The directors are unveiling their vision for the show and the actors are learning their lines and developing their characters, finding where they need to walk or sit on stage and who they need to interact with.

Along with the excitement however is the tedium of waiting in the wings.

It can take three hours of rehearsal time to block all the characters in a three-minute scene.

This week Jeremy Kemp was waiting in the wings when we asked why he had auditioned for Macbeth.

"I wanted to try a serious play and the story has always appealed to me," Jeremy said.

"I play McDuff, a Scottish nobleman who is loyal to king Duncan.

"When Duncan is murdered I become suspicious of Macbeth.

"I am also seeking revenge for the murder of my wife and children at the hands of Macbeth's murderers.

"I see my character's loyalty and honour as a direct contrast to Macbeth's treachery and cowardice."

Jeremy was most recently seen on the Playhouse stage as Skye Masterson in last year's production of Guys and Dolls, as well as Charles Condomine in Blithe Spirit and Chief Weasel in Wind in the Willows.

He is also a current member of The Red Door Theatre Company.

Jeremy will be well worth seeing as McDuff in this production of Macbeth by the Bay Theatre Players.

Macbeth opens on Friday, July 26. Performances are 7:30pm Friday, July 26; 2pm and 7.30pm Saturday, July 27; 2pm Sunday, July 28; 7.30pm Thursday, August 1; 7:30pm Friday, August 2; 2pm and 7.30pm Saturday, August 3.

Are you able to help us?

We are seeking donations of old leather or leather look coats and jackets that you no longer need.

These will be dismantled and used to make costumes.

If you have something you would like to donate please contact Sam on 0410 525 705.

Theatre workshops

So far this term Young Adult Theatre Workshops have focused on vocal warm-ups, breathing techniques, diction, articulation and projection. For enquiries please call Lyn Sterling on 0416 181 003.

Play study

The next play study, So Much to Tell You, by John Marsden, is on tonight, Wednesday, May 15, at 7pm, at the Playhouse, 33 Gregory Street, Batemans Bay.

Marina, withdrawn into silence following a traumatic event, is set the task of writing a diary which gives insight into life in her dormitory and the difficult relationship with her father who injured her.