Black Box Theatre
MCC students explore the world of the theatre through courses on acting, character analysis, scene preparation, theatre design, scene construction, costuming, and lighting, and you are able to enjoy fabulous entertainment as a result!
Macbeth — Fall 2026
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.
This production contains violence and mature themes.
Macbeth is directed by Jay Geller (Kildeer). The production team includes assistant director Chelsea Boesiger (Crystal Lake), set designer Dan Frank (Woodstock), lighting designer Nicole Weber (Woodstock), costume designer Carol Foreman (Cary), stage manager Molly Stockwell (Johnsburg), prop designer Kestrel Domann (Woodstock), stage combat and intimacy coordinator Claire Yearman (Elgin), and sound designer Ace Kopacz (Island Lake). Original music is by Amy Goodnow (Bull Valley), dramaturgy by Ted Hazelgrove (Grayslake), and social media by Josie Hannon-Geller (Kildeer).
The cast includes Satori Beasley, Jonathan Carlson, Rachel Kaminski (McHenry), Rose Carnivele, Preston Tewell (Cary), Shannon Lee Day, Edward Gessert, Holly O’Hair (Woodstock), Graysonn Gonzalez (Spring Grove), Theresa Voge Kaman (Richmond), Hannah Gschwend, Lauren Krelle (Lake in the Hills), Mark Kuhlman (Algonquin), Stephen Pickering (Fox River Grove), Alex Reilly (Huntley), Megan McCarthy-Cook, Kae Schaefer, Adira Zachrel (Crystal Lake), Jake Seelye (Harvard), Ian Streicher (Chicago), and Derrick Wilson (Schaumburg).
Buy Macbeth Tickets
Macbeth opens Friday, October 30 at 7 p.m. Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. on October 31 and November 6, 7, 13, and 14, and for 2 p.m. on November 1, 8, and 15.
General Admission: $20
Discounted Admission (students, employees, seniors, veterans, and alumni): $15
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Macbeth | Fall 2026
Participate in the 6th Annual 12-Hour Black Box Theatre Play Competition Showcase
What could you create in just 12 hours?
Gather your team and test your creative limits at the 6th Annual 12-Hour Black Box Theatre Play Competition! Teams of 2 to 6 people will write, rehearse, and stage a brand-new 10-minute play—all in a single day.
Expect prompts, surprise activities, and fun obstacles to keep you on your toes!
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Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026
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Time: Report at 7 a.m. (Be prepared to stay all day!)
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Who Can Join: All MCC students, high school students, and community members.
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Entry Fee: $25 cash per group (Food and beverages provided all day!)
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Prizes: Cash prize awarded to the winning play!
🏆 Sign-Up Deadline: Saturday, November 28, 2026
Gather your team of 2–6 performers, writers, or storytellers and claim your spot today!
6th Annual 12-Hour Black Box Theatre Play Competition Showcase
Saturday, December 5 at 7 p.m.
After 12 intense hours of writing, rehearsing, and racing against the clock, our talented groups of MCC students, high schoolers, and community members are ready to hit the stage. Come watch them perform brand-new 10-minute plays crafted entirely from scratch in a single day!
Performance: $5 at the door–no reservations needed.
Call (815) 455-8746 or email jgeller@mchenry.edu for more information.
Park in Lot C and enter Building E.
Auditions for Come From Away
The Black Box Theatre at MCC will hold open auditions for Come From Away, book, music, and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein. Auditions will be held in The Black Box Theatre from 6–10 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, December 7 and 8, with callbacks held on Thursday, December 10, from 6–10 p.m.
Prepare a 1-2 minute (32 bars) upbeat song along with sheet music. An accompanist will be provided. Movement auditions will be held only at callbacks. Casting all ethnicities, genders, and body types.
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Jay Geller will direct the production, with assistant director Spencer White, choreography by Maggie McCord, and musical direction by Alayna DeVar.
The mayor of Gander, Newfoundland. A natural leader who guides his community through an extraordinary crisis with warmth, humor, and unwavering determination while portraying additional townspeople throughout the production.
The manager of the local SPCA who works tirelessly to care for the animals stranded aboard grounded aircraft. Compassionate, practical, and deeply devoted to helping others.
The head of the Gander Legion and one of the town's most welcoming residents. Generous, nurturing, and quick with a joke, Beulah becomes a source of comfort for many stranded passengers.
A mother from New York desperately trying to reach her son, a firefighter in Manhattan. Strong, resilient, and compassionate, Hannah provides one of the show's most emotional journeys.
An American Airlines captain and pioneering female aviator. Confident, accomplished, and passionate about flying, Beverley faces uncertainty as the events of September 11 reshape her world.
A young local television reporter covering the biggest story of her life. Enthusiastic, curious, and ambitious, Janice grows significantly throughout the week.
A British oil engineer stranded in Gander. Intelligent and reserved, Nick develops an unexpected connection that changes his life.
A divorced woman from Texas worried about her son in New York. Strong-willed, adventurous, and warm, Diane forms a meaningful bond during her time in Gander.
An environmental entrepreneur traveling with his partner. Initially frustrated by the circumstances, Kevin discovers hope and inspiration through the generosity of strangers.
Kevin Tuerff's partner. Sensitive and deeply affected by the events unfolding around him, Kevin's journey explores grief, healing, and resilience.
A New Yorker determined to return home to his family. Initially skeptical and impatient, Bob develops a newfound appreciation for the kindness of others.
A local constable tasked with helping manage the influx of stranded passengers. Good-natured, quirky, and dependable, Oz brings humor and heart to the story.
Rehearsals run Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 6 to 9:30 p.m., plus Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m., starting Wednesday, January 13. The production features ten performances across three weekends from March 5–21, including a double show day on March 13.
For more information, call (815) 455-8746 or email jgeller@mchenry.edu.