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Blank Verse: A Midsummer Night's Dream

Will Shakespeare & the greatest writers in history are failing out of Bankside University.

Vancouver, BC
335
6.62 (329)

Week #1 Show Teaser Blank Verse: A Midsummer Night's Dream

Will Shakespeare, Christina Marlowe, Thomas Kyd, and Benjamina Jonson. Perhaps the greatest writers of their generation, but first they will have to survive Bankside University under the tyrannical reign of Professor Elizabeth Tudor. The new, original comedy special Blank Verse: A Midsummer Night's Dream is based on characters first created in the webseries Blank Verse.

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Synopsis

Inspired by the recently deceased Chris Marlowe, young satirist Benjamina Jonson is premiering her first play during frosh week at Bankside and is in need of some serious debauchery to calm her nerves. Notorious undergrads Burbage, Kyd & Shakespeare step in as the perfect team to get Ben wasted, creative and... lost? In an effort to inspire (and to escape the growing rumors of a certain Will Shakespeare, Fair Youth, Dark Lady and a bad case of VD) the group set off for the woods. Drunk and lost- and inexplicably following what appears to be the sarcastic spirit of their dead friend Marlowe- they all agree that with only a few more drinks lies the key to creative enlightenment!

Team

Ryan Caron's Profile Image

Ryan Caron

Director, Production Manager

Theatre and film artist originally from rural Northern Alberta; currently training in Kabuki dance and creating work as a director, producer, stage and production manager, and scent and sound designer (yes, scent!), with a focus and interest in queer-inclusive content, classical/contemporary fusion works, and fan-response artwork

Amanda Konkin's Profile Image

Amanda Konkin

Showrunner, Producer

Amanda specializes in producing digital media projects inspired by her extensive theatre background and education. She founded Nik Nok Media in 2011 to produce creative independent projects that foster emerging talent across the lower mainland. In addition to content creation, she is also involved in fan based communities with 4geeksmedia & Quiver: The Green Arrow Podcast.

Xander Williams's Profile Image

Xander Williams

Talent, Writer

Xander Williams is an actor, writer and musician. In 2013 he completed the BFA acting program at the University of British Columbia, the same year that his band Lost Numbers debuted their eponymous EP. He has written web series, poems, songs, and novels. Xander has also taught workshops locally and nationally for both improv theatre and writing.

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Ratings & Reviews

Ratings (329)

Average 6.62 / 10
10 - 9
87
8 - 7
89
6 - 5
93
4 - 3
36
2 - 1
24

Reviews (50)

  • Sheldon's Photo

    Sheldon O.
    posted 10 years ago

    Kinda funny, so kinda bad, kinda good
  • Anisa's Photo

    Anisa S.
    posted 10 years ago

    The most high brow high concept idea so far and it is shot very well. I didn't find it funny but there is for sure potential here.
  • Kat's Photo

    Kat K.
    posted 10 years ago

    Lovely linguists.
  • Sarah's Photo

    Sarah B.
    posted 10 years ago

    cool concept but where's the jokes?
  • Nadine's Photo

    Nadine D.
    posted 10 years ago

    Unique take on Shakespeare!
  • Leon's Photo

    Leon G.
    posted 10 years ago

    The competition is really getting tough.
  • Maggie's Photo

    Maggie M.
    posted 10 years ago

    I didn't get into the original webseries but I'm interested to see what you guys could do collaborating with CBC
  • Yasmine's Photo

    Yasmine C.
    posted 10 years ago

    INspirant !
  • Shanie's Photo

    Shanie R.
    posted 10 years ago

    Concept great, week 1 portrayal, hard to follow.
  • Paula's Photo

    Paula M.
    posted 10 years ago

    Crazy
  • Alla's Photo

    Alla Z.
    posted 10 years ago

    c
  • JP's Photo

    JP R.
    posted 10 years ago

    Very well done, very interesting, something I would actually watch on TV!
  • judy's Photo

    judy c.
    posted 10 years ago

    Don't think we need another play on ol' Billy Shakespeare. Uninspired. Everyone involved are engaging though so I won't write this off.
  • paula's Photo

    paula p.
    posted 10 years ago

    Good!
  • Freda's Photo

    Freda J.
    posted 10 years ago

    excellent
  • Pinchas's Photo

    Pinchas Z.
    posted 10 years ago

    Watched the Youtube series (both of em), loved the hell out of them; need more.
  • Forman's Photo

    Forman H.
    posted 10 years ago

    hoping you make it to top 50
  • Mary's Photo

    Mary K.
    posted 10 years ago

    Witty to no end. New take on Shakespearean comedy.
  • Jenni's Photo

    Jenni E.
    posted 10 years ago

    An interesting concept, more 'am dram' than some of the others which felt a bit more organic though
  • Deb's Photo

    Deb P.
    posted 10 years ago

    Yes I'm biased and yes I love this bunch of crazy talented people and this funny and profound web series. Go Blank Verse Go! <3 <3
  • diane's Photo

    diane n.
    posted 10 years ago

    Blank Verse: A Midsummer Night's Dream is very original for this comedy competition. I can't wait until the Blank Verse team does fill in the blanks. This will give me an idea of their experience or potential to being strong competitors in this competition.
  • Katy's Photo

    Katy R.
    posted 10 years ago

    Not completely clear on the concept for the show, but I'm okay with that - I Would Like To Know More.
  • Garner's Photo

    Garner H.
    posted 10 years ago

    Wil Power!
  • Sarah Thomas's Photo

    Sarah Thomas M.
    posted 10 years ago

    In love with smart writing.
  • Brad's Photo

    Brad G.
    posted 10 years ago

    I like the concept and look forward to seeing where it goes!
  • Genevieve's Photo

    Genevieve B.
    posted 10 years ago

    Love the newest video!
  • Nathanael's Photo

    Nathanael V.
    posted 10 years ago

    Looks pithy.
  • Nico's Photo

    Nico B.
    posted 10 years ago

    This team is awesome! I hope they make it.
  • Janis's Photo

    Janis S.
    posted 10 years ago

    Intriguing! Will be looking for more - here and on YouTube!
  • Simon's Photo

    Simon M.
    posted 10 years ago

    Blank Verse is amazing and I want it back. That's all I've really got to say.
  • Danielle's Photo

    Danielle B.
    posted 10 years ago

    Love the concept, the crew, and the show! Great work guys!
  • Barbara's Photo

    Barbara K.
    posted 10 years ago

    so clever
  • Owen's Photo

    Owen K.
    posted 10 years ago

    Definitely a unique idea. I' mreally looking forward to seeing this.
  • Carolyn's Photo

    Carolyn R.
    posted 10 years ago

    So happy to see this show continue to evolve! :D
  • Nancy's Photo

    Nancy M.
    posted 10 years ago

    too nerdy for me
  • alysha's Photo

    alysha w.
    posted 10 years ago

    This is a pretty smart concept. not very funny from the teaser though, but intelligent
  • David's Photo

    David C.
    posted 10 years ago

    Ambitious script, lovely acting, and production values that can't be beat! Absolute pleasure to help support this world.
  • Victoria's Photo

    Victoria B.
    posted 10 years ago

    This is so lovely! <3 <3 I really enjoyed the teaser!
  • Kim's Photo

    Kim A.
    posted 10 years ago

    I thought parts of this were very good, intrinsically funny but in a non pedestrian way. To be honest, with some tuning, I think the characters could be (maybe they already are on paper) fleshed out more and that this could potentially be a film script. Throw in a an alcoholic sexually frustrated female professor going through a divorce, a child genius who just wants to be accepted and an ex jock who is discovering he is deceptively intelligent, gifted and yes, sensitive. Just spewing, good work, all of you
  • Shirine's Photo

    Shirine B.
    posted 10 years ago

    Truly one of the most wonderful webseries there are, balancing an extensive cast almost effortlessly, paying off both for the drama (and history!) nerd & the casual literature (or really: storytelling) enthusiast. Self-aware, funny and surprisingly poignant, full of sharp obversations that don't hesitate do point out its characters' absurdity. Yet there is a tenderness at the heart of it that deeply touches me. Any chance this project has of surviving is one I will support, and this one is such an exciting opportunity!
  • Emily's Photo

    Emily T.
    posted 10 years ago

    Great project!
  • Mary's Photo

    Mary K.
    posted 10 years ago

    refreshing....a bit of everything
  • Simon's Photo

    Simon M.
    posted 10 years ago

    You Guys are awesome and Shakespeare is Awesome! I love the whole concept that Will Shakespeare, his contemporaries and characters are all modern day real people. very unique idea! I can't wait to see what you guys do next!
  • Rosie's Photo

    Rosie A.
    posted 10 years ago

    This show is pretty historically awesome, fun, the editing and shooting is beautiful, the typography, all of it! I love it, and hope it does well!
  • Bethany's Photo

    Bethany M.
    posted 10 years ago

    I'm not sure if I am smart enough to handle the content...so it's gotta be good!
  • Melissa's Photo

    Melissa L.
    posted 10 years ago

    Loved it!
  • James's Photo

    James B.
    posted 10 years ago

    This is an amazing concept brought to life by an outstanding team. Go check out their first season at http://blankverse.tv/ and you will be easily convinced.

    (I seriously declare no affiliation with this production.)
  • Karen's Photo

    Karen G.
    posted 10 years ago

    This is the best show on here
  • Sydney's Photo

    Sydney F.
    posted 10 years ago

    I absolutely loved their Youtube series and Spin-off series as well. It is well written, funny, and oh so entertaining! I would love for this show to get more recognition and for more content to be produced!
  • Krista's Photo

    Krista K.
    posted 10 years ago

    I'm intrigued to see more. Seems like there's a developed concept and style here.
    View file
    Gregory Milne at Living Myth Magazine interviews Amanda Konkin, the creator and showrunner for everything Blank Verse.
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    View file
    The Ubyssey interviews the cast and crew of Blank Verse The Webseries
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    View file
    Tessa Perkins at the Peak interviews Aaron Adams, writer for Blank Verse the Webseries, as well as Xander Williams, Blank Verse's Shakespeare and recurring writer.
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