At MidCoast Shakes, we believe that the arts and community thrive on diversity.
We are dedicated to non-traditional casting, fully accessible productions, and creating a brave space for everyone to come together. We hope you’ll join us!
(Lady)Macbeth
MCSS’s 2026 summer production will be a unique version of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, centering the action on the untold story of the infamous Lady Macbeth.
Auditions
Auditions will be held in-person at our Studio in Belfast, ME on Thursday, March 12 and Saturday, March 14 and Monday, March 16. Virtual auditions will also be accepted through March 15.
We are currently non-Equity and all cast roles are currently unpaid. No fees to participate.
Limited partially-subsidized housing options are available for out-of-area actors. If you will require housing, you must state that on your audition form. Being cast is not a guarantee of housing.
Rehearsals
Rehearsals will run remotely beginning April 15, 2026. In-person rehearsals will begin in May 2026 at our studio in Belfast, ME. Our performances will run June 24-28, 2026 outdoors in City Park (with an indoor venue for inclement weather).
Exact rehearsal dates will be decided based on actor availability. Adult actors should expect to rehearse 3-4 times/week and youth actors should expect to rehearse 1-2 times/week until the week prior to performance. Weeknight rehearsals will occur in the evening (7-9:30 PM) and weekend rehearsals will occur during the day (12-4 PM)
No Shakespeare experience is needed - actors cast will train with professional theater experts on all aspects of performing including text analysis, stage combat, stage intimacy, and performance techniques.
Casting
We are dedicated to non-traditional casting, fully accessible productions, and creating a brave space for everyone to come together. We are focused on the best actors for each role regardless of age or gender. Therefore, everyone auditioning will be considered for all roles.
Character Breakdown for Role Ages 18+
Lady Macbeth - The mastermind behind the original scheme to take over Scotland, this is the untold story of Gruoch, how she become Lady Macbeth, and the choices she makes to survive.
Macbeth - the thane/leader of his region of Scotland, he is tempestuous and unpredictable
Lady Macduff - Lady Macbeth’s friend from childhood, strong, loving and loyal
Macduff - the thane of Fife, loyal to King Duncan and a rival to Macbeth. Gruff, strong, stubborn.
Banquo - friend to Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, a kind and loyal friend.
Duncan - current “king” of Scotland. Ambitious and political.
Malcolm - Duncan’s adult child and presumed heir to the throne.
Ross - Another thane in Scotland. Loyal and somewhat gullible.
Lennox - Another thane in Scotland. Fiercely loyal to Malcolm.
The Witches - mysterious creatures of Fate, they follow their own agenda.
Hecate - powerful goddess
Murderers, Porter, Doctor, Servant - those that serve in Macbeth’s castle
Character breakdown for Roles age 11-17
Fleance - Banquo’s child and heir (2-3 scenes, some stage combat)
Macduff children - the children of Macduff and Lady Macduff (2-3 scenes, some stage combat)
Lulach - Gruoch’s child from her first marriage (2-3 scenes)
In-Person Audition Info:
Live auditions will be held on Thursday, March 12 and Monday, March 16 from 6 PM - 8:30 PM and on Saturday, March 14 from 12 PM to 3 PM in our studio at 9 Field Street, Suite 118, Belfast, ME.
All auditioners must register online with us in advance. We will send you additional information once you have registered with us.
For live auditions, please prepare under 4 minutes total, consisting of:
One Shakespeare monologue
One contrasting monologue (Shakespeare or not)
Please bring a hard copy of your resume, and be prepared for a short interview with the production team.
If you are under the age of 18 and are auditioning for one of our children’s roles, please note that on the audition form. We will send you additional information for your parent/guardian and will require a signed parental release form.
Digital Audition Info:
Please record two contrasting pieces, at least one of them Shakespeare, and upload them as a single video under 4 minutes to YouTube.
Email us (link provided below) with your YouTube link, your headshot and resume attached, and the following questions answered in the body of the email (please do not send your email until all materials, links, and answered questions are included):
Name, age, DOB, City & State where you live currently
Do you have local housing for the production period from May 16-June 28?
Are you available to rehearse in the evenings M-F?
Are you available to rehearse on weekends?
Do you have any conflicts June 20 – June 28?
If you are under the age of 18 and are auditioning for one of our children’s roles, please note that in the audition email. We will send you additional information for your parent/guardian and will require a signed parental release form.
Once we have received your digital audition, we will reach out to schedule an online interview with the production team.
The Recorded Audition deadline is March 15, 2026.
Zero Tolerance Policy
Here at MidCoast Shakespeare Studio, we respect the dignity of every person, regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, ethnicity, national origin, sexuality, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical status, or any other factor.
It is part of our mission to inspire and develop the artistry within all members of our community. To succeed in this mission, we must all agree to play our part in building a more inclusive and equitable world, starting with our own organization.
Hate has no home here and we will not tolerate derisive or disrespectful rhetoric or treatment of anyone who chooses to participate in any of our activities. This includes our work in the studio, our classes and workshops, and in our social media interactions. Anyone who cannot work with us to co-create an environment that is welcoming, open, and respectful will be asked to find another company to work with.