When Julian Legere went to audition for A Midsummer Night’s Dream this past March, he admits the whole thing was a bit nerve-racking.
Having been out of the game for some time, the 21-year-old actor from New West didn’t know if his monologue and song would impress director Matthew Davenport.
“I never really did much comedy, so I had to learn one in a couple of weeks,” Legere told the Record. “I did one from the Merchant of Venice and it was just so much fun, to be up and performing again and to have a chance to show off those comedic chops and to stretch those muscles a bit.”
Legere, who has an acting diploma and a bachelor of performing arts degree from Capilano University, ended up successfully wowing the judges. They called him back a week later to let him know he got the part of Peter Quince.
The 16th century Shakespearean play, presented by Alchemy Theatre and Vagabond Players, hits the Bernie Legge Theatre stage on July 29. It revolves around the marriage of the Duke of Athens, which includes the adventures of four young lovers, some fairies and a group of six craftsmen, Quince being one of them. Not to mention, this all happens over the course of one single enchanted evening.
Legere said one of the challenges along the way has been learning the art of physical comedy.
“It’s not something I’m super experienced with, so there’s been a bit of a learning curve on that, but it’s probably the most fun I’ve had in rehearsal in a long time. I never really thought of myself as a clown or comedic actor before, but I’ve really discovered sort of a passion for that, doing this role.”
When not at rehearsal, Legere is also working as an assistant manager for the Royal Canadian Theatre Company’s production of Dracula. His acting resume also includes playing Mr. Bennett in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. That classic, and others, like Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights, is the kind of literature Legere said appeals to him most.
“There’s just something about the way they wrote in that era. There’s something about the restraint of the stories, there’s these romance tales, there’s no sex or like anything,” he noted. “It’s subtle and it’s just the people, and all they ever do is talk, but there’s so much to it.”
And bringing those words to life, he added, carries something special.
“As a performer, it’s like you’re there, the audience is there, you’re in this space and you’re together, and there’s something about that, that I absolutely love.”
Other actors from the Royal City include Kurtis Maguire (Duke of Athens), Matthew Simmons (Bottom) and Heather English (Peaseblossom).
A Midsummer Night’s Dream runs from July 29 to Aug. 16, Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $13 for youth and seniors. There are a couple of $10 preview nights on July 29 and 30. For reservations, call 604-521-0412 or email reservations@vagabondplayers.ca. The Bernie Legge Theatre is located in Queen’s Park.
