The Importance of Being Earnest 

By Oscar Wilde  

Audition Packet

Actors,

Thank you for your interest in auditioning for the Priory Player’s winter production of The Importance of Being Earnest. This is arguably Oscar Wilde’s most well produced play, and for good reason; it has beautiful language, sarcastic digs, and a very sassy old lady! Due to the wordiness of the script, this play will be challenging to tackle. However, with work, when the words come alive, this play is A LOT of fun! I’m excited to start working on it! As always, within this audition packet, you will find a simple breakdown of the characters, important dates during the rehearsal process to be aware of, an audition form that you need to fill out and bring to auditions, and the scenes you will read from during the audition. These scenes do not need to be memorized, but it is a very good idea to become as familiar with them as possible so you don’t fumble over the words. If you have questions please email me at pdickerson@saintanselms.org. I look forward to seeing you at auditions! Character Breakdown John (Jack) Worthing: Jack is the play's protagonist and the play's most sympathetic character. He was found in a handbag on a railway line, and feels less at home in aristocratic society than does Algernon. He lives in the country but has invented a wicked brother named "Ernest" whose scrapes require Jack's attendance in the city. He is also in love with Gwen and is prepared to do whatever it takes to win her. Algernon Moncrieff: Algernon, the foil to Jack, is a hedonist who has created a friend named Bunbury whose status as a permanent invalid allows Algernon to leave the city whenever he pleases. He believes this activity, "Bunburying," is necessary, especially if one is going to get married-something he vows never to do until he meets Cecily. Rev. Canon Chasuble D.D.: An Episcopal priest and rector, Chasuble frequently visits Jack's country house to see Miss Prism whom he is quite taken with. He seems well matched for her educated wit. Merriman*: Jack's butler, Merriman has a less significant role than Lane has, but in one scene he and another servant force the bickering Gwendolen and Cecily to maintain supposedly polite conversation.

Lane*: Algernon's butler delivers a number of droll lines which show that he is far from a passive servant. Lady Bracknell**: Lady Bracknell is the antagonist of the play, blocking both potential marriages. She embodies typical Victorian classism; she does not allow Gwendolen to marry Jack when she finds out he is an orphan, and she dislikes Cecily as a mate for her nephew Algernon until she learns that Cecily is wealthy. Hon. Gwendolen Fairfax: Gwendolen is Lady Bracknell's daughter, and is the object of Jack's romantic attention. Though she returns his love, Gwendolen appears self-centered and flighty. Like Cecily, she desires nothing but to marry someone named Ernest. Cecily Cardew: Cecily is Jack's ward and lives with him in the country. Young and pretty, she is favored by Algernon, who pretends to be Jack's brother Ernest. Cecily has heard about this brother, and has written correspondences between the two of them for months by the time she meets Algernon/Ernest. Like Gwendolen, she is only interested in marrying a man named Ernest. Miss Prism**: Miss Prism is the Cecily's governess. She obviously loves Chasuble, though the fact that he is a priest prohibits her from telling him so directly. *= Small Role **= May be played by either a male or female actor. Important Dates Tuesday Jan 16th: Auditions 3:45-5:45pm Devine Theatre Wednesday Jan 17th: Callbacks 3:45-5:45pm Devine Theatre Thursday Jan. 18th: Cast posting and ALL CAST MEETING 4pm-5:45pm Devine Theatre Wednesday Feb. 14th: Middle School Auditions, NO REHEARSAL Monday Feb. 19th: Presidents Day, NO REHEARSAL Saturday Feb. 24th: OFF BOOK DAY! Friday March 2nd: St. Anselm’s Basketball Tournament begins POSSIBLY NO REHEARSAL Thursday March 8th: St. Anselm’s P/T Conferences, STILL HAVING REHEARSAL 3:45-5:45 Friday March 9th: St. Anselm’s P/T Conferences, STILL HAVING REHEARSAL 3:45-5:45 Saturday March 10th: Tech Rehearsal Day #1 10am-4pm ALL ACTORS CALLED Sunday March 11th: Tech Rehearsal Day #2 1pm-5pm ALL ACTORS CALLED ** IF NEEDED Thursday March 15th: Invited Dress Rehearsal for Cast/Crew Dinner Friday March 16th: Opening Night! 8pm Actors Called at 6:15 Saturday March 17th: Performance #2 8pm Actors Called at 6:15 Sunday March 18th: Final Performance 2pm Actors called at 12:15 Monday March 19th: SET STRIKE 3:45-5:30pm ALL ACTORS MUST ATTEND

Audition Form

(Please print as neatly as possible and bring to auditions)

Name:_________________________________________Form:_____________________

Phone Number and Email:_______________________________________________________

Parents Phone# and Email:_______________________________________________________

Performance History; (Please list any experience you have regarding Music, Acting or Dancing)

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

List any particular role you’d like to be considered for?_____________________________________

This production will rehearse Monday-Friday from 3:30-5:30pm, but not all actors will be called

everyday. Do you have any winter/spring sports practices or other after school activities that

may conflict with rehearsals? Please describe the conflict and indicate what days of the week

you will not be able to rehearse.

Conflict________________________________________________________________________

Please indicate any conflicts that will be reoccurring every week.

Mon. Tues. Wed. Thur. Friday

Are you in St. Anselm’s Men’s Choir? Yes_____ No_____

Please list any “one-time” conflicts that will take place during the rehearsal process (Concert,

doctor’s appointment, college visit etc…)

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

There will be an all cast meeting/rehearsal on Thursday Jan. 18th from 4:00-5:45pm. Will you

be able to attend Yes________ No________

The *tech rehearsals for this production will take place on Saturday March 10th and Sunday

March 11th. Will you be able to attend this rehearsal? Y____ N____

Audition Sides Below you will find three different audition sides. You do not need to memorize anything for auditions, but I suggested choosing one that involves a character you are hopeful to play and learn it well. I would like to see you use the language and the humor, and that is best accomplished if you are very familiar with the scene. I would also like you to try and use a British accent. I know there are many different types of British accents, but I’m not looking for them to be perfect. We will work on accents during the rehearsal process, so just try your best and have fun! You may choose any side(s) you like and any character within that side but consider the following: If you would like to play Jack, Algernon, Chasuble, Lane or Merriman look at Side #1 If you would like to play Jack, Algernon or Bracknell** look at Side #2 If you would like to play Gwen, Cecily or Miss Prism look at Side #3 ** Gentlemen, if you would like to audition to play Lady Bracknell, you may audition as her in Side #2 Lastly, HAVE FUN AND DO YOUR BEST! I want to see big choices, and that you are willing to try anything. Try and understand the character and what they want in the scene and GO FOR IT!