Rustic Mechanicals Return to Fairmont State Oct. 1 with Macbeth

Fairmont State University will once again welcome The Rustic Mechanicalsas they bring Shakespeare's timeless tragedy Macbethto campus as part of their 2025 Vaulting Ambition Tour. A beloved stop on every tour, Fairmont State is thrilled to host West Virginia's only traveling Shakespeare troupe, which has been performing the classics since its founding in 2014.

Tempted by a mysterious prediction, General Macbeth and his fiercely determined wife pursue power at all costs. Fairmont State alumni, real-life husband-and-wife duo and founders of The Rustic Mechanicals, Jason and Sarah Young, take on the iconic roles of Shakespeare's ultimate power couple, whose unchecked ambition threatens both their throne and their bond.

The production team features Bridget Rue Esterhuizen (Voice & Text Coach), Millie Omps (Fight Choreographer), John S. Shirley (Dramaturg), Jason A. Young (Production Design), and Niki DeWitt (Production & Tour Management). The talented cast includes Jason A. Young, Sarah Young, Joshua Brooks, Stephen Phillips, Sinead Tobin, Asa Krinov, Aaron Harris, Seret Cole, and Iris Kolenich.

James Matthews, Professor of English and Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Fairmont State, expressed excitement for their return: "Students come away from a Rustic Mechanical production with the realization that Shakespeare's characters and themes are as relevant today as they were four hundred years ago."

In addition to Macbeth, the troupe presented Shakespeare's historical drama Henry Vduring summer 2025. Their mission is to keep Shakespeare alive and accessible through innovative staging and bold casting choices that captivate audiences of all ages.

This free public performance of Macbethtakes place Wednesday, October 1, in Wallman Hall at Fairmont State University. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for a live pre-show, with the play beginning at 7:00 p.m. Community members are encouraged to support the production on The Rustic Mechanicals'Facebook page.

For booking information or production inquiries, contact The Vintage Theatre Company, LLC at (304) 566-9011 or [email protected]