Auditions for I Hate Hamlet
Directed by Bob Maddox
I Hate Hamlet follows the story of Andrew Rally in New York preparing to play the role of Hamlet for an outdoor theatre production. He wrestles with insecurities about the performance and debates if he should do it or pursue a more lucrative but less fulfilling opportunity. Things get complicated when his friends and girlfriend accidentally summon the ghost of John Barrymore, legendary actor who played the role of Hamlet previously. Barrymore then makes it his mission to prepare Rally for the role, whether he wants it or not!
AUDITION DATES
Monday, October 27, 7-9pm
Tuesday, October 28, 7-9pm
PERFORMANCE DATES
Jan. 16 - Feb. 1, 2026
Fri. & Sat. 7:30 pm
Sun. Matinee 1/25 & 2/1 at 2 pm
Please review the show and audition information below before signing up. Questions about auditions can be sent to Bob Maddox at maddox.robert@att.net.
Audition signups consist of two parts:
AUDITION PROCESS
Auditions will consist of cold reads from the script (no monologues need to be prepared).
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
ANDREW RALLY is an actor who studied drama in New York and found stardom in Hollywood playing a young surgeon in the now canceled TV show LA Medical. Before that he was famous for his role in a commercial for breakfast cereal Trailburst Nuggets. When his show is canceled he reluctantly agrees to play Hamlet in the esteemed Shakespeare in the Park series in NY. While he was confident as a television actor, he is uncertain, even terrified, about playing Hamlet. Adding to his frustration is that his long time girlfriend refuses to have sex until she knows that Andrew is her one true love.
JOHN BARRYMORE was an acclaimed actor in the early to mid 20th century. While he had a variety of stage and film credits, he was best known for the title role in Hamlet. He was a heavy drinker and quite the ladies man. In this play, his ghost appears with the help of Anrew’s real estate agent/quirky medium. Barrymore appears and tells Andrew that he is here to prepare him for the role of Hamlet and cannot leave until Andrew tackles the role.
DIERDRE McDAVEY is Andrew’s long-term girlfriend who refuses to sleep with him until she knows he is “the one”. She believes that if Andrew plays Hamlet, he will be one step closer to being her one true love. She is described as being …”irresistibly appealing, a valley girl imagining herself as a Bronte heroine”.
FELICIA DANTINE is Andrew’s real estate agent described as having a “carnal passion for New York City apartments” and speaks with a distinct NY accent. She is also a student of spiritualism and considers herself a medium. She has arranged for Andrew to rent the apartment of the late, great John Barrymore. She is convinced that the apartment is perfect given that Andrew will be playing the role that made Barrymore famous. She agrees to hold a seance to summon Barrymore to help Andrew.
LILLIAN TROY is Andrew’s talent agent. She is older, wiser and a chronic smoker who retains a touch of her native German accent. When she comes to Andrew’s apartment she claims to have been there in the 1940s when she had an affair with Barrymore. Barrymore is surprised that she can see him. With a bit of prodding, she makes Barrymore remember their affair and they find themselves laughing together and about to rekindle their romance.
GARY PETER LEFKOWITZ is the ultimate stereotype of the superficial Hollywood writer/producer/director. For him, it’s all about making big bucks. He is one of the few people who can see Barrymore, which is explained by the fact that he is so self centered, like Barrymore. Gary does not understand the appeal of theatre and encourages Andrew to take a new TV show instead.