Midsummer for Haters is showing June 3-18, 2022! In this collaboration with Nemesis Theatre Company, Shakespeare’s beloved classic gets a new treatment by the people who can’t stand it, resulting in a kidnapped Amazon, mystified mortals, sadistic fairies, and mechanicals gone wild! Will any of them survive four nights in the magic forest?
We reached out to actor Erin McCarson to find out more about her and her experience working on this unique production!
What do you hate about Midsummer?
Yes.
What’s your favorite scene in this show? Why?
Traditionally, I love the play within the play. In our version? I love it all because I honestly have no ideas what's going to happen.
Do you relate to your character or to any character in the show? How similar / different are you?
It's always surprising to uncover your truth in the characters you play. I immediately identified with Bottom's lack of self-awareness and blind confidence. Finding my inner Fairy King for Oberon was a little more intimidating. Egeus made me tap into my ugly stubbornness, which is a tough place to go.
How did you get into theatre?
I did my first play in church when I was three or four and never looked back. I studied dramatic arts and performance of literature at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and studied musical theater at New York University. I acted professionally in New York City for over a decade- movies, television, commercials, internet content, and theater. My husband and I relocated to the Asheville area in 2016. Since moving here, I've had a baby, lived through a worldwide pandemic, and found a beautiful and thriving theater community I am happy to call home.
Tell us about the experience of playing two different parts in two different Midsummers simultaneously.
Three! I have three parts! Oh gosh, it's been a lot! I've struggled to keep it all straight in my head. But I'm always seeking challenges and new ways to Art™️. It's been such a treat working with this exceptional cast. Watching each person glide between characters is a master class in acting.
How do you feel about not knowing which version of the show you're doing until Egeus says his first line?
Terrified. Confused. Nervous.
Biography
Erin, local celebrity and national disaster, is honored to be making her Magnetic Theatre acting debut. She was last involved with The Magnetic Theatre as a playwright, penning the 2021 holiday show "It's the Most ___ Time of the Year". Thank you Melon and Jessica. Thank you Magnetic Theatre and Nemesis Theatre Company. Big sloppy thank yous to this intimidatingly talented cast and incomparable crew. And THANK YOU for supporting the arts! I love you, Luis & Cooper! www.ErinMcCarson.com
Midsummer for Haters is showing June 3-18, 2022 at The Magnetic Theatre in Asheville, NC. Grab your tickets here: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=134503