A warm, magical summer-camp scene with children in costume watching an outdoor stage performance under a full moon — an image reflecting the comic, kid-friendly adaptation of Shakespeare in A Midsummer Camp’s Dream by Terence Patrick Hughes.

A Midsummer Camp’s Dream

Adapted for Young Performers by Terence Patrick Hughes

About the Work

Set deep in the Catskill Mountains, A Midsummer Camp’s Dream catapults Shakespeare’s classic tale into a modern summer-camp showdown. Camps Bluster and Hill-a-Wee erupt into comic chaos when Theseus arrives to announce that he’s purchased the land — and one of the camps must close to make room for his new wife’s mansion and horse farm.

Suddenly, the campers are thrust into a “winner-take-all” talent-show battle: the boys, led by Demetrius and Lysander, against the girls, led by Hermia and Helena. While they prepare for rivalry, King Oberon and Queen Titania carry out their own magical quarrel in the woods, sending Puck on a mischievous spree that scatters spells, surprises, and confusion across both camps.

Written in free verse with almost entirely new dialogue, this is a fast, funny, and kid-friendly reimagining of Shakespeare — full of magic, camp drama, and big ensemble moments.

Production Details

Published on: New Play Exchange
Author Page: https://newplayexchange.org/users/10789/terence-patrick-hughes

  • Characters: 17–19

  • Running Time: ~60 minutes

  • Best For: Grades 4–12, youth theatres, school drama clubs, summer programs

  • Style: Comic, contemporary, high-energy adaptation of Shakespeare

Excerpt

Deep in the Catskill mountains, Camps Bluster and Hill-a-Wee are sent into chaos as Theseus arrives to announce that he’s bought the land and must close one of the camps to make way for his new wife’s mansion and horse farm. His son Demetrius and fellow camper Lysander must now lead the boys in a winner-take-all talent show against the girls, led by Hermia and Helena, to determine which camp must close. All the while, King Oberon is vexed by his queen and sets his trusty aid, Puck, to scatter magic, confusion, and a good dose of laughs across the forest.

Critical Notes

A lively, modern summer-camp remix of Shakespeare’s classic — full of humor, charm, and roles that let young performers play big.
— New Play Exchange Reader Response

Related Works

If you enjoyed A Midsummer Camp’s Dream, you may also like:

  • The Tempest (youth adaptation)

  • [Next children’s play — insert once you share it]

Inquiries

For production rights or classroom materials: admin@terencepatrickhughes.com

Image Credit

Image generated using AI, art-directed to evoke the playful magic and outdoor theatrical setting of A Midsummer Camp’s Dream by Terence Patrick Hughes.