Auditions for Playhouse 2000 shows are roughly 8-12 weeks prior to the opening weekend of the show. Everyone is invited to audition, but we do our best to work very professionally. Actors should expect approximately 6 weeks of rehearsals. A full rehearsal schedule is typically available after auditions. Auditioners for each show are only expected to attend one audition session unless specially informed about call-backs.
Auditions
The Importance of Being Earnest, October 4-20, Auditions August 18 at 2:30 pm and August 19 at 6:30 pm
Performances: October 4-20
Director Emily Olson will be looking for 4 women and 5 men of varying ages for the roles listed below.
No preparation is required, however reading the script prior to the audition is highly recommended. Scripts are available for check out in the Playhouse 2000 office, or the script can be found online at the following website: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/844/844-h/844-h.htm.
Auditions will consist of readings from the script. Audition sides will be made available here on the website for your convenience about a week before the auditions, but no preparation is necessary. At the audition you may be asked to read for characters other than the one(s) for which you are auditioning, or from additional scenes not provided here.
We are planning to perform the play using the Standard British or Received Pronunciation (RP) dialect. The study and practice of the dialect will be part of the rehearsal process. You are not required to use it at the audition, but you are welcome to do so if you wish.
The ages listed are for the characters, not necessarily the performers portraying them. We welcome and encourage performers of all ages, ethnicities, body types, and genders to audition.
Packet of Audition Sides for The Importance of Being Earnest
CHARACTERS:
John (Jack) Worthing (Male, age: late 20s-mid 30s) – The play’s protagonist. Jack Worthing is a wealthy young man who leads a double life. He is responsible and serious “Jack” in the country, where he owns an estate and is the sensible guardian to his ward, Cecily Cardew. In London, he assumes the identity of his own fictitious brother named “Ernest,” and leads a more carefree life. Jack is in love with his friend Algernon’s cousin, Gwendolen Fairfax.
Algernon Moncrieff (Male, age: late 20s-early 30s) – The play’s secondary hero. Algernon, often called Algy, is Jack’s charming, idle, dandy bachelor friend who lives in London. He is the nephew of Lady Bracknell, cousin of Gwendolen Fairfax, and best friend of Jack Worthing, whom he has known for years as “Ernest.” Algernon is brilliant, witty, and given to making delightful paradoxical and epigrammatic pronouncements. He also leads a double life, inventing a sick friend named “Bunbury” whom he visits in the country to escape social obligations.
Gwendolen Fairfax (Female, age: early to mid-20s) – Gwendolen Fairfax is the sophisticated, intelligent, and somewhat self-centered cousin of Algernon Moncrieff. She is the object of Jack’s affection, and dreams of marrying a man named Ernest, believing it to be a name that “inspires absolute confidence.” Gwendolen is determined and strong-willed, particularly in matters of love. She is an aristocratic arbiter of high fashion and society, utterly pretentious, and charmingly superficial.
Cecily Cardew (Female, age: early 20s) – Cecily Cardew is Jack Worthing’s ward, a young and imaginative girl who lives in the countryside where she is educated by her governess, Miss Prism. Cecily is innocent and romantic, but smart and strong-willed. She is intrigued by the idea of wickedness. She has created an elaborate fantasy romance and courtship with Jack’s fictitious brother, Ernest.
Lady Bracknell (Female, age: 45-65) – Lady Bracknell, Gwendolen’s mother and Algernon’s aunt, is a domineering and snobbish aristocratic woman with strict views on social class and marriage. She married well, and her primary goal in life is to see her daughter do the same. Like her nephew, Lady Bracknell is given to making hilarious pronouncements, but where Algernon means to be witty, the humor in Lady Bracknell’s speeches is unintentional. She is a comedic figure, embodying the absurdity of social pretensions.
Miss Prism (Female, age: 45-65) – Miss Prism is Cecily Cardew’s governess, a prim and somewhat pedantic woman who harbors romantic feelings for Dr. Chasuble. She is an endless source of dull platitudes and clichés. Puritan though she is, Miss Prism’s severe declarations have a way of going so far over the top that they inspire laughter. Miss Prism represents the Victorian ideal of respectability and propriety, though with a humorous twist as she is revealed to have a rather surprising past.
Reverend Canon Chasuble (Male, age 45-65) – Dr. Chasuble is the local rector to Jack’s country estate who has a shy and awkward romance with Miss Prism. He is a pleasant, earnest and somewhat absent-minded clergyman who provides comic relief in his interactions with other characters. Dr. Chasuble’s sermons are notable for their flexibility, as he has one for every occasion.
Lane and Merriman (Males, age 35-65) – Lane is Algernon’s manservant in London, while Merriman is Jack’s butler in the country. Both characters serve to highlight the social dynamics and the humorous aspects of their masters’ lives. Lane, in particular, is known for his dry wit and subtle observations. Note: Lane only appears in Act I and Merriman only appears in Act II, so it is possible that these roles will be doubled.
A Sherlock Carol, December 6-15, Auditions October 13 at 2:30 pm and October 14 at 6:30 pm
Volunteer Behind the Scenes
Playhouse 2000 has a vibrant and very active volunteer team. Volunteers are the backbone of the theater & can never be thanked enough for all of their hard work and time spent helping to make Playhouse 2000 sensational year after year. There are many opportunities to volunteer for the theater.
Ushering
We have a wonderful team of volunteer ushers! Call the Playhouse office to see when you can usher for a Playhouse 2000 or Cailloux Theater production! Contact Susan at (830) 896-9393 ext. 302 or susan@caillouxtheater.com to get on the volunteer usher list.
Concessions
Playhouse 2000 now manages concessions during all Playhouse shows and many other performances at the Cailloux Theater. Volunteer ushers will be asked to assist with concessions during intermission.
Set Design and Construction
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays are the volunteer work days for the Cailloux. This includes building and painting scenery, hanging lights, pulling and making props, pulling and/or creating costumes, etc. Call Nick at (830) 896-9393 ext. 305 or nick@caillouxtheater.com for more information.
Office Work
We also occasionally call on volunteers for help with folding programs, stuffing envelopes, and preparing mailers. We also prepare for the nightly productions. This is a great day for someone to volunteer who maybe just had surgery or isn’t able to stand for very long. Contact Amy at (830) 896-9393 ext. 304 or amy@playhouse2000.com to get on the volunteer contact list.