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THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNESTPlay | Comedy
Directed by Megan Johnston
AUDITIONS:
Location: Corn Stock Theatre Center
Friday, November 14th
6:00P - 9:30P
Saturday, November 15th
1:00P - 5:00P
Callbacks (if needed) will be on Saturday (after auditions end). You do not need to attend both days, however, if you audition on Friday, you may be called back Saturday.
First Meeting: Monday November 17th at 6P
Show Dates: February 13-15 & 20-22
WHAT TO EXPECT AT AUDITIONS:
This will be an open audition, everyone is invited to audition. Please arrive at the beginning of each session and plan to stay until the end. No monologues are required, sides will be provided.
Once you arrive, please fill out the audition form including the conflict calendar. We will take your picture after you have completed your audition form.
Once everyone has filled out the form, we all will gather and begin auditions. Director Megan will give character descriptions for each character, and before each side she will explain the context of the scene.
SHOW SYNOPSIS:
Set in the late 1800s, when high society, sophistication, pursuit of marriage, and courting was expected of everyone; this witty and satirical story revolves around two high society gentlemen and the intelligent and incomparable ladies they are courting and are madly in love with.
But, both men have a secret, an alter ego and a fictitious friend that they utilize to avoid the societal expectations of them; so that they can do whatever, whenever they please.
And, in true farcical fashion, nothing gets past the ladies! They are incredibly witty and intelligent, and both are absolutely obsessed with the name “Ernest”.
This will be a study in breaking the 4th wall, engaging the audience with displays of slapstick, comedial farce, funny and witty word play, silly and obsessive romance. I expect much fun to be had; there will be intimate scenes; I will also be adding non-speaking roles as costumed servants of the household who will be expected to move set pieces in a ridiculous and choreographed manner.
Will you join us for this rom/com turned farce to tell the story about the hypocrisy and satire of Victorian times?
CHARACTERS:
Note: We ask that actors auditioning for Jack, Algernon, Gwendolyn, Cecily, Miss Prism & Chasuble be open to intimacy. Please contact Director Megan Johnston at [email protected] for more information on intimacy needs of each character.
Algernon - The debonair and "decorative" gentleman, or so he appears; he is drowning in debt but somehow manages to maintain his public image with the use of what he calls "bunburying". Madly and curiously in love with Cecily. He is brilliant, witty, however a bit selfish.
Presenting Gender: Male
Age: 20s-30s
Jack - The sophisticated and respectable protagonist, guardian to Cecily, and completely in love with Gwendolyn. Jack also maintains a double life however does not see it the way Algernon sees it.
Presenting Gender: Male
Age: 20s-30s
Lane - Well-mannered stiff but loyal servant to Algernon (knows all of his secrets-think Alfred type of character!)
Presenting Gender: Any
Age: Any
Lady Bracknell - Respectable high society but overbearing and authoritarian. She is the satire and hypocrisy of the aristocracy, but under that mask is someone who cares deeply for her Gwendolyn.
Presenting Gender: Female
Age: 40+
Gwendolyn - Charming and sophisticated, pretentious and the model of late 1800s fashion. She is absolutely fixated on the name Ernest and will not under any circumstances marry a man with any other name!
Presenting Gender: Female
Age: 20s-30s
Chasuble - The "doctor of divinity", the rector catches the eye of Miss Prism, and agrees to christen the gentleman at their bequest, however he questions their motive.
Presenting Gender: Male
Age: 40+
Prism - The fussy governess of Cecily, sweet and loyal to Jack. A dreamer, much like Cecily. Very interested in Chasuble.
Presenting Gender: Female
Age: 40+
Cecily - Cecily is the ward of Jack. Slightly psychotic, very intelligent, vivid imagination and a hopeless romantic.
Presenting Gender: Female
Age: 20s-30s
Merriman - The butler of Jack's estate in the country. Ordered around by Cecily and oftentimes is stuck in awkward situations!
Presenting Gender: Any
Age: Any
Staff 1 - This role will have no lines but have comedy scenes. Must be able to move set pieces as a team, learn choreographed movements.
Presenting Gender: Any
Age: Any
Staff 2 - This role will have no lines but have comedy scenes. Must be able to move set pieces as a team, learn choreographed movements.
Presenting Gender: Any
Age: Any
Staff 3 - This role will have no lines but have comedy scenes. Must be able to move set pieces as a team, learn choreographed movements.
Presenting Gender: Any
Age: Any
PRODUCTION STAFF:
Director: Megan Johnston
Assistant Director: KT Ryan
Stage Manager: Chris Peterlin
Costumes: Paula Graves
Production Secretary: Aubrey Welch
Props: Kristin Whitaker, Theresa Black
Hair & Makeup: Amy Williams
Lights: Wayne Carey
IMPORTANT NOTE: In an effort to keep Corn Stock a safe space for minors, it is the theatre’s policy to conduct a background check for all volunteers. If you are cast in the production, Corn Stock will need your full legal name, email address, and phone number before rehearsals can proceed. An outside company (InquireHire) performs all background checks by sending you an email and/or text message with a link to fill out the necessary background check form. All information is sent through a secure server and CST sees none of your information. Background checks only flag crimes against children and no other records. Casting will be made official pending a successful background check.
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