Auditions
Open Auditions
Progress auditions are open to members, all ex-members, and non-members residing within 10 miles of Progress.
If you are cast for a show, you will need to become a member, this is for legal and safety reasons.
Inclusion
Progress Theatre is committed to the principles of inclusion, and roles are open to all, including any age, gender identity, disability or ethnicity. Although some characters may be historical figures, auditionees of different ethnicities, disabilities and gender identities are encouraged to audition. We are committed to improving our access to all and would love to welcome you to the Progress community. Please get in touch at [email protected], to let us know if you have any access/inclusion requirements or concerns including (but not exclusive to): disability, gender, race, sexuality, gender identity, age, or financial aid.
Auditions for The Importance of Being Earnest – Oscar Wilde
Renowned as Oscar Wilde’s finest and best-loved romantic comedy, The Importance of Being
Earnest is a hilarious tale of double lives and mistaken identities. With romance and
misadventure at every turn, this classic is given new life in the Reading Abbey Ruins, against
a backdrop of the Gaol in which Wilde was imprisoned.
This production will provide an excellent opportunity for strong, comedic actors – presence
and projection will be important as this is an open air production, and we may (depending
on the weather!) explore the at the auditions.
It will be a true ensemble production, with each cast member expected to help (up to their
own physical limitations) with the Get In, Get Out and daily set up and pack down at the
Ruins during the run.
AUDITION DETAILS:
- Sunday 24th March 2:30pm at Progress Theatre, The Mount, Reading RG1 5HL
- Wednesday 27th March at 7:30pm at Progress Theatre, The Mount, Reading RG1 5HL
Call-backs possibly on Wednesday 3rd April.
Rehearsals begin w/c 15th April
Performances 17 th -27 th July at Reading Abbey Ruins
There is no need to prepare anything for the auditions, but pieces can be requested in
advance by emailing [email protected]
Please complete an audition form here before attending.
CHARACTERS:
All ages are approximate – it will be more important to cast strong performers & strike the
right dynamic between characters.
John Worthing (Jack) – Male, 20s-40s
A seemingly responsible & respectable man, who leads a double life. Cecilys guardian, he is
in love with Gwendolen.
Algernon Moncrieff – Male, 20s-30s
A charming, idle gentleman, cousin of Gwendolen & best friend of Jack. He is witty, selfish,
and has an imaginary friend “Bunbury” who he uses to get out of boring obligations.
Rev. Canon Chasuble – Male 40s-60s
The rector on Jacks estate. He harbours secret feelings for Miss Prism.
Merriman, Butler – Male, Any age
A smaller role, but integral to the plot.(May double with Lane)
Lane, Manservant – Male, Any age
A smaller role, but one with comic impact. (May double with Merriman)
Lady Bracknell – Female, 40s+
A woman with huge presence, Gwendolen’s Mother. She is snobbish & domineering,
focussed on securing a good marriage for her daughter.
Gwendolen Fairfax – Female, Late teens – 30s
Gwendolen is sophisticated, intellectual, and highly pretentious. She is in love with Jack, but
will only marry a man named Earnest.
Cecily Cardew – Female, Late teens – 30s
Cecily is charming, imaginative – a nature lover and a romantic. She is in love with Algernon,
but also fantasises about marrying a man named Earnest.
Miss Prism – Female 40s-60s
A very straight laced governess, who hides a secret attraction for Chasuble.