Open Auditions! No Experience Needed!!!

Ever have a secret desire to be in the spotlight? Do you have a yearning to act in a play? Are you just itching to perform in front of a live audience? However, you didn't know how to go about it? Well, now here is your chance. The Village Players of Hatboro will be holding open auditions for the comedy, "I Hate Hamlet" by Paul Rudnick. The playhouse is a local, community, nonprofit organization dedicated to the performing arts for over 60 years. All work is voluntary.

The auditions are open to anyone. No experience is needed. In fact, first timers are encouraged to try out for the show. Many of our productions feature actors in their debut performances. If you're looking for a place to get your foot in the door for some theater experience, this is the place. Mark your calendars, auditions will be held on Sunday March 13th at 7:00 p.m. and Tuesday, March 15th at 7:30 p.m.

The plot of “I Hate Hamlet”: After coming to New York to play Hamlet in Shakespeare In The Park, unemployed TV star Andrew Rally soon gets an offer to return to the small screen. TV or not TV? That is the question. The ghost of John Barrymore appears. He has returned to this “mortal coil” to convince our hero to take on the role and change his life.

The following folks are needed:

• Andrew Rally (late 20s/early 30s): A popular TV star whose series has just been cancelled. He has reluctantly moved into John Barrymore’s apartment and agreed to take on the role of Hamlet for a Shakespeare In The Park production, even though he has no interest.
• John Barrymore (30s-50s): The ghost of the famous larger-than-life actor whose mission is to convince Andrew to play Hamlet.
• Deirdre McDavey (mid 20s/early 30s): Andrew’s naive girlfriend from a privileged background, a hopeless romantic, and the cause of Andrew’s sexual frustration. She is overjoyed that her boyfriend is going to play Hamlet, much more than he is.
• Felicia Dantine (30s-50s): Andrew’s real estate broker, who is fascinated with the world of theater and claims to have a sense of the supernatural. Ability to do a New York accent is a plus, but not required.
• Gary Peter Lefkowitz (30s): Hot-shot LA TV writer/producer/director with no true appreciation for theater, especially Shakespeare. He tries to entice Andrew with the promise of a new starring role in a sitcom.
• Lillian Troy (55+): Andrew’s agent, who has had a history with John Barrymore. She is frank with a dry sense of humor. Ability to do a German accent is a plus but not required.

The director of “I Hate Hamlet” is Jim Balcerek, who directed “The Senator Wore Pantyhose” recently at the playhouse. Auditions will be a cold read from the script. No monologues. No experience needed. There are no paid positions. All work is voluntary. For any questions, contact the director at j_p_312@yahoo.com.

If treading the boards is not your style but you’d like to work backstage, the playhouse is always looking for help. Set construction, lights and sounds, stage managing, costumes, concessions and many other positions always need helping hands. No experience is needed. You’ll learn as you go. All work in voluntary. All you need is time and desire!

“I Hate Hamlet”, opens on Friday, June 10th and runs Friday and Saturday nights until Saturday June 25th. There are two Sunday matinees at 2 o’clock on June 12th and 19th. The Village Players of Hatboro is a non-profit community theater located in residential Hatboro at 401 Jefferson Avenue near County Line Road between Jacksonville and Warminster Roads. Visit www.thevillageplayers.com for more information and updates.