Director: Peter G. Andersen
Scenic Designer: Alicia Margerum
Costume Designer: Ski Sciaraffa and Jeremy W. Floyd
Lighting Designer: Aidan Murphy
Assistant Lighting Designers: Max Garcia and Mike Kozel
Technical Director: Adam Rager
Properties Designer: Dave Doherty
Intimacy Choreographer: Jyreika Guest
Fight Choreographer: Stanton Davis
Assistant Fight Choreographer: J. Cody Hunt
Vocal Coach: Stanton Davis
Dramaturg: Elizabeth Nowak
Stage Manager: Madie Barnas
Assistant Stage Manager: Sania Henry

This show is approximately two hours and will have a 10-minute intermission.

Macbeth – J. Cody Hunt
Lady Macbeth – Gina Cioffi
Banquo/Siward – Paul Lang
Duncan/Porter/Seyton – David Mortenson
MacDuff – Logan Blake
Malcolm – Kyara Chisolm
Witch 1/Lady MacDuff/Gentlewoman – Kayla Crispino
Witch 2/Young Siward/Old Man/Murder #2– Jaylin Turner
Witch 3/Fleance – Kylee Moore
Hecate/Bloody Sergeant/Murder #1 – Nya Warner
Ross – Raeanna Tremethick
Angus/Donalbian/Son – Serenity Deida
Lenox/Doctor/Murder #3 – Ahyanna Addison

Beauty and Horror

This production loosely takes place during the French Revolution, around the 1790s. The production highlights the combination of beauty and horror in Macbeth. Things that are beautiful are also horrific. Deaths are symbolic. The lavishness of royalty is at the expense of the lower classes. Passion and ambition come with the price of death, and the language conveys sinister happenings. In your life, what do you find both beautiful and filled with horror?

Real Life

Macbeth dramatizes real life events. Most of the characters are based on historical figures. Lady Macbeth represents Queen Gruouch ingen Boite and Macbeth represents Macbethad mac Findláech. Macbeth ruled from 1040 until his death in 1057. King Duncan is based on King Donnchad mac Crinain, and Malcolm on Malcolm III. The Weird Sisters were women executed for burning an effigy of King Duff of Scotland.

Elizabeth Nowak
They/Them/Theirs

J Cody Hunt (Macbeth)

J Cody Hunt is a member of the class of 2025 M.F.A. acting cohort here at NIU and is honored to share the stage with such a talented group of artists both on the stage and in classroom. His favorite credits include Sir Arthur in Jen Silverman’s Witch, Azdak in The Caucasian Chalk Circle, Demetrius in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Man (Tristan) in In a Word by Lauren Yee. His professional credits include Jesus in Jesus, Joseph in Miracle of Christmas, Peter in Jesus, and Ensemble Fighter in Samson at Sight and Sound Theatres, Kendall in Low Hanging Fruit with Fearless Fiction Productions (Chicago), Randy in Magnified Gift Theatre’s Lost in Time (Chicago), Backwoods Bluegrass Band Guitarist in I’ll Fly Away and Lead Vocalist in Old Time

Gospel Radio Hour at Servant Stage Theatre, Mark Stedman in Josiah for President at Blue Gate Musicals, Will Thomas in Unto These Hills and Christopher White in the world premiere of Larissa FastHorse’s Cherokee Family Reunion at The Mountainside Theatre, Reverend in Th’ Burning at ArtPlay Birmingham. Cody has also worked on touring and main-stage productions with Chicago Kids Company, Birmingham Children’s Theatre, and Storyville Touring Productions.

He is a SAFD trained stage combatant, Fight Director and Choreographer that has spent the last decade pursuing story through the grittiest and most visceral forms of expression and communication.

I would like to thank Elena, Emerson, and Ezra for their patience, understanding and endless support. Your love is the stories I tell. I would also like to thank Peter Andersen and NIU SOTD for the opportunity to perform, my parents and brothers whose guidance defined my perspective, The Creator of All for existence, and Jesus Christ whose gospel has awakened my spirit to the true measure of Love.

Gina Cioffi (Lady Macbeth)

Gina Cioffi (she/her) is a third-year M.F.A. acting candidate. She holds a B.A. in theatre from UC San Diego. NIU credits: Booked and Blessed…or BUST!, The Caucasian Chalk Circle, and Big Love. Other cherished credits include Italian American Reconciliation, She Kills Monsters, Legally Blonde: The Musical, and SERE as a part of the Wagner New Play Festival. She would like to extend gratitude to her support system, especially those who have traveled across the country to be here for the show. As always, thank you Rick for grounding and simultaneously uplifting me, and especially thank you to my Mom – my growth would be impossible without your love.

Paul James Lang (Banquo/Siward)

Paul James Lang is a third-year M.F.A. acting candidate, originally from New England and now happy to call the Midwest home. He received his B.F.A. in musical theater from The Boston Conservatory. Paul’s NIU credits include Mortimer in Mary Stuart, Cuddy in Witch, Mikhail in The Caucasian Chalk Circle, and Giuliano in Big Love. Other favorite credits include Horst in Bent, Sir Andrew in Twelfth Night, the Envoy in The Balcony, and several different characters in TheaterWorks USA’s touring production of Junie B. Jones. He is thrilled to be returning to the NIU stage with this play (his first Shakespeare since undergrad).  Thank you so much to our brilliant director Peter Andersen, and our wonderful team behind the scenes. Love to my family (and extended family from New Hampshire!) for all of their love and support.

David Mortenson (Duncan/Porter/Seyton)

David Mortenson (he/him) is a senior at NIU working toward a dual major in history and theatre arts. He is able to be here and pay for college thanks to the GI Bill and his time serving in the Navy. His acting experience comes from his community college, RVC, in Rockford, where he mostly was in Shakespeare plays such as MacDuff in Macbeth, Antipholus of Syracuse in Comedy of Errors, and Berowne in Love’s Labour’s Lost. Seven years as a sailor has taught him several lessons, such as how not to repair a boat engine, pepper spray does not taste good, and don’t get into a Humvee full of wasps. The final one and the most important piece of information he would like everyone to know is this: “Do not join the Navy, go into the Air Force. They pay better.”

Logan Blake (MacDuff)

Logan Blake is a senior B.F.A. acting major. He has a tremendous passion for the craft and is thrilled to be in this show. At NIU, he has previously been seen in the 24 Hour Theater Festival, the 72 Hour Film Festival, the improv shows, Sonnets for an Old Century (Yusef Buelos), Need to Know (Steven), Much Ado About Nothing (Borachio), Life is a Dream (Astolfo), The Caucasian Chalk Circle (Private Numbskull), and Witch (Frank Thorney). Logan also works on various independent films with his colleagues and friends. Additionally, he is an intermediate actor combatant in the Society of American Fight Directors, holding several certifications. Logan would like to thank his family, friends, and faculty for their endless support and wisdom over the years. He hopes that everyone enjoys his final show at NIU as much as he enjoyed working on it.

Kyara Chisholm (Malcolm)

Kyara Chisolm is in her fourth and final year as a B.F.A. acting candidate here at NIU. This past summer, Kyara participated in the Oak Park Festival Theatre as Ensemble (Shakespeare and the Language that Shaped a World) directed by Lo Williams and Prince u/s/Ensemble (Romeo and Juliet) directed by Peter Andersen. Her NIU credits include Winnifred (Witch), Helena (A Midsummer Night’s Dream), Peggy Rogers (The Children’s Hour) and Verges (Much Ado About Nothing). She is delighted to be in this production of Macbeth and share it with everyone. Kyara has had such a wonderful time being a part of this show as her last one at NIU and would like to give a shoutout to everyone involved in the show for making this such a memorable experience and her loved ones for always supporting her dream. Love to all of you!!!

Kayla Crispino (Witch 1/Lady MacDuff/Gentlewoman)

Kayla Crispino is a third-year B.F.A. acting candidate from Elgin, Illinois. You may have recently seen her in Life is A Dream as Estrella and in God Of Carnage as Annette here at NIU. She would like to thank her cast, director, stage manager, and tech team for helping bring this show to life. She would also like to thank her family and friends for always being there for her. Lastly, she would like to thank her husband for being her #1 supporter. Kayla hopes you love the show just as much as she loved putting it together.

Jaylin Turner (Witch 2/Young Siward/Old Man/Murder #2)

Jaylin Turner a third-year B.F.A. student, is deeply grateful for the opportunity to share her art with others and eagerly anticipates the future ahead. She extends heartfelt thanks to her family, friends, and castmates for their unwavering support and camaraderie throughout this journey.

Kylee Moore (Witch 3/Fleance)

Kylee Moore is from Rockford, Illinois. I am a sophomore in the B.F.A. acting program. This is my first show at NIU. I am so grateful to be in this show with such a fun amazing cast and crew! Thank you for all the support of my family and friends! Hope you enjoy the show!

Nya Warner (Hecate/Bloody Sergeant/Murder #1)

Nya Warner is currently a sophomore, pursuing her B.F.A. in acting. I’ve taken a few years of acting/theatre classes and programs throughout high school. Which also consisted of student films and understudy roles in Chicago. Alongside acting, some of the hobbies I’m very passionate about are cosmetics and fashion!

Raeanna Tremethick (Ross)

Raeanna Tremethick is a fourth-year B.F.A. acting candidate, and she is thrilled to present her final role at Northern Illinois University alongside such a talented and dedicated cast. Her passion for classical theatre has deepened immensely through this experience. Tremethick’s previous credits include Evelyn in Booked and Blessed…or BUST!, Starveling in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Evelyn in The Children’s Hour, and Evil Gabbi in She Kills Monsters. She is incredibly grateful for her family’s unwavering support and would like to dedicate this performance to her incredible parents.

Serenity Deida (Angus/Donalbian/Son)

Serenity Deida (she/her) is a sophomore NIU B.F.A. in acting student excited to be performing in her first NIU production. She has appeared in the 24-Hour Play Festival at NIU. She is so grateful for her family and friends who have supported her.

Ahyanna Addison (Lennex/Murder #3/Doctor)

Ahyanna Addison (she/her) is a third-year B.A. major in theatre studies. This is my second production here at NIU. I debuted in Anxious People (Nurse, Tired, Family 1) directed by Alys Dickerson in the spring of 2024. I have had so much fun working with the cast. Shoutout to Peter for taking us on this tragic, yet hilarious journey. Thank you to everyone who is a part of this production. I want to shoutout to my family for continuing to love and support me through everything. I hope you all enjoy the show.

Peter Andersen, Director is a recent graduate of Carnegie Mellon University’s M.F.A. directing program. He is also a graduate of Emerson College where he obtained his B.F.A. in acting. Formerly, he was the education manager at Writers Theatre in Glencoe. He has also worked at Steppenwolf Theatre Company as the education apprentice and multicultural fellow.

Directing projects include: The Kennedy Plays, 21, a rock-musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s As You Like It, The American Myth, At Your Own Risk, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Queer Shakespeare, The Cafe Collections, O/A: The Sophocles Project, As You Like it, Macbeth, Measure for Measure. He has also worked at Chicago Shakespeare, TimeLine Theatre, Huntington Theatre Company, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Yale Repertory Theatre, Writers Theatre, and American Players Theatre as an assistant director.

As an actor he has performed in several seasons at Shakespeare & Company (Lenox, Massachusetts); Actor’s Shakespeare Project (Boston); and Company One (Boston); he has also performed in New York City and Chicago.

Alicia Margerum (she/her) Scenic Designer is a third year M.F.A. student at Northern Illinois University. Some of her scenic design credits include Big Love and Witch at Northern Illinois University as well as Red, Once on this Island, and All American Boys at Mississippi State University where she completed her undergraduate degree. She is thankful to have worked on this show with such an amazing team.

Ski Sciaraffa (they/them) Costume Co-Designer is a second-year M.F.A. costume and props design candidate. They are excited to debut their first costume designs here at NIU. Credits include props designer for Witch (NIU), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (NIU), The Drowsy Chaperone (SPD); costume craftsperson for The Three Musketeers (Montana Shakespeare in the Parks) and She Kills Monsters (NIU); stitcher for Booked and Blessed…or BUST! (NIU) and The Children’s Hour (NIU); costume designer for The Actor’s Garden’s productions of Becky Thatcher, Off to Olympus, Just So, and Pots & Pan. They would like to thank their family, friends, professors, and colleagues for their immense love and support.

Max Garcia (he/him) Assistant Lighting Designer is a second-year B.F.A. design and technology student at Northern Illinois University. This is the first production he will be assistant designing, and third show at NIU. Credits include board operator for A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Witch. Max is ecstatic to be working alongside so many talented people here at NIU and hopes to keep learning and moving upwards in his work. He would also like to thank his Mom, sister, partner, and friends for supporting him through this journey and for their dedication to him as he is to them.

Mike Kozel, Assistant Lighting Designer is a third-year B.F.A. design technology student. This is his first main stage at NIU. Last year I designed lighting for Anxious People in The Sally (Stevens Players Theatre).

Adam Rager, Technical Director is a graduate student in technical direction. Adam is a member of IATSE Local 102 out of Evansville, Indiana. He graduated from the University of Southern Indiana in 2008. Since graduation, Adam has worked for theatres across America, including, Bigfork Summer Playhouse in Bigfork, Montana, Meadow Brook Theatre in Rochester, Michigan, and Gateway Summer Playhouse in Bellport, New York just to name a few. Adam would like to thank his wife Brianna Rager for her support through this rough and crazy adventure and his family for putting up with him since birth.

Stanton Davis (he/him) Fight Choreographer serves as the head of voice speech and dialects at Northern Illinois University. He studied at the Professional Theatre Training Program at the University of Delaware. He has acted, directed, coached and taught at theater institutions across the United States.

Elizabeth Nowak (they/them/theirs) Dramaturg Is a second-year theatre studies and anthropology double major. Their passions include dramaturgy, museum curation, creating props and conducting research. Credits include dramaturgy for NIU’s spring 2024 production of Witch and flight crew for NIU’s fall 2023 production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Madie Barnas (she/her) Stage Manager is a second year B.F.A. student in the design and technology program at Northern Illinois University. This is her first official show she has stage-managed here at NIU. You may have seen her as the assistant stage manager for last semester’s production of Booked and Blessed… or BUST! This past summer she was the assistant stage manager for Starlight Theatre’s production of The Color Purple. She would like to thank her amazing friends and family for their constant support and hopes that you enjoy the show!!

Sania Henry, Assistant Stage Manager is a third year B.F.A. acting candidate at Northern Illinois University. This is her first time assistant stage managing a production at NIU. Credits include The Caucasian Chalk Circle, Anxious People, and We Live Together, a short film. She is grateful for the opportunity to expand her knowledge within the theater industry, and especially thankful for the cast inviting an amazing first experience.

Scenery

Scenic Coordinator – Sahin Sahingolu
Scene Shop Supervisor – Adam Rager
Scene Shop Graduate Employees – Emery Foster and Bridget Kearbey
Scene Shop Undergraduate Employees – David Mortenson, Mike Kozel, Sasha Norman, Jade Doherty
Student Technicians – THEA 295, 395 Students
Run Crew – Sasha Norman (Deck Head), Michael Kocher, Reese Rodriguez and Monet’ Johnson

Costumes

Costume Design Advisor – Jeremy W. Floyd
Costume Director – Lori Hartenhoff
Costume Shop Supervisor – Elizabeth Galba
Costume Shop Graduate Employees – Ski Sciaraffa and Kylee Galarneau
Costume Shop Employees – Leni, Alyssa Altadonna, Natalie Shank, Lexi Foelker, Emily Christianson
Costume Shop 395 Students
Student Technicians – THEA 210, 235, and 295 Students
Wardrobe Supervisor – Kylee Galarneau
Costume Crew – Lexi Foelker, Kyan Muhammad, Naija Sherwood, Sameer Stockley, Jay Gonzalez, Francesca Ryan

Lighting

Lighting Design Advisor – Brandon Wardell
Resident Head Electrician – Chris Kurszewski
Lighting Shop Graduate Assistants – Ross Wheeler, Bridget Kearby
Lighting Shop Employees – Logan Bryant, Conall Doherty, Kateri Pfeiffer
Student Electricians – THEA 210, 241, 295, and 395 Students
Light Board Operator – Payton Shields
Sound Board Operator – Kayleena Lopez

Properties

Properties Director – Dave Doherty
Properties Graduate Assistants – Alicia Margerum, Ski Sciaraffa
Properties Shop Employees – Elizabeth Nowak, Sasha Norman, David Mortenson
Properties Shop 295/395 Students – Danisha Gilmore, Blake Jablonski, Sonya Dunn, Nina Kasman

Production Management

Technical Direction Advisor – Tracy Nunnally
Production Assistants – Kev Kollmann, Paul Lang
House Management Supervisor – Cornelia Hayes
House Managers – David Alvarado, Matthew Chagoya, Sophia Dimond

Richard Arnold (Emeritus)
S. Alan Chelser (Emeritus)
Judith Chitwood (Emerita)
Gibson Cima
Roxanna Conner
Stanton Davis
David Doherty
Lila H. Dole (Emerita)
Jasmine Eleazar
Jeremy W. Floyd
Paula Frasz (Emerita)
Elizabeth Galba
Kent Gallagher (Emeritus)
Kathryn Gately (Emerita)
Alexander Gelman
Richard Grund
Hannah Hammel
Lori Hartenhoff
Jennifer Ingle-Grund
Paul Kassel
Chris Kurszewski
Paige Larkowski
Marc Macaranas
Bethany Mangum-Oles
Lorri Marshall
Kay Martinovich
Terrence McClellan (Emeritus)
Angela A. Miller
Randall Newsom (Emeritus)
Tracy Nunnally
Richard Poole (Emeritus)
Adam Rager
Patricia Ridge (Emerita)
Deborah Robertson (Emerita)
Michel Rodriguez Cintra
Sahin Sahinoglu
Stephanie Sailer
Robert Schneider (Emeritus)
Sarita Smith Childs
Brandon Wardell