The Black Box Theatre

Macbeth is one of Shakespeare's most powerful and enduring tragedies. When the brave Scottish general Macbeth receives a prophecy from three mysterious witches foretelling that he will one day become King of Scotland, his latent ambition is ignited — and dangerously stoked by the cunning resolve of his wife, Lady Macbeth. Together, they murder the beloved King Duncan and seize the throne. But power gained through treachery demands a terrible price. Consumed by guilt, paranoia, and an ever-tightening web of violence, Macbeth becomes a tyrant, ordering the deaths of friends and innocents alike. As those around him rise in rebellion, the witches' seemingly protective prophecies unravel in terrifying and unexpected ways. Macbeth is a searing exploration of ambition, guilt, fate, and the corrosive nature of unchecked power.

Auditions for Macbeth 

The Black Box Theatre at MCC will hold open auditions for Macbeth, William Shakespeare's classic tragedy, directed by Jay Geller. Auditions will be held in The Black Box Theatre from 6–9 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, August 24 and 25, with callbacks held on Thursday, August 27, from 6–10 p.m.

Rehearsals begin Monday, August 31, and will be held every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The production opens Friday, October 30, and runs three weekends through Saturday, November 15.

Please prepare a 2–3-minute Shakespearean monologue. Roles are open to all genders and ethnicities. Some roles may be double-cast. For more information, call (815) 455-8746 or email jgeller@mchenry.edu.

Sign up to audition for Macbeth »

• Macbeth Roles and Character Descriptions

  Macbeth

  The Thane of Glamis and a celebrated general, Macbeth is brave, physically commanding, and deeply respected. But beneath his martial courage lies a fatal ambition that the witches' prophecy brings to the surface. Manipulated by his wife and consumed by his own desires, he descends from heroism into tyranny. A demanding physical and emotional role requiring great range, from noble warrior to tormented murderer to desperate king.

  Lady Macbeth

  One of Shakespeare's most iconic roles. Lady Macbeth is ruthlessly ambitious, fiercely intelligent, and utterly resolute — at least at first. She manipulates her husband into murdering King Duncan and conceals the crime with cool calculation. As the play progresses, however, the weight of guilt fractures her steely composure, leading to one of the theatre's most haunting descents into madness.

  Macduff

  The Thane of Fife and the moral compass of the play. Macduff is loyal to King Duncan and immediately suspicious of Macbeth after the king's murder. After Macbeth orders the slaughter of Macduff's entire family, Macduff becomes the instrument of justice and vengeance, ultimately fulfilling the witches' prophecy by slaying the tyrant king.

  Banquo

  Macbeth's closest friend and fellow general. Noble, perceptive, and honorable, Banquo is the recipient of a prophecy that his descendants will one day rule Scotland — a prophecy that seals his fate once Macbeth feels threatened. He returns as a ghost to haunt Macbeth at a royal banquet in one of the play's most chilling scenes.

  Malcolm

  King Duncan's eldest son and the rightful heir to the Scottish throne. After fleeing to England following his father's murder, Malcolm carefully builds the coalition that challenges Macbeth's reign. He is shrewd, principled, and ultimately emerges as a worthy ruler for Scotland.

  King Duncan

  The gracious, generous, and beloved King of Scotland. Though he appears only briefly, his trust in Macbeth and his dignified manner make his murder all the more horrifying. A role of great presence and warmth.

  The Three Witches

  The supernatural instigators of the tragedy. The witches deliver prophecies that set Macbeth's ambitions in motion and ultimately manipulate him to his doom. These roles offer tremendous theatrical possibilities — eerie, chilling, playful, or otherworldly. Strong ensemble work is essential.

  Lady Macduff

  A brief but deeply moving role. Lady Macduff is a devoted mother left without explanation when her husband flees to England. Her fierce protectiveness of her children and her courageous defiance before Macbeth's hired assassins make her one of the play's most sympathetic figures.

  Hecate

  The queen of the witches, Hecate appears to rebuke the weird sisters and oversee the final manipulation of Macbeth's fate. A theatrical and commanding role.

  Ross

  A Scottish nobleman who serves as the play's messenger, carrying news — often terrible — between characters. Ross appears throughout and witnesses the full arc of Scotland's tragedy.

  Lennox, Angus, Menteith, Caithness

  Scottish thanes who shift between loyalty and rebellion as Macbeth's tyranny becomes unmistakable. Vital ensemble roles.

  Fleance

  Banquo's son, who escapes the assassins Macbeth sends to kill him, keeping the witches' prophecy alive.

  The Porter

  One of Shakespeare's great comic interludes — a drunken gatekeeper whose dark humor provides a brief but essential breath of relief after Duncan's murder. A fun and memorable character role.

  Seyton

  Macbeth's loyal attendant in the final desperate hours of his reign.

  Young Siward

  A young English soldier who bravely challenges Macbeth in battle. Short but dramatically impactful.

  Murderers

  Macbeth's hired killers. Strong ensemble roles with significant dramatic weight.

Black Box Theatre 12-Hour Play Competition, May 3

Sign Up Deadline: April 27

The popular Black Box Theatre 12-Hour Play Competition is back at MCC this spring. The Competition challenges groups of 2-6 people to write, rehearse, and perform a ten-minute play within 12 hours. Groups will arrive at 7 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, and work through the day until performances begin at 7 p.m. that evening.

There is a cash prize awarded for the winning play. Food and beverages will be provided throughout the day. There is a $25 entry fee per group. Be prepared to stay all day. The competition is open to the public.

Interested groups can sign up here through April 27 »

The competition will be held at The Black Box Theatre at MCC. Park in Parking Lot C and enter Building E.

For more information, email jgeller@mchenry.edu or call (815) 455-8746.