AUDITIONS

Auditions for

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST

by Oscar Wilde

directed by Stefan Fisher

We invite you to audition for our March 2027 production, The Importance of Being Earnest.

About the Show

What happens when two wealthy bachelors lead double lives to escape their social obligations? In Oscar Wilde’s legendary comedy The Importance of Being Earnest, Jack and Algernon have each invented a fictional persona—the elusive "Ernest"—to slip away from their everyday responsibilities. However, their web of lies begins to unravel when they both fall in love with women who claim they can only love a man named Ernest.

From secret identities to a misplaced handbag, this "trivial comedy for serious people" is a whirlwind of sharp wit, romantic chaos, and the hilarious lengths people go to for love.

Widely considered the funniest comedy in the English language, this show is a masterclass in razor-sharp wit, mistaken identity, and high-society absurdity.

What We are Looking For

We are seeking a vibrant, diverse comedic ensemble of 8 actors with excellent verbal dexterity, sharp physical comedy skills, and a love for fast-paced banter. Age ranges are relatively flexible, so if you can credibly play the role we will consider you. We encourage actors of all backgrounds to audition!

Key Information

  • Performance Dates – Mar 12-20, Sunnyvale Theatre

  • Audition dates – Nov 13 (In-Person Monologues) and Nov 14 (In-Person Callbacks) at BADCo’s studio in Santa Clara.

  • If you are out of town or for any other reason cannot be at the In-Person Monologues, you can also send us a self-tape (video recording) of your Monologue. There are plenty of helpful videos on YouTube on how to make a self-tape. The last date for submitting your self-tape, if that is what you are opting for, is Nov 10.

  • Run-throughs and Tech – Feb 14 to Mar 11.

  • Rehearsals will begin in January and will be held at BADCo’s studio in Santa Clara. We typically rehearse on two weekday evenings and two weekend days.

  • To be considered for a role in this play you should have good availability from January onwards. You must be available during the full run-through, tech, and performance dates above.

Auditions

Self-tape or Monologue Auditions

Once you fill out the Audition Form below, you will receive a monologue. In-person Monologue Auditions are on Nov 13 at BADCo’s rehearsal studio in Santa Clara. Please come prepared to deliver your monologue from memory. A sign-up sheet will be sent by email to to schedule your 5 minute monologue slot.

If you are out of town or for any other reason cannot be at the In-Person Monologues, you can also send us a self-tape (video recording) of your Monologue. The last date for submitting your self-tape, if that is what you are opting for, is Nov 10.

For the self-tape and in-person monologue, and later in the Callbacks, we will be looking for voice projection, enunciation, expression, movement and comedic timing. And of course, fit with the character.

Callbacks

If you have been in the cast of a recent BADCo production, you may skip the Self-tape and Monologue Auditions and come straight to Callbacks.

Callbacks for the English cast will be held on Nov 14, from 10am to 11:30am, at the BADCo studio.

For Callbacks you will receive sides from the script on evening of Nov 13. 

Even if you are coming straight to Callbacks, you must fill out the Audition Form below. If you are not available for the Callbacks on Nov 14, please let us know. At the discretion of the director, we may schedule a separate audition for you.

Roles

The age ranges below are for guidance only. If you can credibly play the role, we will consider you.

Here are the roles we are looking for:

  • Jack, Algernon - male, mid 20s to late 30s

  • Gwendolen - female, early to mid 20s

  • Cecily - female, 18, but “admits to twenty at evening parties.”

  • Chasuble - male, 50s to late 60s

  • Miss Prism - 40s to 50s

  • Lane/Merriman - male, any age (to be played by the same actor)

  • Lady Bracknell - precast

We are a non-union company. All roles are unpaid, volunteer positions. For more information, please reach out to us at auditions@badco.art.

AUDITION FORM