HPAC to Host Auditions for ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’

January 29, 2025

Hendersonville Performing Arts Center will hold “The Importance of Being Earnest” on Sunday, February 2nd and Monday, February 3rd.

Sign up here.

Rehearsals will start February 10th with performances March 21 – April 6, 2025.

About the Production
Summary: “The Importance of Being Earnest”
The Importance of Being Earnest is Oscar Wilde’s brilliant comedic masterpiece, filled with wit, satire, and romantic misunderstandings. The story follows two young gentlemen, Jack and Algernon, who invent fictitious personas to escape societal obligations and pursue their romantic interests. Chaos ensues as their deceptions collide, resulting in hilarious twists and revelations. This timeless classic explores themes of identity, love, and the absurdity of social conventions.

Audition Information
Sunday, February 2nd 7-9pm and Monday, February 3rd 7-9pm.

Location
HPAC – 260 W Main St. Suite #203 Hendersonville, TN 37075

Audition Requirements
Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your slot to complete an audition form.
All roles are open for casting. Please prepare a one minute monologue in the style of the show. Auditions may also consist of cold reads from the script.

Headshot and resume – optional but encouraged.

Come prepared with your conflicts from February 10th through March 21 to list on the audition form. Please be thorough; some conflicts can be scheduled around if known ahead of time.

Any questions – contact [email protected]

Available Roles
Accent requirement: Actors are required to perform in a British Received Pronunciation Accent.

All roles are ages 18 and up

Jack Worthing (Male, 20s–30s): A charming and respectable young man with a double life. Known as “Ernest” in the city and “Jack” in the country, he struggles to keep his secrets while pursuing Gwendolen. Witty and earnest, yet prone to occasional lapses of honesty. Requires strong comedic timing and ability to handle RP accent.

Algernon Moncrieff (Male, 20s–30s): A carefree, mischievous bachelor who thrives on wit and indulgence. Jack’s best friend and foil, Algernon enjoys bending social norms and inventing fictitious escapades. Falls for Cecily’s charm. Must have impeccable comedic delivery and an RP accent.

Gwendolen Fairfax (Female, 20s–30s): Elegant, sophisticated, and determined. Gwendolen is Jack’s romantic interest and has a deep fascination with the name “Ernest.” She is sharp, confident, and passionate. Requires poise, charm, and an RP accent.

Cecily Cardew (Female, late teens–20s): Jack’s spirited and imaginative ward, who longs for adventure and romance. She’s sweet, naïve, and quick-witted, with a strong romantic streak. Must balance innocence with a sense of humor and perform in RP accent.

Lady Bracknell (Female, 40s–60s): A formidable, aristocratic matriarch. She commands authority and is deeply concerned with status and propriety. Her cutting wit and memorable lines make her a comedic powerhouse. Requires commanding presence, impeccable delivery, and RP accent.

Miss Prism (Female, 40s–60s): Cecily’s earnest and slightly pedantic governess. She harbors a secret romantic interest in Dr. Chasuble and has a surprising backstory that plays a pivotal role in the plot. Requires a blend of sincerity and comedic ability. RP accent needed.

Dr. Chasuble (Male, 40s–60s): The mild-mannered and romantic local vicar. He is kind-hearted and slightly oblivious, especially in his interactions with Miss Prism. Requires subtle humor and an RP accent.

Lane (Male, 30s–50s): Algernon’s dry-witted and efficient manservant. Provides humor through his deadpan delivery and understated commentary. Requires excellent comedic timing and an RP accent.

Merriman (Male or Female, 30s–50s): The butler at Jack’s country estate. Loyal and dutiful, Merriman serves as a grounding presence amid the chaos. A smaller role with opportunity for comedic moments. RP accent preferred