AUDITIONS: The Importance of Being Earnest
2026-03-30 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-03-31 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Denver) | The Matthews Opera House – Theatre, 612 Main St, Spearfish, SD, United States
March 30th & 31st @ 5:30pm
Step into the spotlight and be part of our vibrant arts community in The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde. A trivial comedy for serious people.
No experience necessary! You will be asked to read with other participants from sections of the script previously selected by the directors. All auditions will be performed as a “cold read” (seeing the script for the first time). Auditions are also a great time to express your interest in backstage work, set building, lights and all of the other necessary skills that make a show great! Stop by if you have any interest in the action “behind the scenes” and visit with the directors.
The Importance of Being Earnest – Directed by Melita Quinonez
The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde is a sparkling comedy of manners that follows two young gentlemen, Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, who invent alter egos to escape social obligations and pursue romance. Jack leads a respectable life in the country but pretends to be a wayward brother named “Ernest” when he visits London. Algernon, equally mischievous, adopts the name Ernest himself to charm Jack’s ward, Cecily.
As their double lives collide, misunderstandings multiply, engagements are tested, and the formidable Lady Bracknell lays down the law. Through sharp wit and absurd twists, Wilde satirizes Victorian society, marriage, and the pursuit of respectability. Proving that sometimes the truth is far less important than being “Ernest.”
Performance Dates
May 14, 15, 16, 17
Thursday – Saturday • 7:00 pm
Sunday • 2:00 pm
Available Roles
Jack Worthing (Ernest): Age 25–35, A respectable gentleman who leads a double life: a responsible guardian in the country and “Ernest” in the city.
Algernon Moncrieff (Algy: Age 25–35, Jack’s friend and a witty bachelor who delights in flouting social conventions.
Rev. Canon Chasuble: Age 35+, Rector of Woolton, a local clergyman with a soft spot for Miss Prism.
Mr.Gribsby: Age 40+, Of the firm of Parker & Gribsby, Solicitor visiting to discuss Jack’s inheritance and family matters.
Moulton: Age 25+, The household gardener, present in country house scenes.
Merriman: Age 20-50, Jack’s butler; minor role but contributes to social comedies.
Lane: Age 20-50, Algernon’s loyal but dryly humorous manservant.
Footman: Age 18+, Household servant present in country or city house scenes.
Lady Bracknell: Age 40+, Gwendolen’s formidable mother, obsessed with social status and propriety.
Gwendolen Fairfax: Age 20 -30, Algernon’s cousin and Jack’s love interest; enamored with the name “Ernest.”
Cecily Cardew: Age 18-25, Jack’s young ward, fascinated by romance and Algernon’s invented persona.
Miss Prism: Age 30-40, Cecily’s governess; has a mysterious past and a sense of propriety.
