Show Summary
What if the tragedy of Macbeth was never about ambition alone? In this eerie, fate-driven staging, the witches are not bystanders but architects guiding events with quiet precision. From the first prophecy to the final fall, unseen forces pull at every choice, tightening their hold as reality unravels. Macbeth’s rise to power becomes less a climb and more a descent, as prophecy blurs into manipulation and free will dissolves into design. Through stark imagery and a pervasive sense of otherworldly control, this production asks: who truly pulls the strings?
Characters/Roles
There are 18 roles available in this production. We encourage actors of all ethnicities, genders, abilities, and ages to audition.
Macbeth: A celebrated warrior whose ambition, fear, and imagination drive him toward increasingly terrible choices. A demanding leading role requiring emotional range, strong command of Shakespearean text, and the ability to carry much of the play’s psychological and supernatural journey. This role is male-presenting, 18+, and involves stage combat.
Lady Macbeth: Macbeth’s fiercely intelligent and ambitious wife, who pushes him toward murder and then finds herself increasingly unable to live with what they have done. A major role with intense dramatic material and a substantial emotional arc. This role is female-presenting and 18+.
The Witches: A central ensemble of seven performers who shape and manipulate the world of the play. Our Witches are more than fortune-tellers: they are a constant supernatural presence, sometimes speaking individually and sometimes functioning as a group, with an emphasis on physical storytelling, movement, and ensemble work. The Witches can be any gender and any age.
Macduff: A Scottish noble who becomes one of Macbeth’s most determined opponents. Principled, courageous, and deeply affected by the consequences of Macbeth’s violence, with some of the play’s most emotionally demanding scenes. This role can be any gender, 18+, and involves stage combat.
Ross: A Scottish noble who moves throughout the story as messenger, observer, and participant in Scotland’s changing political world. A substantial supporting role requiring clear storytelling and an ability to navigate shifting loyalties and increasingly dangerous circumstances. This role can be any gender, 18+, and involves stage combat.
Banquo: Macbeth’s fellow soldier and friend, who receives their own prophecy from the Witches and grows suspicious of Macbeth’s rise. Grounded and thoughtful, but with an important supernatural presence even after their death. This role can be any gender, 18+, and involves stage combat.
Malcolm: Duncan’s child and heir to the Scottish throne. Forced to flee after their father’s murder, they eventually return to challenge Macbeth. A smaller but important supporting role that grows in authority over the course of the play. This role can be any gender, 15+, and involves stage combat.
Duncan / Old Man / Doctor: A versatile character track beginning with Duncan, Scotland’s generous and trusting king, and later taking on two smaller observational roles: an Old Man witnessing the unnatural aftermath of Duncan’s murder and a Doctor observing Lady Macbeth’s unraveling. A good fit for an actor who enjoys creating several distinct characters. This set of roles is male-presenting, older adult, and involves stage combat.
Sergeant / Messenger / Servant / Attendant / Seyton: A collection of featured supporting roles appearing throughout the play, from the wounded soldier who first describes Macbeth’s heroism to members of Macbeth’s increasingly troubled household and army. A varied track with opportunities for several distinct character choices. This set of roles can be any gender, any age, and involves stage combat.
Lady Macduff / Gentlewoman: Two very different women caught in the consequences of Macbeth’s rule: Lady Macduff, sharp, loving, and furious at her husband’s departure; and the Gentlewoman who witnesses Lady Macbeth’s sleepwalking. A supporting track with both warmth and tension. This set of roles is female-presenting, 18+, and involves stage combat.
Fleance / Macduff’s Child / Young Servant / Soldier: Several smaller roles, including Banquo’s child Fleance and Macduff’s witty young son, as well as featured roles later in the play. A good track for an actor interested in playing multiple characters and contributing throughout the production. This set of roles can be any gender, under 18, and involves stage combat.
Murderer: Macbeth’s hired killer, appearing in several key scenes and carrying out some of the play’s darkest work. A smaller character role with plenty of menace and an opportunity to make a strong impression with limited stage time. This role can be any gender, 15+, and involves stage combat.
Audition Process
Auditions will take place:
- October 4, 1pm–5pm
- October 5, 7pm–10pm
- October 6, 7pm–10pm
All dates at 44 Gaukel St in downtown Kitchener. Your audition will take approximately 15 minutes. We invite actors to sign up in advance for an audition slot, though walk-ins are always welcome.
Actors should prepare a Shakespearean monologue to perform and will be given direction (monologues will be available for a cold read if one is not prepared). The monologue does not need to be memorized. Actors being considered for the role of Witch will be guided in a short movement segment — please ensure you wear clothing you are comfortable moving in.
Actors unable to attend live auditions but still wanting to audition can contact the director, Carolyn, at macbeth2027@kwlt.org to arrange a video audition.
Rehearsal Information
If cast, you will be called for up to 3 rehearsals a week, most likely two weeknights (3hrs) and one weekend (4-6hrs), with the possibility of extra time required to learn stage combat. The exact schedule will be based on actor availability. Most rehearsals will take place at the KWLT rehearsal studio (44 Gaukel St. in downtown Kitchener).
Mandatory Dates
The following dates are mandatory for all cast.
- Performance dates: January 29, 30, 31; February 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 2027
- Tech weekend: January 23–24, 2027
- Dress rehearsals: January 25–26, 2027
- Build week (at least one day): January 16–22, 2027
- First readthrough: scheduled based on availability
- Poster run: TBD