Cottage Theatre will hold auditions on Monday, June 15 at 7:00 pm for its August production, Paul Rudnick's I HATE HAMLET, a hilarious send-up of actors, ambition, and the Bard. This show will run for three weekends (11 performances) from August 7 - 23, 2026.

This production is directed by Tony Rust. Actors are asked to come prepared to perform a short Shakespeare monologue and read from the script. Information and a registration link are available on the Cottage Theatre website. Advance registration is requested. Auditions will take place at Cottage Theatre, 700 Village Drive in Cottage Grove.

In I HATE HAMLET, we meet Andrew Rally who seems to have it all: fame from a hit TV series, a beautiful girlfriend, a glamorous agent, a dream Manhattan apartment—and the chance to play Hamlet in Central Park. But things aren't as perfect as they seem. His show’s been canceled, his girlfriend is determined to remain chaste, and he hates Shakespeare. Enter the ghost of legendary actor John Barrymore, who, fueled by ego and champagne, is dead set on coaching Andrew into theatrical greatness. What follows is a hilarious clash of ambition, art, and egos as the young actor battles Barrymore, his doubts, and a very real sword. I HATE HAMLET is a fast-paced, sharp-witted comedy that skewers the acting world while celebrating its passions.