Theatre Auditions: 'Macbeth'

Penn State Altoona’s theater program will hold auditions for a fall production of William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” edited by director Mary Beth Geppert, at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 27, and Tuesday, Sept. 1, or by appointment during common hour on either date, in the Misciagna Family Center for Performing Arts.

Audition sides are available outside office 134 in the Misciagna Center. The production also features pre- and post-show sections written by Adria “Jay” Schmidt.

According to Geppert, in this version of the Scottish play, a group of 2026 high school students is told they are not permitted to perform Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” at their parochial school. Discussions on themes of free will, witchcraft, demonography and the destructive spiritual consequences of unchecked ambition are forbidden.

In defiance, the group forms a drama club to perform “Macbeth” in secret. With the aid of a few staff members, they gain access to their school’s auditorium to perform their forbidden production. Each has learned their part — the girls never pretend to be boys. They are, however, fully committed and present in the stakes of the characters they inhabit. Word spreads around campus that a rebellious group of students is performing a modern twist of the forbidden “Macbeth.” And, thus, the secret performance, without school support, takes place.

Penn State Altoona’s production of “Macbeth” will engage with Shakespeare’s original practices. The production will use early modern staging techniques by performing with the house lights on, known as universal lighting; using a bare or minimal set; and having actors who frequently speak directly to the audience, known as direct address. Through direct address, the audience becomes an active participant and even a scene partner. In Renaissance fashion, 10 audience members are invited to sit on the stage on gallants’ stools. These stools offer an immersive, interactive experience, directly referencing the early modern theater’s tradition of having elite patrons sitting on stage.

In addition to Geppert, the production is assistant-directed by Cara Groome and stage-managed by Cassidy Beauton and Yancis Jimenez. Adria “Jay” Schmidt and the ensemble will design costumes and props, with Ben Weaver designing lights and Cara Groome designing the set. Bonnie Cutsforth-Huber will provide voice and rhythmic guidance, with Erik Johnson providing fight choreography. Max Doherty will serve as technical director and Kylea Myers as production manager.

Performances include a preview on Wednesday, Oct. 28, and regular performances on Thursday and Friday, Oct. 29 and 30. Direct questions to Geppert at [email protected].