Synopsis
“Stars, hide your fires. Let not light see my black and deep desires.” A valiant and trusted soldier, Macbeth is propelled down a dark and treacherous path when an encounter with supernatural beings bring to the surface secret dreams of power. Spurred on by his ruthless wife, he embarks on a terrifying quest to get the Scottish crown. But once got, it must be kept. Macbeth’s determination leads him into a nightmare world of murder and madness, taking the country to the very brink of catastrophe.
Shakespeare’s most thrilling story of unchecked ambition, witches and ghosts, castles and swordfights, is a harrowing exploration of crime and guilt, power and corruption. Malvern Theatre Company’s production of Macbeth will excite all lovers of this classic play.
Characters
Acting Roles:
Macbeth: Young and fearless, Macbeth is also naïve. His psychological transition over the course of the play speaks to the universal journey of innocence to experience. Lead role.
Genders: Male
Ages: 20-30
Lady Macbeth: A presence who is aware of her ability to influence. At the same time, she is ignorant of the destructive consequences of her actions. She thinks she can control the situation but this is her undoing. Lead role.
Genders: Female
Ages: 20-30
Malcolm: Developing a wisdom beyond his years, Malcolm restores order to the kingdom but must first ascertain the fidelity of Maduff.
Genders: Male
Ages: 20-30
Banquo: A loyal friend, his growing suspicion of Macbeth serves as a counterpoint to those who give in to ambition.
Genders: Male
Ages: 20-30
Macduff: Constant and dependable, Macduff sacrifices everything he has to restore order to Scotland.
Genders: Male
Ages: 20-30
Witches (1, 2 and 3): Three separate roles: the witches are a continual presence in the play. They need to be able to move gracefully and work in sync with each other. They shadow the action in the play without upstaging. They have also been given an extra character each (messenger, Seyton, murderer, attendant). An added layer of interpretation is possible when their witch character bleeds into the minor character as if there is a knowledge of things to come.
Genders:
Ages: 20-30
Ross, Angus, Lennox: Three separate roles: Ross, Angus and Lennox are, for the most part, dependable retainers whose loyalty is challenged as events unfold. Given their continuous presence throughout the play, they are unlikely to be asked to take on another role. They all become disenfranchised with Macbeth’s rule.
Genders:
Ages: 20-30
Sergeant, Old Man, Lord 3, Menteith: A battle scarred veteran, an old man of three score and ten, a nobleman. There will be a need to create four distinct characters. Part of the ensemble.
Genders: Male
Ages: 20-30, 30-40
Donalbain, Lord 4, Siward: Youth and experience can be found in these characters. Donalbain is naïve but Siward has an army at his disposal. Part of the banquet scene as well and one of Macbeth’s retinue. Part of the ensemble.
Genders:
Ages: 20-30, 30-40
Duncan, Doctor, Second Murderer: The ability to be regal, able to commit murder but ultimately, a physician who can no longer care for his patients. Part of the ensemble.
Genders: Male
Ages: 20-30
Porter, First Murderer, Caithness: The Porter is a character scene – comic timing essential. Being a murderer could also be fun. Part of the ensemble.
Genders:
Ages: 20-30
Lady Macduff, Gentlewoman: Duty stands out as the quintessential elements of these two characters. There will be a need to clearly differentiate between the two. Part of the ensemble.
Genders: Female
Ages: 20-30
Fleance, Siward Jnr: Two junior roles with Siward Jnr being a little older than Fleance. Part of the ensemble.
Genders: Male, Female
Ages: Under 15
Macduff Jnr, Messenger: The innocence of youth in both these roles.
Genders: Male, Female
Ages: Under 15
Precast Characters:
None
Audition Venue & Dates
Audition Dates and Times:
6:00pm on:
7:00pm on:
Audition Venue Name: Malvern Theatre
Audition Venue Address:
29 Burke Rd, Malvern East, VIC, 3145
Audition Enquiries Contact: David McLean | davidwilliam17@bigpond.com
Performances
Season Dates: 20 Jun 2025 - 5 Jul 2025
Showtimes:
2:00pm on:
- Sat 21st Jun 2025
- Sun 29th Jun 2025
- Sat 5th Jul 2025
8:00pm on:
- Fri 20th Jun 2025
- Sat 21st Jun 2025
- Wed 25th Jun 2025
- Thu 26th Jun 2025
- Fri 27th Jun 2025
- Sat 28th Jun 2025
- Wed 2nd Jul 2025
- Thu 3rd Jul 2025
- Fri 4th Jul 2025
- Sat 5th Jul 2025
More info
Other Information
Other Information:
All characters must be able to competently deliver a Scottish or English accent.
Auditions are strictly by appointment as arranged by the Director. They will be ‘closed auditions’ in 10-15 minute segments. A copy of the script will be provided, together with a list of the sections to be read at the audition. It is expected that auditionees will have read the play and have a reasonable understanding of it.
Successful cast members MUST BE available for rehearsals on Tuesday evenings, Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons/ evenings (to be determined) between mid April and 19 June 2025 as well as all production dates.
Please check you are available for all performance dates before booking your audition time. Please also inform the Director at your audition, if there is a possibility of you taking on professional acting work that may conflict with rehearsal and performance dates.
You will be required to submit an online audition form with a headshot, prior to the audition, which will be sent out via email.
If you are successful, you will be required to become a member of the Malvern Theatre Company, if you are not already and abide by our Association Rules & Policies. You will also be required to hold a current Working With Children Check or be willing to get one prior to the commencement of rehearsals.
