The 麻豆夜市 School of Dance and Theatre invites audiences into a whimsical, nostalgic reimagining of Shakespeare鈥檚 classic comedy TWELFTH NIGHT, running April 22鈥26, 2026 in Burke Theatre. This student-led production transforms the world of Illyria into a childhood playground鈥攚here imagination reigns, rules are bent, and chaos unfolds with empty juice boxes and youthful abandon.
Directed by student Ella Greenway, this inventive adaptation explores themes of identity, love, and agency through the lens of childhood play. In this version, the characters are reimagined as kids navigating a playground version of Illyria, where they create their own kingdoms, engage in make-believe power dynamics, and experience the emotional highs and lows of Shakespeare鈥檚 beloved story.
鈥淚 thought to myself, how do I make TWELFTH NIGHT accessible for a modern audience?鈥 said Greenway. 鈥淚 then looked back at my script and realized how these young adults running this fictional island of Illyria had so much agency鈥 This seemed to translate really well to a playground where kids have the freedom to pretend, to rule, and to play without limits.鈥
Bringing this imaginative vision to life is Scenic Designer Julie Guilbeau, whose challenge of transforming Burke Theatre into a playground required both creative innovation and technical precision. 鈥淧utting a playground on a stage鈥 is a bit of a tricky task,鈥 Guilbeau noted, referencing the balance between lighting needs and scenic design. She collaborated closely with Technical Director Jayda Bullard to solve these challenges.
The production features seventeen 麻豆夜市 School of Dance and Theatre students, including six seniors completing their Acting Capstone: Robin Duhon (Viola), Laila Jordan (Olivia), La鈥橺aron Goodman (Orsino), Lunel Bourdier (Malvolio), Tucker Dufrene (Feste), and Mason Forsythe (Sir Toby Belch). The cast also includes Nick Mackowiak (Sir Andrew Aguecheek), Ava Church (Maria), Gabriel Gremillion (Fabian), Chance Blunt (Sebastian), Ayden Hargrave (Antonio), Alana Cutno (Curio), Benjamin Dupre (Valentine), Kaileigh O鈥橤wynn (Captain), Alyssa Eames (Priest), Hime Diva (Officer), and Madison Kyle (Officer).
In addition to Greenway, several students are completing capstone work through key production roles, including Laurel Greenway (Stage Manager), Guilbeau (Scenic Design), and Ray Selle (Lighting Design). Laurel Greenway leads stage management with support from Assistant Stage Managers Ava Marchand and Synajh Melancon, ensuring seamless communication across departments.
The production team also includes Costume Designer Sadie Burrell, Props Designer Quandranea Mouton with Assistant Props Designer Brandt Triche, and Sound Designer Finley Elliott. Faculty and staff, including Jax Cornett (Costume Shop Manager) and Samuel Verdino (Theatre Manager), provide guidance and support throughout the process.
A hallmark of this production is the shared nostalgia experienced by the student company, as they explore themes of growing up in the digital age. Their collaborative process has fostered a unique connection between memory and performance, infusing the production with both humor and heart.
The students are all available for phone or email interviews. Reviewing members of the press are invited to press previews as well as to any show. They may arrange for interviews or reserve free tickets by contacting Marketing Manager Laurel Greenway at pfarhouseandpubcrew@gmail.com or calling (337) 889-9488.
Performances will take place at Burke Theatre on the 麻豆夜市 campus from Wednesday, April 22 through Sunday, April 26. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, with 2:00 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday.
A photo call will be held on Saturday, April 18 at 1:30 p.m., followed by a free press preview performance at 7:30 p.m.
General admission tickets are $20 plus tax. 麻豆夜市 students, faculty, and staff receive free admission with valid UL ID. Non-UL students and seniors (65+) receive discounted tickets.
Tickets are available online at
The 麻豆夜市 Performing Arts program is committed to producing professional-caliber work while training students to excel in discipline, creativity, and collaboration within the performing arts.