A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S SLAM, a 10-minute LGBTQ+ comedy in modern language

by Arianna Rose

[10-minute play] A disoriented Hermia awakens from a fitful sleep in the Athenian wood, distraught that her secret fiance Lysander seems to have completely disappeared. She is joined by childhood friend Helena, who is hard on the heels of the inconstant Demetrius. As the two young women search for their missing mates, they stumble across a very unexpected visitor from a neighboring Greek island, who opens...

[10-minute play] A disoriented Hermia awakens from a fitful sleep in the Athenian wood, distraught that her secret fiance Lysander seems to have completely disappeared. She is joined by childhood friend Helena, who is hard on the heels of the inconstant Demetrius. As the two young women search for their missing mates, they stumble across a very unexpected visitor from a neighboring Greek island, who opens their eyes to what a constant heart really is.

Reading, Lavender Lounge, UU Miami, Miami FL June 2026
Short Play Festival, Il Cantiere Theatre, Rome, Italy June 2026 (translated into Italian)
MiniMansion Productions, "She's, Theys, and Plays" Festival NYC 2024
Third Citizen Theatre Co., Salem Mass, 2020-2021 Online "Digitial Dionysia" Play Festival
Walking Shadow Readers Theatre One Act Festival, Washington DC May 2021
Broward College "TAKE TEN" Short Play Festival, April 2021
Violet Surprise Theatre LAVENDER MENACES Play Festival, online, April 26-27, 2021, Chicago IL
Clocktower Players AMAZE Play Competition: winner, 2nd Runner Up, production sometime in 2021
Open Space Arts Waonderlust Play Festival MD: production August 2022
Gemco Players Community Theatre Take Ten Festival, Victoria Australia May 2022 (earlier draft entitled The Cleitagora Test)

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A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S SLAM, a 10-minute LGBTQ+ comedy in modern language

Recommended by

  • Mark Mulkerin: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S SLAM, a 10-minute LGBTQ+ comedy in modern language by Arianna Rose
    “

    In the delightful "A Midsummer Night's Slam", Arianna Rose offers us both fun and feminist critique using the very Shakespearian approach of borrowing a story and making it her own. While William suggested a forest in which anyone could find love with anyone, Arianna realizes that vision. Perhaps, in a sequel, we'll learn what becomes of Bottom and Puck ... until then, enjoy this offering.

    In the delightful "A Midsummer Night's Slam", Arianna Rose offers us both fun and feminist critique using the very Shakespearian approach of borrowing a story and making it her own. While William suggested a forest in which anyone could find love with anyone, Arianna realizes that vision. Perhaps, in a sequel, we'll learn what becomes of Bottom and Puck ... until then, enjoy this offering.

    ”
  • James Perry: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S SLAM, a 10-minute LGBTQ+ comedy in modern language by Arianna Rose
    “

    "A Midsummer Night's Slam" offers a refreshing take on a classic story, infusing it with modern themes and perspectives. The language is a blend of contemporary dialogue and poetic expression, creating a unique and engaging atmosphere. The character development is commendable, particularly in the way Hermia and Helena defy expectations and choose their own path.

    "A Midsummer Night's Slam" offers a refreshing take on a classic story, infusing it with modern themes and perspectives. The language is a blend of contemporary dialogue and poetic expression, creating a unique and engaging atmosphere. The character development is commendable, particularly in the way Hermia and Helena defy expectations and choose their own path.

    ”
  • Austin Hendricks: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S SLAM, a 10-minute LGBTQ+ comedy in modern language by Arianna Rose
    “

    This is a good play! It's quick and enjoyable for anyone who does or doesn't know their Shakespeare (and Ancient Greek poetry). One does imagine how different many of Shakespeare's plays would be if the characters all acted on the same-sex sexual tension present.

    This is a good play! It's quick and enjoyable for anyone who does or doesn't know their Shakespeare (and Ancient Greek poetry). One does imagine how different many of Shakespeare's plays would be if the characters all acted on the same-sex sexual tension present.

    ”
View all 12 recommendations

Character Information

HERMIA, female, late teens/early 20’s, has run away to the woods to elope with Lysander and escape the unwanted attentions of Demetrius
HELENA, female, late teens/early 20s, childhood friend of Hermia, scorned girlfriend of Demetrius
SAPPHO, female, 20’s, Greek poetess

Any race or ethnicity for any of the characters.
  • Hermia
    female, late teens/early 20’s, has run away to the woods to elope with Lysander and escape the unwanted attentions of Demetrius
    late teens/early 20s
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Helena
    female, late teens/early 20s, childhood friend of Hermia, scorned girlfriend of Demetrius
    late teens/early 20s
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Sappho
    female, 20’s, Greek poetess
    20s-any age
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman

Development History

  • Reading, Naked Angels @ Speakeasy Theatre, Miami Beach, FL, 2020

Production History

  • Community Theater, Lost Girls Theatre/Pridelines Reading "Lavender Lounge" Miami FL, 2026
  • Community Theater, Short Play Festival, Il Cantiere Theatre, Rome Italy, 2026
  • Community Theater, Village Playwrights, LOVE IS QUEER FESTIVAL, NYC, 2025
  • Community Theater, MiniMansion Productions She's, Theys and Plays Festival, 2024
  • Community Theater, Open Space Arts Waonderlust Summer Playwrights Festival, 2022
  • Community Theater, Take Ten Festival, Gemco Players, Australia, 2022
  • Community Theater, Third Citizen Theatre Co. Digital Dionysia Play Festival, Salem MA, 2021
  • Community Theater, Violet Surprise/Lavender Menace Short Play Festival, Otherworld Theatre Company, Chicago IL, 2021
  • Community Theater, Walking Shadow Readers Theatre One Act Festival, 2021
  • University, Broward College Take Ten Short Play Festival, Davie, FL, 2021
  • Community Theater, Theatre@Home: The Roads Not Taken IV online play readings, 2020
  • High School, Clocktower Theatre Company Amaze Short Play Competition, Irvington NY, 2020

Awards

  • AMAZE Play Competition
    Clocktower Players
    Runner Up
    2020