DESCRIPTION
Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre Company Audition Announcement:
The Importance of Being Earnest
By Oscar Wilde
Directed by Courtney Emerson
Assistant Director and Stage Manager: Laura Casertano
It’s America 2004, and societal pretension is at an all-time high. Two best friends, Jack and Algernon decide to live double lives as “Earnest” to escape the pressures of being rich, popular, and like, totally fetch. Amid secret identities, hilarious chaos, and unexpected romance, Jack and Algy will finally discover the vital importance of being earnest – like you’ve never seen it before.
Auditions will take place on Monday, April 7, and Tuesday, April 8, from 6:30 to 10:30pm in The Learning Center, Building G, at Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301.
To make an audition appointment email Courtney Emerson and Laura Casertano at earnestSIST@gmail.com with preferable time slot and we will accommodate as best as possible.
Performances will take place outside in front of the Music Hall Annex on the grounds of Snug Harbor Cultural Center on the following dates:
Friday, June 13 – 8:00pm
Saturday, June 14 – 8:00pm
(Rain Date: Sunday, June 15 – 8:00pm)
Friday, June 20 – 8:00pm
Saturday, June 21 – 8:00pm
(Rain Date: Sunday, June 16 – 8:00pm)
All roles are open. Looking for 8-9 actors with strong comedic timing to bring this Oscar Wilde classic into the Y2K! Please prepare a contemporary comedic monologue - memorized is preferred, but we'd rather have you on book than not there if interested in auditioning. A majority of the rehearsals will be held on the evenings of Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, with some flexibility.
This production is interested in having a diverse cast and actors of color and Latinx descent are encouraged to audition.
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN:
EARNEST/JACK WORTHING - (20s-30s) A seemingly responsible and respectable young man, who leads a double life as Ernest in London, while keeping up appearances as Jack in the countryside while looking after his ward, Cecily.
ALGERNON MONFRIEFF - (20s-30s) The charming, amoral, and witty best friend of Jack Worthing, who will do just about anything to wiggle his way out of unpleasant social obligations, including making up a fictional friend, “Bunbury”.
GWENDOLYN FAIRFAX - (20s-30s) Algernon’s sophisticated, intelligent, and utterly pretentious cousin, and Jack’s dream girl, who proclaims she will only marry a man named Earnest.
CECILY CARDEW - (20s-30s) Jack’s ward who, like Gwendolyn, is also drawn to the name Earnest, intrigued by the made up friend that Jack tells her about in London.
LADY BRACKNELL - (40s and up) Algernon’s snobbish, high society Aunt, and overbearing mother to Gwendolyn. Her primary goal in life is to see her daughter well married to an “eligible young man” of which she does not consider Jack to be.
MISS PRISM - (40s and up) Cecily’s rigid governess, who harbors a soft side and entertains romantic feelings for Dr. Chasuble.
REV. CANON CHASUBLE, D.D. - (40s and up) The rector on Jack’s estate. Dr. Chasuble entertains secret romantic feelings for Miss Prism.
LANE - (30s and up) Algernon’s comedically “proper and uptight” manservant.
MERRIMAN - (30s and up) The butler at the Manor House, Jack’s estate in the country. May be doubled with LANE.
DURATION
Apr 10, 2025 -
Jun 22, 2025
SALARY
$100.00 – $100.00
per gig
