The Hobnob Theatre Company is working in conjunction with Mother Nature for its next production.

Hobnob is breaking conventions and holding the production of Shakespeare's “A Midsummer Night's Dream” promenade theater style at Preston Park in Butler Township.

The show will open Aug. 1 under the direction of Phil Ball.

“Promenade theater has its roots in medieval times — where the audience follows the action of the play from scene to scene. Several theaters throughout the world still perform this style, when the weather and location fit the show,” said Liz Smith, one of the founders of Hobnob and co-producer of this project.

The show grew out of a dream that Phil Ball had to produce a play in a park. “A number of years ago, I saw an article about a theater group in Pittsburgh doing a production in 'promenade' style where they moved the audience from one location to the next. I thought that was quite an interesting concept and thought that one day I should give it a try,” Ball said.

Years ago, Ball had done a walk through and plotted some scenes to a play but that project never came to fruition, and though the idea was shelved, he never forgot about it.

Smith said Ball approached her and her husband, Ken Smith, also a founder of Hobnob, with his idea.

“He met us at the park and walked us through, showing us where the scenes would take place. We were mesmerized with the beauty of the park and agreed with him it would be the perfect setting for 'A Midsummer Night's Dream,'” said Smith.

The duo was thrilled with his vision and excited about producing the show.

“The concept is to utilize the natural and existing elements that are there as our set. Very little will be built and we will be moving the audience to 14 locations,” said Ball of the promenade process.

“Some of the locations are only a few steps away from each other and I think the longest scene is 15 minutes,” he added.

The entire loop is about a 13-minute walk regularly.

The story literally follows two pair of lovers into an enchanting magical forest with fairies and sprites who wreak havoc for a bit.

The venue itself might be the scene stealer in this production which features several local favorites.

The four main roles of the young lovers are being played by Justin Anderson, Megan Flannery, Matt Ferree and Whitney Jenkins.

The roles of Puck, Titania and Oberon are being played by Kevin Lukacs, Katy Wayne and Kenny Smith.

The actors are rehearsing in groups independently of one another.

“I actually think the only time everyone is together is for the curtain call,” said Ball.

“We've had a number of rehearsals at the park, and I must say that I prefer it to a rehearsal hall or windowless theater,” he said.

But what is delightful for Ball can be a headache for the producers.

“The biggest challenge in rehearsing and producing a show that takes place completely outdoors is the weather. We will cancel any production for rain or thunder and are encouraging audience members to buy their tickets at the park on the night of the performance, based on good weather,” Smith said.

If a performance is canceled due to the weather, reservations made online will be refunded.

An interactive map can be found at www.hobnobtheatre.com that details where the scenes will be held and offers a detailed history of Preston Park.

Audience members will be walking through the park and stopping at different spots, so comfortable shoes and folding chairs or blankets are recommended.

“Butler Township and Preston Park's representatives have been wonderful to work with and are excited about opening Preston Park to the public in this way,” Smith said.

<B>WHO: </B>Hobnob Theatre Company<B>WHAT: </B>“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by William Shakespeare<B>WHEN: </B>Aug. 1 to 10, at 6:30 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays<B>WHERE: </B>Preston Park, 415 S. Eberhart Road, Butler Township<B>TICKETS: </B>$10, available at the park on the day of show or at www.hobnobtheatre.com