Thomas Haney Sightline Theatre presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Fairies, magic and mischief – step into Shakespeare’s world with the Thomas Haney Sightline Theatre’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to experience a timeless classic that will captivate your imagination and entertain you like never before,” said Grade 12 student Sadie Setynski, who plays Egeus and Peaseblossom.

Set in a mystical forest, A Midsummer Night’s Dream tells the story of four lovers who get caught up in a romantic mix-up caused by a magical love potion. At the same time, a group of amateur actors rehearsing a play falls victim to mischievous fairy trickery. As chaos unfolds, love, laughter, and magic weave together in this Shakespearean comedy.

“Our production showcases the talent of the cast and crew of all grades,” said Setynski, who is also the show’s marketing lead. “High school theatre is a great way to support the arts in your community. It brings people together, so it’s not just about the play itself but also about the shared experience with friends and fellow theatre lovers.”

The show, running February 26 to March 7, is put on by students in grades 8 to 12 who are enrolled in Thomas Haney Secondary’s theatre company class. During the year, they learn and build on professional industry skills, such as acting, stage management, set design and construction, lighting, sound, costuming and marketing.

“I’ve been in four productions and I’m in two more this year,” said Grade 12 actor and costumer Storm Greenwood. “It’s really helped me get out of my shell and be more comfortable in front of people.”

Greenwood, who plays Hermia, added one of the biggest challenges this year was memorizing the Shakespeare script.

Meanwhile, the set designer and crew lead says the biggest challenge for their team has been set production.

“It takes a lot of time, effort and patience to make sure all of our sets and props are ready and safe for the actors,” said Grade 12 student Sydney Constable. “It is also a challenge sometimes to make sure that the show is running as smoothly as it can backstage, but we do our best to make it work.”

For example, Grade 10 lighting tech Mak Rogalski explained, sometimes things don’t go as planned during the live shows.

“Sometimes there are hiccups that happen, lines get skipped and [there are] highly intense moments while having to figure out how to recover and regroup,” Rogalski said.

But even with all the challenges, the students say it’s worth it.

“My favourite part of being a stage manager is the responsibility and pride I get from watching a finished show,” said Grade 10 stage manager Caroline Beatty.

Grade 12 actor Jamie Pukanich, who plays Nick Bottom, values the connections made with others the most – whether with the cast and crew, teachers, custodians or the audience.

“This form of connection is unlike any others I have ever known,” Pukanich said. “I am so lucky to have joined the theatre.”

Evening shows run Feb. 27-28 and March 5-6, 2025. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with a showtime of 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online here.

There’s also a seniors-only matinee at $5 a ticket on Feb. 26, with doors to open at 9:30 a.m. and curtain to rise at 10 a.m.