The much-loved William Shakespeare comedy "A Midsummer Night's Dream" will be presented by the Wichita State University School of Performing Arts at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 12-Saturday, March 14; 2 p.m. Sunday, March 15, in Wilner Auditorium on the WSU campus.

"A Midsummer Night's Dream" is a Mainstage Theatre production that will be directed by Bret Jones, director of theater for WSU.

Bret Jones

He was previously director of theater for East Central University in Ada, Okla., where he earned his bachelor's degree in speech/theatre.

At the University of Oklahoma, Jones earned his master's degree in drama and Ph.D. in education.

Jones, a prolific playwright and novelist himself, loves Shakespeare and said "A Midsummer Night's Dream" is a beautiful play. He is directing a classic version – his preference.

"It's Shakespeare, and the students need to work with classical material," said Jones. "Shakespeare is timeless for audiences. I know some are intimidated by the language, but they shouldn't be – he's accessible and we're working hard to make sure we tell a good story for folks."

The romantic comedy brings lovers, workers and fairies to a forest outside of Athens where the magical antics begin. The entanglement of four pairs of lovers is at the center of the action, and love eventually finds its mark in the mystic forest of Arden.

The role of Lysander will be played by Jordan Love; Demetrius by Andy Woodard; Hermia by Heather Miller; Helena by Sarah Schwartz; Oberon by Casey Wohletz; Titania by Briley Meek; Puck by Alex Johnson; Peaseblossom by Nicole Larsen; Cobweb/2nd Fairy by Jordan Pohlman; Moth/Fairy by Lauren Rust; Mustard Seed by Katie Keckeisen; 1st Fairy by Ashley Lauren; Bottom by John Keckeisen; Quince by Philip Taylor; Flute by Miles Mattal; Snout by Kacey Armbruster; Snug by Ashley Ulmer; Starveling by Abri Geist; Theseus by Todd Mika; Hippolyta by Kylie Jennings; Philostrate by Stacy Keele; and Egeus by Tyler Lessin.

Besides Jones as director, the artistic staff consists of assistant director Jaime Spilker; stage manager Amanda Bowman; assistant stage manager Tyler Lessin; technical director Ed Baker; scenic designer and scene shop supervisor Jason Flanders; lighting designer Nick Smith; assistant lighting designer Brandon Holmes; costume designer Betty Monroe; make-up designer Eric Walker; props designer Kaye Brownlee; and costume shop supervisor Becky Maholland.

For tickets, contact the College of Fine Arts Box Office at (316) 978-3233.

General admission is $10 with discounts available. "A Midsummer Night's Dream" is rated G.