When, first year theatre student, Jake Allemang was asked how he feels about acting he said, “I love acting- it’s what I am passionate about”. Allemang, a Northeast Community College student, plays the part of Lysander in William Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream which opens on Thursday, October 1, 2015.

With acting in his life since the age of twelve, Allemang has been part of various high school theater productions. He said that Tom Welling, Sam Witwer and Ian Somerhalder, all actors from the TV series Smallville, have inspired him to pursue a career in acting.

For many of the actors, Midsummer Night’s Dream isn’t their first time preforming. Laurel Nelson, who is a sophomore at Northeast, was part of her high school’s plays, as well. For this production, Nelson plays the role of Helena. She says her favorite part is how much fun can be had with the play and how truly magical it is.

“Growing up I did Musical Children’s Theatre every summer, so that was a big part of my childhood”, said Jessica Metcalf. She has been in two high school drama productions and one community theatre play prior to Midsummer Night’s Dream. This is Metcalf’s first time performing with the Norfolk Community Theatre, and she plays the role of Puck.

While many of the actors have had experience on stage, Midsummer Night’s Dream is Eric Davis’ first time being on stage. Despite this, he landed the part he tried out for- Theseus, who is the Duke of Athens. When asked, Jake, Laurel, Jessica, and Eric all said the biggest challenge for this play is the Shakespearean dialogue.

You can see them and the rest of the cast during their performances on October 1-3, 8-10 at 7:30 p.m. and October 4 at 2 p.m. Adult tickets are $15.00 in advance or $18.00 at the door. Student tickets are $10.00 in advance or $13.00 at the door. Tickets can be reserved online at the Norfolk Community Theatre website.