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COMMUNITY
AUDITIONS
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST
A TRIVIAL COMEDY FOR SERIOUS PEOPLE
By Oscar Wilde | Directed by Piper J. Distel and Lori Robinson Distel
SHOW DATES
FEBRUARY 19-21, 2026 at KW Little Theatre
(9 Princess St East. Waterloo, Ontario, Canada)
AUDITION DATES
Saturday, November 22nd from 6:00-10:00 PM
SLOT #1 — 6:00-8:00 PM
SLOT #2— 8:00-10:00 PM
(St. Peter’s Lutheran Church; 810 King St East. Cambridge, ON.)
In this sparkling farce of mistaken identities and romantic entanglements, two young men—Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff—lead double lives to escape social convention. Jack pretends to be “Ernest” in the city, while Algernon invents an imaginary friend, “Bunbury,” to avoid tedious obligations.
When both men fall in love—Jack with Gwendolen, Algernon with Cecily—their web of lies begins to unravel in deliciously absurd fashion. Amid witty wordplay, sharp satire, and sudden revelations, Wilde’s play becomes a joyful celebration of love that defies rules and expectations.
In this queer-centred interpretation, The Importance of Being Earnest shines as a story of self-expression, chosen identity, and the liberating power of truth wrapped in laughter.
PRODUCTION INFO
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO AUDITION?
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST is open to performers ages 16+
No experience necessary. Penny & Pound Theatre is committed to offering diverse and equitable theatre to all. We highly encourage full participation from performers who identify as IBPOC, 2SLGBTQIA++, disAbled as well as those of all body types, societal and economic backgrounds and religious beliefs! We are committed to meeting the needs and expectations of all those who participate in our productions.
WHAT TO PREPARE
Nothing! The audition will consist of a cold reading from the script.
SHOW FEE
In order to participate in THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, performers are asked to pay a show fee of $60. This fee covers the costs of producing high-quality theatrical productions, and DOES NOT pay the Creative Team. If you require a payment plan, we would be happy to discuss the options. All those who pay the fee receive the following:
- 1 complimentary ticket to the show
- A professional-quality headshot
- A bound copy of the script
IMPORTANT DATES
REHEARSAL DATES
Tuesday, November 25th — 6:00-10:00 PM (Introduction)
Sunday, November 29th — 6:00-10:00 PM
Thursday, December 4th — 7:00-10:00 PM
Wednesday, December 17th — 6:00-10:00 PM
Saturday, January 3rd — 6:00-10:00 PM
Wednesday, January 7th — 6:00-10:00 PM
Thursday, January 8th — 7:00-10:00 PM
Wednesday, January 14th — 7:00-10:00 PM
Thursday, January 15th — 7:00-10:00 PM
Wednesday, January 21st — 6:00-10:00 PM
Thursday, January 22nd — 7:00-10:00 PM
Wednesday, January 28th — 6:00-10:00 PM
Thursday, January 29th — 7:00-10:00 PM
Tuesday, February 3rd — 6:00-10:00 PM
Wednesday, February 4th — 6:00-10:00 PM
Thursday, February 5th — 7:00-10:00 PM
Tuesday, February 10th — 6:00-10:00 PM
Wednesday, February 11th — 6:00-10:00 PM
Thursday, February 12th — 7:00-10:00 PM
TECH WEEK
Monday, February 16th — 5:00-10:00 PM (First Tech)
Tuesday, February 17th — 5:00-10:00 PM (Tech Dress)
Wednesday, February 18th — 5:00-10:00 PM (Final Dress)
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Thursday, February 19th at 10:00 AM (School Performance) & 8:00 PM
Friday, February 20th at 8:00 PM
Saturday, February 21st at 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM
Sunday, February 22nd at 2:00 PM
NOTE: Performers will not necessarily be called to all of the above rehearsals. Conflicts will be taken into consideration.
Performers MUST be available for the entirety of show week.
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
PLEASE NOTE: THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST may be double cast. Both casts will have equal rehearsal and performance opportunities.
JACK WORTHING | Masculine, Acting Age: 20-35
Jack Worthing is a charming, respectable young man leading a double life. In the country, he’s responsible and proper; in the city, he becomes the carefree “Ernest.” Torn between duty and desire, Jack’s search for truth and love reveals both his vulnerability and his courage to live authentically.
ALGERNON MONCRIEFF | Masculine, Acting Age: 20-35
Witty, flamboyant, and effortlessly charismatic. A master of charm and mischief, Algernon thrives on wordplay, indulgence, and bending social rules. Beneath his playful exterior lies sharp intelligence and a streak of romantic rebellion. Requires strong comedic timing and natural magnetism.
GWENDOLYN FAIRFAX | Feminine, Acting Age: 20-35
Sophisticated, confident, and delightfully headstrong. She adores romance and intellect in equal measure, with a sharp wit and impeccable poise. Gwendolen knows exactly what she wants—and isn’t afraid to chase it.
CECILY CARDEW | Feminine, Acting Age: 18-25
Imaginative, spirited, and irresistibly curious. Beneath her innocence lies a keen intelligence and a rebellious heart. She dreams in diary entries and daydreams, but her wit and willfulness make her a force of her own.
LADY AUGUSTA BRACKNELL | Any Gender, Acting Age: 55+
Commanding, formidable, and fiercely proper. A master of social codes and cutting remarks, she dominates every room with wit and authority. Beneath her iron composure lies impeccable comic rhythm and larger-than-life presence. Requires superb timing, gravitas, and bold comedic flair.
REVEREND-CANON CHASUBLE | Masculine, Acting Age: 40-65
A well-meaning clergyman with a fondness for moral reflection—and perhaps for Miss Prism. His sincerity and awkward charm bring warmth and humor to every scene.
MISS PRISM | Feminine, Acting Age: 40-65
A governess with a hidden romantic streak and a knack for moral guidance, she balances seriousness with gentle humour.
LANE | Masculine, Acting Age: 25+
Witty, dry, and impeccably discreet. As Algernon’s loyal butler, he observes society’s absurdities with quiet amusement and subtle sarcasm.
MERRIMAN | Masculine, Acting Age: 25+
Polished, efficient, and unflappably proper. The devoted butler to Jack Worthing, he manages household affairs with quiet authority and impeccable timing.