The Importance of Being Earnest - Audition Information

JACK WORTHING (Male, late 20s – early 30s)

In the country, Jack is the serious, responsible guardian of Cecily. However, in London, he is a dashing playboy who goes by the name Ernest. He is planning to propose to Gwendolen.

Download Jack’s Sides
Act 1 (pg. 4 – pg. 5)
Act 1 (pg. 7 – pg. 9)
Act 1 (pg. 11 – pg. 12)
Act 1 (pg. 14 – pg.16)

ALGERNON MONCRIEFF (Male, mid – late 20s)

Algernon has not worked a day in his luxurious life. He’s charming, witty, self-indulgent, and adept at avoiding responsibility (and creditors). He is keen to meet Jack’s wealthy ward, Cecily.

Download Algernon’s Sides
Act 1 (pg. 4 – pg. 5)
Act 1 (pg. 7- pg. 9)
Act 2 (pg. 21- pg. 22)
Act 1 (pg. 2 – pg. 3)

LADY BRACKNELL (Female, 50-65 years old)

Lady Bracknell is loud, rigid and obsessed with social status. A Victorian force to be reckoned with, she is Gwendolen’s mother and Jack’s absolute nightmare.

Download Lady Bracknell’s Sides
Act 1 (pg. 14 – pg. 16)
Act 3 (pg. 37- p.38)

GWENDOLEN FAIRFAX (Female, mid – late 20s)

Gwendolen is a confident socialite who is slightly rebellious and wildly superficial. She is Lady Bracknell’s daughter, and her passionate desire is to marry a man named Ernest.

Download Gwendolen’s Sides
Act 1 (pg. 11- pg. 12)
Act 2 (pg. 29 – pg. 31)

CECILY CARDEW (Female, 18 to mid- 20s)

Young, romantic and bored to death in the country, Cecily yearns for excitement. According to her guardian Jack, she is far too interested in his wild (and imaginary) brother, Ernest.

Download Cecily’s Sides
Act 2 (pg. 21- pg. 22)
Act 2 (pg. 29 – pg. 31)

MISS PRISM (Female, 50-70 years old)

Miss Prism is Cecily’s tutor. She wrote a novel in her younger days and now has a no-so-secret crush on the rector of the local parish, Dr. Chasuble.

Download Miss Prism’s Sides
Act 2 (pg. 19)
Act 2 (pg. 19 – pg. 20)
Act 2 (pg. 22 – pg. 24)

DR. CHASUBLE (Male, 50-70 years old)

Dr. Chasuble, the local rector, loves a good christening. He staunchly defends priestly celibacy while secretly harbouring romantic feelings for Cecily’s tutor, Miss Prism.

Download Dr. Chasuble’s Sides
Act 2 (pg. 19 – pg. 20)
Act 2 (pg. 22 – pg. 24)

LANE (Male, 40-70 yrs old)

Lane is Algernon’s long-suffering butler. He strives to remain professional- but often struggles to hide his impatience.

Download Lane’s Side
Act 1 (pg. 2 – pg. 3)

MERRIMAN* (Male or female, 30-50 years old)

Merriman is Jack’s servant. Professional, with a playful spark. Appears in Act 2 and at the beginning of Act 3.

*This role requires a fair amount of physical comedy. (Dancing, cake in the face) 

Download Merriman’s Side
Act 2 (pg. 25 – pg. 26)
Act 2 (pg. 31 – 32)* (Physical comedy example)

THE INSPECTOR* (Male or female 30-50 years old)

The Inspector often stops by to speak to Algernon about his gambling debts and propensity for dining and dashing around London. A cheerful and agreeable person. Appears in Act 1 and at the end of Act 3.

Download The Inspector’s Side
Act 1 (pg. 16 – pg. 17)

*These two roles (Merriman and The Inspector) could be combined.

Also: at least 2 choristers are needed for the opening scene. May be done in silhouette. (Perhaps Merriman/Inspector and Lane)