Blank Conversations Theatre Company & Rio Grande Theatre present

a Brews with the Bard production of:

A Midsummer Night’s

Western

Blank Conversations Theatre Company’s next drunken adventure takes a turn into the Wild West with August Mergelman’s

“A Midsummer Night’s Western”!

Synopsis: Bill Shakespeare saddles up and rides west for this rough-and-tumble rhyming iambic adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Rival brothers Douglas and Lester fight for the delicate hand of Henrietta until trickster Coyote’s magic flute makes them sweet on Henrietta’s best friend Helen.  Lost in the woods and led astray under the spells, the four young lovers squabble — the love-struck boys fight over Helen, jealous Henrietta boils with anger and hapless Helen is stuck in the middle of it all.  In another part of the woods, Pete and his thespian buddies are practicing a new tragic farce to perform at Mayor Duke’s upcoming wedding, but where’s their leading man?  Well, Nick’s fallen into the Spider Queen’s web, and she’s stuck on him like stink on a skunk...  literally!  In the end, all is mended, and the couples sort things out in time to the mayor and his bride-to-be for a triple wedding, where Pete and the actors put on The Tragedy of Romiette and Julio with roaring results.  Young and old folks alike will take a shine to this rugged mix of Shakespeare, cowboy poetry and Native American folklore.

Directed by Benedicion Garcia

Stage Managed by Ethan Trujillo

Produced by Mattie Ruminer

May 16th & 17th, 2025

Rio Grande Theatre

211 N. Main St.

Audition Information

  • Brews with the Bard is a series of productions presented by Blank Conversations in which actors attempt to perform a Shakespeare play while growing increasingly intoxicated.

  • Auditions will take place on March 31st from 5-8pm at Rio Grande Theatre.

  • Because of the nature in which Brews with the Bard productions are presented, all actors are required to be 21+, whether an actor is drinking alcohol or not.

  • Auditions will consist of improv games and cold readings from the script.

  • Actors auditioning for the show are required to bring an ID to prove they meet the necessary age requirement.

  • Of course! If this is your first time auditioning with Blank Conversations, please let us know! We're happy to walk you through the process and offer any guidance prior to your audition. Feel free to email us at blank@blankconversations.com for help!

  • Rehearsals will occur Tuesday thru Friday, beginning second week of April, 6-9pm. Saturdays as needed.

  • Email us at blank@blankconversations.org, or sign up to be a General Member! We would be happy to have you join our teams, no matter your interests!

  • YES! We are always looking for actors willing to participate and perform completely sober.