THEATER
Theater Productions + Workshops 2026-2027
William Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors for Youth grades 6-12, Parents/Guardians of Youth cast in the play, and young Adults ages 18-26. Learn more.
Acting Workshops for Youth grades 6-12 with a special workshop for Youth grades 3-12 and another for grade 6 through seniors graduating in 2027. Learn more.
The Mission
Past Shows Include
Kate and Nicholas Nickleby
The Winter’s Tale with Agape Theater Company
Puss in Boots
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Uncle Vanya
Life Is a Dream
Hickscorner
Header illustration designed by the inimitable Ben Hatke for “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Summer Street Theater Festival, 2005, Lafayette.
William Shakespeare’s
THECOMEDY
ofERRORS
September 2026 – March 2027
Lafayette, Indiana
Who:
Youth grades 6-12 | Cost: $400 tuition
+
Parents/Guardians of Youth cast in the play, and young Adults ages 18-26 | Cost: $40 materials fee
About the Play
Two sets of twins separated at birth. A confused wife. A gold chain. One place, one day, massive confusion, and farce. And resurrection.
Shakespeare’s earliest comedy and shortest play, he gave his own twist to a plot borrowed from Roman playwright Plautus. Why have two twins separated at birth, when you could have four twins separated at birth? Wait, how many twins are we talking about?
Thirty-three years ago, a family was separated by shipwreck. Egeon survived with one infant son named Antipholus and one infant servant named Dromio. The others disappeared: wife and mother Emilia, the other infant twin son named Antipholus, and the other infant servant named . . . Dromio.
Things get crazy when Antipholus of Syracuse and Dromio of Syracuse go in search of their long-lost twin brothers: the other Antipholus and the other Dromio. And find them.
The Comedy of Family. The Comedy of Friendship. The Comedy of Errors!
Characters
- Egeon, a merchant from Syracuse, he trespasses into Ephesus to find his lost son.
- Antipholus of Syracuse, his son, a traveler in search of his mother and his brother.
- Dromio of Syracuse, his funny servant, unmarried.
- Antipholus of Ephesus, a popular and wealthy citizen of Ephesus, he served the Duchess as a soldier and now lives with his wife Adriana.
- Dromio of Ephesus, his funny servant.
- Angelo, an Ephesian goldsmith who crafted a gold chain for Antipholus of Ephesus to give to his wife Adriana. Right?
- Balthasar, an Ephesian merchant.
- Dr. Pinch, a doctor of dubious credentials.
- Solina, the Duchess of Ephesus, a wise ruler with a predicament: according to the law, Egeon must die for trespassing unless someone can be found to pay his ransom.
- Adriana, Antipholus of Ephesus’s wife, she’s jealous and fears she has lost her husband’s love.
- Luciana, Adriana’s unmarried sister. She hopes to marry someday although the marriage of her sister Adriana and Antipholus is giving her second thoughts.
- Luce, kitchen maid in the household of Antipholus of Ephesus and Adriana.
- Nell, kitchen maid betrothed to Dromio of Ephesus.
- Claudia, a charming colleague of Antipholus of Ephesus.
- Lady Abbess, the wise head of the Catholic convent in Ephesus.
- Messengers, Merchants, Jailer, Lawyer.
We also have some limited spaces for participants interested in Crew only: (helping backstage with costumes, props, prompting, etc.). These participants do not need to audition but they should register.
Learn more at the Folger Shakespeare Library.
Parent + Guardian Participation
We understand that Parents/Guardians may find Thursday rehearsals next to impossible, but we are willing to cast Parents/Guardians who can commit at minimum to the following:
Dress Rehearsals
- Thursday, February 25, 6:30-9:45 PM
- Friday, February 26, 6:30-9:45 PM
Performances
- Saturday: February 27, 5:30-9:30 PM with performance at 7 PM
- Sunday: February 28, 1-5 PM with matinee performance at 2:30 PM
- Saturday: March 6, 5:30-9:30 PM with performance at 7 PM
- Sunday: March 7, 1-5 PM with matinee performance at 2:30 PM
It is totally fun to stage Shakespeare with your kids!
Touring Performance
Our rehearsal space is situated within walking distance (less than 0.6 miles) of multiple schools and venues. Our rehearsal time is perfect for school performances.
If possible, we will tour the show once.
- Thursday, March 4, 11:30 AM- 3:30 PM with school touring performance at 1 PM. If performance is not scheduled, this will be a brush-up rehearsal.
Besides being incredibly fun and exciting, touring offers unique training. Cast and crew must work together responsibly to “port” the show. They must collaborate closely to adapt to new spaces and audiences. Touring cultivates the skill of working off other actors in the “truth of the moment.” Touring is an exercise in courage, creativity, and magnanimity.
General Auditions + Registration
Registration deadline: August 6
Who: Youth grades 6-12 | Cost: $400 tuition
+
Parents/guardians of Youth cast in the play, and young Adults ages 18-26 | Cost: $40 materials fee
Auditions: Thursday, August 20, 11:30-3:30 PM, Arts Federation. [Video Audition option for Parents/Guardians of Youth cast in the play, and young Adults ages 18-26. If you are not able to attend auditions in person, sign up for a Video Audition slot and send a link to a Video Audition to mail@bardstreet.com (please send videos by 6 PM on August 19). If you have a child(ren) who would like to audition but cannot attend a slot on August 20, please contact mail@bardstreet.com. We have a limited number of slots to audition via Zoom with a Parent/Guardian present.]
On or before August 6:
- Complete registration paperwork here.
- Schedule an audition slot here.
- Please note that participants cannot audition without complete registration paperwork.
Auditions:
- Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled time slot.
- Come prepared to deliver a Shakespeare monologue about 15-35 lines, 100-250 words (one of your own choice or a selection from The Comedy of Errors). You may memorize the monologue or use a script. (Participants grades 6-12 who are competing for the St. John Scholarship must memorize a Shakespeare monologue.)
- We regret that we may not be able to cast everyone who auditions. If your child(ren) is interested in theater, consider enrolling in our Acting Workshops.
Callbacks, Casting, Payment
In-person Callbacks are by invitation only, Thursday, August 27, 1-3 PM , Arts Federation
Callbacks are a secondary audition to explore how different actors interact as characters playing friends, enemies, relatives, etc. Actors invited to Callbacks are very likely to get a role — we are just determining which role works best. Inability to attend Callbacks will not automatically debar an actor from participating in the play.
Payment deadline: September 3
- Casting will be announced a few days after Callbacks.
- Please note that students cannot attend rehearsal or keep their role unless payment is received by 9/3.
On or before September 3:
- Pay balance of tuition and/or materials fees.
- Tuition Cost for Youth grades 6-12: $400.
- Materials Fee Cost for Parents/Guardians of Youth cast in the play, and young Adults ages 18-26: $40.
- Please make checks out to Bardstreet, LLC. Bring checks to Callbacks or mail/ hand-deliver to the following address, M-F, 9-5 PM:
C/O Bardstreet, Arts Federation
638 North Street
Lafayette, IN 47901
We regret that tuition and materials fees are non-refundable.
Rehearsals + Commitment
- When: Thursday Rehearsals 12:30-3:30 PM, September 17, 2026 through February 18, 2027. No practice on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve. Participation in Bardstreet Workshops will not conflict.
- Cast + Crew and their families will have access to a members-only page for information, updates, and a weekly call schedule, i.e., check weekly to see the specific times participants are scheduled to attend rehearsals during the 12:30-3:30 PM slot. Certain weeks may have a late start/early finish, or certain participants will be given time off depending on scenes being rehearsed that week.
Mandatory Dress Rehearsals
- Thursday, February 25, 6:30-9:45 PM
- Friday, February 26, 6:30-9:45 PM
Commitment
- Abide by the Bardstreet Code of Conduct.
- Adult Performers (Parents/Guardians of Youth cast in the play, and young Adults ages 18-26) will grant permission for Bardstreet LLC to conduct a Limited Background check pursuant to the requirement outlined in the Bardstreet Code of Conduct.
- Find final script on the Cast + Crew Page, print at home, and enclose script in a 3-ring binder. Participants should bring their script in its binder and a writing utensil to every rehearsal and performance.
- Provide base costume (think: neutral, logo-free, monochrome pants/leggings, shirt, shoes and socks. Description to follow on the Cast + Crew Page.)
Summary Quick Guide - All Key Dates + Performances
- Thursday, August 6, 11:59 PM — Registration deadline
- Wednesday, August 19, 6 PM — Video Audition deadline (only for Parents/Guardians of Youth cast in the play, and young Adults ages 18-26).
- Thursday, August 20, multiple slots, 11:30-3 PM, Arts Federation — Auditions
- Thursday, August 27, 1–3 PM, Arts Federation — Callbacks (by invitation only)
- Thursday, September 3, 11:59 PM — Payment deadline
Rehearsals
- Thursday, September 17, 2026 through February 18, 2027, 12:30-3:30 PM
Mandatory Dress Rehearsals
- Thursday, February 25, 6:30-9:45 PM
- Friday, February 26, 6:30-9:45 PM
Mandatory Performances
- Saturday: February 27, 5:30-9:30 PM with performance at 7 PM
- Sunday: February 28, 1-5 PM with matinee performance at 2:30 PM
- Thursday, March 4, 11:30 AM- 3:30 PM with school touring performance at 1 PM. If performance is not scheduled, this will be a brush-up rehearsal.
- Saturday: March 6, 5:30-9:30 PM with performance at 7 PM
- Sunday: March 7, 1-5 PM with matinee performance at 2:30 PM
- Sunday: March 7, Strike Set and Cast Party to follow, 5-6:45 PM, location to be announced, with Cast + Crew invited to stay after for 7-8 PM Eucharistic Adoration at St. Boniface Catholic Church.
St. John
Scholarship
Honoring St. John
John the Baptist, John the Evangelist, John Damascene, John of the Cross, John of God, John Fisher, John Bosco, John Henry Newman, John Paul II the Great, and many more!
The Acting Scholarship
This scholarship competition will award a $100 cash prize, $400 full tuition scholarship, and ten complimentary tickets for family or friends to a student entering grades 6-12 who accepts a role in The Comedy of Errors and demonstrates the following during the audition: talent in acting, desire to learn, and willingness to practice charity towards fellow actors, crew, and audience, engaging in mutual support, service, and compassion, and the pursuit of truth, beauty, and goodness.
St. John Scholarship Rules
- Register for The Comedy of Errors, schedule an audition slot, and attend auditions.
- Winner must be entering grades 6-12 in 2026-2027.
- Winner must be willing to accept and fulfill a casting assignment, including rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances.
- Please come prepared with writing materials to hand-write a response to a writing prompt which will be given to you during auditions.
- Please come prepared to deliver a memorized Shakespeare monologue, about 15-35 lines, 100-250 words (one of your own choice or a selection from The Comedy of Errors). Students not competing for the scholarship can choose to memorize or use a script during auditions.
- Bardstreet, LLC will review the auditions and written responses and notify you of your status shortly after Callbacks on 8/27. You must accept or decline this award within 48 hours of award notification. This will allow us to award the scholarship to another student should you decline.
- $400 tuition credit will be awarded immediately. Tickets will be awarded as soon as tickets open. Cash prize will be awarded at the final performance.
Sponsor a Scholarship
If you are interested in sponsoring additional scholarships, please contact us at director@bardstreet.com.
2026-2027
Acting
Workshops
Lafayette, Indiana
Workshop on Richard III
Who: Students grades 6-12 in 2026-2027
Dates: September 24, October 1, October 8
Time: Thursdays, 11:30 AM – 1:15 PM
This workshop offers an interactive study of a medium-length scene from William Shakespeare’s Richard III. In this scene, George tries to convince two murderers not to kill him . . . with mixed success. This scene beautifully combines Shakespeare’s wonderful sense of humor with a serious reflection on eternity.
- Week 1 will introduce Shakespeare’s histories about the War of the Roses and train students in using gesture, posture, and blocking.
- Week 2 will focus on the speeches of George, Duke of Clarence and guide students in the vocal training of Cicely Berry (Royal Shakespeare Company).
- Week 3, we put it all together to bring the scene to life.
Register and pay tuition
- Price: $75.
- Payment is due with Registration which closes August 27 (or as soon as the class fills).
- Space is limited to the first twenty registrations.
- All tuition will be refunded if the workshop is cancelled.
FAQ
1. What if I have to miss one of the dates in a workshop?
Students should attend the first day of the workshop, but missing the second or later dates is fine. Life is busy!
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Workshop on The Comedy of Errors
Who: Students grades 3-12 in 2026-2027 (Yes, open to younger grades!)
Dates: January 7, 14, 21
Time: Thursdays, 11:30 AM – 1:15 PM
This workshop offers an interactive study of scenes from William Shakespeare’s first comedy The Comedy of Errors. This will be outstanding preparation for viewing the upcoming Bardstreet performances of The Comedy of Errors.
- Week 1 will introduce the story based on a plot by the great Roman playwright Plautus and explore some of the physical comedy of this story.
- Week 2 will focus on the speeches and relationships of Antipholus, Adriana, Dromio, and other key characters using vocal techniques from the Royal Shakespeare Company.
- Week 3, we learn new tools to portray emotion and inspire imagination through focus on key words.
Register and pay tuition
- Price: $75.
- Payment is due with Registration which closes December 10 (or as soon as the class fills).
- Space is limited to the first twenty registrations.
- All tuition will be refunded if the workshop is cancelled.
The Epic Workshop
Who: Students grades 6-12 in 2026-2027
Dates: April 8, 15, 22, 29
Time: Thursdays, 11:30 AM – 1:15 PM or 1:30-3:15 PM
This workshop turns toward the tradition of great epic poetry. From Homer to The Song of Roland to modern “epics” like that which J. R. R. Tolkien crafted in The Lord of the Rings, these works were meant to be spoken and heard. Each week will review and reteach tools learned in earlier workshops, including physical movement, posture, gesture, resonance, diction, contrast in volume, and other tools of acting while applying them to selections from great epic poetry. Come take a stand outside the gates of Ilium, sound your horn, and ride with the Rohirrim!
Register and pay tuition
- Price: $100.
- Payment is due with Registration which closes March 11 (or as soon as the class fills).
- Each section is limited to the first twenty registrations.
- All tuition will be refunded if the workshop is cancelled.
The Monologues & Great Scenes Workshop
Who: Students grades 6-12 in 2026-2027
Dates: May 6, 13, 20
Time: Thursdays, 11:30 AM – 1:15 PM or 1:30-3:15 PM
This workshop will use the same tools we used in The Epic Workshop (physical movement, posture, gesture, resonance, diction, contrast in volume, and other tools of acting) but we turn back to drama. Each student will have a chance to choose and perform a great speech or scene from dramatic literature. From Viola’s “My father had a daughter” (Twelfth Night) to Henry V’s “This day is called the feast of Crispian!”, from A Man for All Seasons to great works by Shaw, Gibson, Sheridan, and others, great speeches and scenes await your voice.
Register and pay tuition
- Price: $75.
- Payment is due with Registration which closes April 8 (or as soon as the class fills).
- Each section is limited to the first twenty registrations.
- All tuition will be refunded if the workshop is cancelled.
Acting & Shakespeare Workshop
Who: students Entering grades 6-12 in 2027-2028
Dates: May 27, June 3, June 10
Time: Thursdays, 11:30 AM – 1:15 PM or 1:30-3:15 PM
For students entering grades 6-12 in Fall 2027 and current seniors, this workshop offers an interactive study of three short scenes from William Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream, Macbeth, and Henry IV, Part 1.
- Week 1 Macbeth will introduce Shakespeare’s tragedies and train students in using gesture, posture, and blocking to paint a scene of mystery.
- Week 2 Henry IV, Part 1 will introduce Shakespeare’s histories and guide students in the vocal training of Cicely Berry (Royal Shakespeare Company).
- Week 3 will introduce Shakespeare’s comedies! We put it all together and work through a scene from Midsummer Night’s Dream!
Both students new to acting and seasoned thespians will enjoy experimenting with different tools and approaches to Shakespeare.
Register and pay tuition
- Price: $75.
- Payment is due with Registration which closes April 29 (or as soon as the class fills).
- Each section is limited to the first twenty registrations.
- All tuition will be refunded if the workshop is cancelled.
Past Work
Charles Dickens’
Kate & Nicholas
Nickleby
Adapted by Gwen Adams
December 5-6, 2024
Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Hope – Rhode Island
William Shakespeare’s
The Winter’s Tale
February 2023
The Indy Fringe Basile Theater
Indianapolis, Indiana
The Mission
Here at Bardstreet . . .
We’re committed to the integration of theater and the Catholic faith as an important part of cultivating the soil of Christian Culture. We are inspired by these words of Benedict XVI:
Authentic beauty, however, unlocks the yearning of the human heart, the profound desire to know, to love, to go towards the Other, to reach for the Beyond. If we acknowledge that beauty touches us intimately, that it wounds us, that it opens our eyes, then we rediscover the joy of seeing, of being able to grasp the profound meaning of our existence, the Mystery of which we are part; from this Mystery we can draw fullness, happiness, the passion to engage with it every day.
“Meeting with Artists, Address of His Holiness Benedict XVI”
We are inspired by St. John Paul II (1920-2005) and the Rhapsodic Theater, who strove, in a dark time, “to tell the truth, beautifully” (Leah Libresco, “Karol Wojtyła and The Rhapsodic Theater”).
Inspired by Christ himself, who came in person, in the flesh, to dwell among his people, we embrace the fact:
- We are body-soul creatures made for communion with God and others.
- The body is good and a gift from God.
- Theater has its origin in liturgical worship.
And so there will always be something important about coming together, in person, in the flesh, to tell great stories and praise God in communion with others through the vehicle of live, embodied theater.
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Explore
“The Tempest” at Bard Fest, October 2019, The District Theater, Indianapolis (Photo by Antonio Chapital)