BETHEL – Lights! Camera! Action!

Well, almost. The lights were down, the camera was going and there was definitely action during the Crescent Park, Andover and Woodstock PTA’s presentation of “Shakespeare’s Midsummer Dream” at Crescent Park School on Saturday evening.

Students from the three schools joined forces and their talents to put on the hour-long presentation under the direction of Children’s Stage Adventures of Sullivan, N.H.

“Every child who tried out was given something to do,” said Nancy Bellinger of Bethel, mother of Emily, who portrayed Queen Hippolyta.

“If they weren’t chosen for a speaking part, they were put into the chorus,” Bellinger said.

There were 45 children chosen for speaking parts, and 19 children in the chorus. The adult parts of Shakespeare and Titania were played by Mike Cyr and Aubrey Tighe of Children’s Stage Adventures.

“This was all done in a week,” said Bellinger.

Tryouts were on Monday, and the children chosen for speaking parts remained to practice. They practiced every day since, and performed two shows Saturday.

When asked how she liked being the mother of a queen, Bellinger replied, “It hasn’t changed her a bit.”

Her husband took a different.

“There’s a lot of pressure with it,” joked Kevin Bellinger. “You know, being a queen she can have you beheaded.”

And being a queen has its advantages.

“I’ve had to do the dishes all week, because she’s been at practice,” said Josh Bellinger, 12, who has been calling his sister “Hippo,” because of her role.

The children enjoyed the hectic pace of putting on the performance.

“It was really fun,” said Abbie Goldberg, who portrayed Oberon. “I liked acting and trying to be a different person. It was like play.”

“It was good, and I had to marry my best friend, which was funny,” said Molly Siegel, who portrayed Duke Theseus.

“I liked being a queen,” said Emily Bellinger. “I liked the pretty costumes.”

Other children chosen for speaking roles were: Ellie Cramton as Puck, and Heather Miller as Egeus. In roles as the Four Friends were Kailey Kennagh as Hermia, Anneliese Smith as Helena, Buddy Williams as Lysander, and Layla Bullard as Demitrius.

Portraying fairies were: Lynette Gregory as Mustard Seed, Destiny Long as Moth, Sarah Burnham as Peas Blossom, and Kendra Carter as Cob Web.

Woodland Sprites were portrayed by Rachel Rainey, Kiersten Drapeau, David Pilgrim-Guay, Anna Saucier, Chandler Leighton, Mackenzie White and Maisey Griffin.

Magic flowers were portrayed by Maggie Bergeron, Mason Henley, Avery Griffin, Kingsley Richards, Jessika Myers, Josh Elliot, Sadie Ellsworth and Zachary Stone.

Farmers were portrayed by Shaynah Seames and Aislin Forbes.

Members of the Duke’s Court included Mackenzie Blake, Casey Blaszczak, Kim Drew, Crystelle Head, Alison Corey, Rebecca Miller, Hannah Ryerson and Justin Stearns.

Chorus members were Rose Goldberg, Rachel Goldberg, Gabrielle Stone, Liam Gallagher, Ben Conkright, Dakota Merrill, Devin Merrill, Caleb Merrill, Maverik Griffin, Victoria Ryerson, Shelby Levesque, Haley Peterson, Skye Dole, Maureen Glover, Andriadora Pilgrim-Guay, Elliot Bullard, Shyanne Shannon, Ashley Conkright and Courtney Sylvester.

The assistant director was Carlee Beatson, and technical director was Shawn Baumgartel. The accompanist was Linda Stowell, and choral direction was provided by Kathleen DeVore.

A cast party was held after the performance. Pizza, cake and punch were served.