and is the drum major of the Marching Knights. She plans to study Pre Veterinary Medicine at Fort Valley State in Georgia. Bethany started getting involved with OKTC last year and was a make-up tech, and is now part of the cast as a member of the band, she has been in theater at Ocoee for a total of two years. She plays Piano and Saxophone. She wishes to thank her parents for supporting her in all of her endeavors.

Isabella Gerena

Flute Ensemble

Isabella Gerena is a senior at Ocoee High School. This is her third show with the OKTC, but has performed in numerous concerts, parades, and gigs representing the performing arts program and private company. Isabella would like to attend Florida Stare University to study Music Performance and Music Education. Isabella would like to thank her family, especially her parents, Mr. and Ms. Kahn, Mr. and Ms. Hendricks, and Mrs. Rolle for supporting her and guiding her through her journey.

Jamari Taylor

Saxophone

Jamari Taylor is a senior and Midsummer is his second show with OKTC. Jamari would like to study graphic design after graduation. Jamari wishes to thank his family and friends and band director for getting him this far in life.

Clara Beck

Clarinet

Clara is a sophomore and Midsummer is her first show on stage with OKTC. Last year Clara used her artistic talents to design the street advertisement for The Addams Family Show. Clara would like to study to be a tattoo artist after graduation. Clara wishes to thank her family and friends for supporting her and motivating her to always try new things!

Lillyann Cothern

Stage Manager

Lillyann Cothern is a Junior and Midsummer marks her seventh show with OKTC. Lillyann is a dual enrollment student with a passion for learning. After high school she wishes to go into the medical field. She wants to thank her amazing ASM’s Hayden and Justena, and Ms. Motherwell for making this process so much fun.

**Hayden Chesteine

Assistant Stage Manager

Hayden Chesteine is a Sophomore and Midsummer marks her sixth production with OKTC. Hayden would like to study theatre arts after graduation as she loves all aspects of the theatre. Hayden wishes to thank her sister Chy, best friend Lillyann and Victoria for always supporting her. ** designates a student in the Technical Theatre Scholastic Academy

Justena Armstead

Assistant Stage Manager

Justena Armstead is a Junior and Midsummer marks their third show with OKTC. Although she can normally be seen playing a Bride in OKTC productions such as Addams Family and Night of the Living Dead, she decided to take on a new role and learn about leadership behind the scenes of A Midsummer Night's Dream. Justena would like to study engineering or technical theatre after graduation. She wishes to thank her grandparents for supporting her

**Damari Wright

Light Designer

Damari Wright is a Senior and Midsummer marks her eleventh production with OKCT. Mari would like to study technical theatre, specializing in lighting design, after graduation. Mari wishes to thank her parents and family for always supporting her in what she loves to do, Mrs. Kahn for trusting her to make this show come to life, and her bestest of friends for making those late nights more enjoyable. She would also like to give a big shout out to her lighting crew for helping to make this show a masterpiece. ** designates a student in the Technical Theatre Scholastic Academy

**Audrey Walker

Sound Designer

Audrey Walker is the Sound Designer for Midsummer. She is a sophomore and this is her fourth production running sound for OKTC. Previous credits include: Night of the Living Dead, Addams Family, and Musical Theatre is Ruining My Life, which earned a Technical Superior at the District Five One Act Festival. She is interested in studying culinary arts and possibly technical sound design for the theatre after graduation. She would like to thank her OKTC friends, her technical theatre teacher Ms. Motherwell, and her family for their support.** designates a student in the Technical Theatre Scholastic Academy

Maeecha Louisius

Head of Costuming

Maeecha Louisius is a Senior, and Midsummer is her fourth show with OKTC. She is still deciding if she would like to study theatre after graduation. Maeecha wishes to thank both Mr. & Mrs. Kahn, along with her AMAZING costuming crew for being such awesome human beings, and for making every situation/every place much more enjoyable.

Leyla Rosales

Lead Makeup Designer

Leyla Rosales is a Senior and Midsummer is their fourth production with OKTC. Leyla would like to study Nursing and Theater makeup after graduation. Leyla wishes to thank her Dad and Mom and most importantly her best friend Amerie for always pushing her to be her best self. And a good thanks to her good teachers Mr. and Ms. Kahn for always letting her express herself with makeup and giving her opportunities.

Yuriana Villena

Props Master

Yuriana Villena is a Junior and Midsummer marks her fist show with OKTC. Yuriana would like to study animal science after graduation. Yuriana wishes to thank Mrs. Motherwell for inspiring her to take the role as head of props.

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