Jewel Box Theatre

Auditions will be readings from the script.

Memorization is not required for the audition.

If you can speak with an upper class British accent, please plan on doing so for your audition. The director will determine whether accents are used in the production based on ability of those cast. 

 

If you are unable to make one of the audition dates please email the director at karenhauser66@gmail.com to make alternate arrangements.

Questions? Karenhauser66@gmail.com

 

Synopsis:

The play is a farcical comedy depicting the tangled affairs of two young men about town who lead double lives to evade unwanted social obligations, both assuming the name Ernest while wooing two young women. 

The play, set in 1895, (the present for when it was written), is celebrated for its wit and repartee. It parodies dramatic norms and satirizes late Victorian culture and manners. 

If not familiar with the play and its setting, auditioners are encouraged to avail themselves of readily available internet resources to learn more about the play’s themes and gain insight into the characters. 

 

All roles are open to all actors, comfortable portraying that character’s gender. 

Characters: 

John Worthing, J.P. - Male-presenting character, an upper-class man about town, the protagonist of the play. 

Stage age: 25-35. Play describes him as 29. 

 

Algernon Moncrieff -  Male-presenting character, friend to Worthing, also a member of the wealthy class. Stage age: 25-35.

 

Lady Bracknell - Female-presenting character, a society matron. As a former member of the lower class, she represents the righteousness of the excluded. Person cast must appear old enough to be Gwendolyn’s mother. 

 

Gwendolen Fairfax - Female-presenting character. Lady Bracknell’s daughter. In love with John Worthing. Stage age: 20-29.

 

Cecily Cardew - Female-presenting character. Worthing’s ward. In love with Algernon Moncrieff. Stage age: 18-25. Play describes her as 18. 

 

Rev. Canon Chasuble - Male-presenting character. Rector of Woolton. Any age but must be compatible age to person cast as Miss Prism.

 

Miss Prism - Female-presenting character. Governess to Cecily Cardew. Any age but must be compatible age to person cast as Rev. Chasuble. 

 

The following male-presenting characters may be doubled, i.e., one actor may play multiple roles. Age is open. 

 

Lane - Mr. Moncrieff’s manservant

Moulton - a Gardener

Mr. Gribsby - a Solicitor 

Merriman - Butler to Mr. Worthing

Footman - has no lines

 

Rehearsals will be three - four days per week. Days and times to be determined by cast availability as submitted at the audition. You will only be called for scenes you are in until we are rehearsing full acts. Entire cast expected at read through. 

 

PLEASE NOTE:

***At the audition, be prepared to provide a list of all your conflicts between January 30 - MAY 11

Also provide earliest time you can arrive at theater for rehearsals, both weekdays and weekends***

Given that Easter is the weekend before the show opens, “Tech Week” will begin during the week before Easter. 

We will not rehearse Passover or Easter weekends. 

Performances dates: Friday - Sunday, April 25 - May 11, 2025. Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm, Sunday matinee at 2 pm.