Be Curious.

Be Brave.

B8.

casting

B8 Theatre Company will be holding auditions on Saturday, October 26 for The Importance of Being Earnest.​

Saturday, October 26 from noon - 5:00 pm at The Campbell Theatre

636 Ward Street, Martinez  

Production Dates: May 2 - 18
Rehearsals begin March 24

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​All auditions are scheduled through SignUpGenius. Sign up for one audition slot only. If you need to cancel or change your time slot, please be courteous to other actors and use SignUpGenius to do so.

The Importance of Being Earnest
by Oscar Wilde

Directed by Becky Potter

The central story revolves around friends Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, both young men of the city and country scene and both with secrets. Jack is in love with Algernon’s cousin, Gwendolen, but Gwendolen only knows him as Ernest. Algernon falls in love with Jack’s young ward, Cecily, who assumes he is Jack’s invented brother, Ernest. Both young ladies are infatuated with the idea of loving a man by that name. To complicate matters Gwendolen’s overbearing mother, Lady Bracknell, has only the highest standards for her daughter, and a deep dark secret kept by Cecily’s governess, Miss Prism, jeopardizes the happiness of all. Cucumber sandwiches, a vicious tea, salacious diaries, and a handbag create a comedy of manners held up as one of the most beloved plays of all time.

Character Descriptions
A Note on Casting: The mission of B8 Theatre Company is to provide audiences with a fresh take on established plays and foster the creation and production of new works. The Importance of Being Earnest takes place in England in 1895 and is an established part of the classical canon. However, the intention behind this production is to create an ensemble of actors that represents the diversity of the Bay Area and we encourage actors of all gender identities, races, ages, and abilities to audition for this production. The descriptions below give an indicator of gender identity and age scripted in the text however that does not limit the actors we will consider for any given role. 

John (Jack) Worthing (Male Identifying)- 29 years old- In love with Gwendolen and guardian to Cecily. A young man of great propriety and two identities. 

Algernon Moncrieff (Male Identifying)- mid 20’s- Jack’s best friend. Cousin to Gwendolen and nephew to Lady Bracknell. A mischievous wit and dedicated Bumberist. 

Gwendolen Fairfax (Female Identifying)- 20’s- In love with Jack. Daughter to Lady Bracknell and cousin to Algernon. Romantic yet practical. She knows what she wants. 

Cecily Cardew (Female Identifying) -18 but admitting to 20 at evening parties- Jack’s ward. Young and wildly fanciful. 
 
Lady Bracknell (Female Identifying) -50’s-60’sish- The matriarch of the story. Gwendolen’s mother, Algernon’s aunt. She is a force of nature and not to be disobeyed. Able to make people jump with her voice alone.  

Miss Prism (Female Identifying) -45-60’sish- Cecily’s governess. A slightly flighty would-be novelist. 

Rev. Canon Chasuble (Male Identifying) -50’s-60’sish- The Rector in Jack’s country parish. A man devoted to both God and Miss Prism.

Merriman/Lane (Male Identifying)- Any age perhaps 30’s-60’s- These roles will be played by the same actor. Merriman is Algernon’s butler; Lane is Jack’s Manservant.

IMPORTANT NOTE: 
The Directors for the following will also be present to audition for their productions:

• The Cake by Bekah Brunstetter, directed by Scott Fryer. Produced by ZEST in association with Diablo Actors Ensemble
  
• Intimate Apparel by Lynn Nottage, directed by Carlene Coury, Produced by OnStage
  

You will be able to state your role preferences on the sign-up genius and / or your audition form filled out in person. 
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We welcome submissions of headshots and resumes at any time! Please email electronic copies to casting@b8theatre.org.

Volunteer

B8 is looking for volunteers to help out at our performances, events, and classes. If you’re interested in volunteering for B8, be sure to sign up for our mailings and check the “Volunteer Opportunities” email list.​

Project Proposal

What would you like to see B8 do? As a member of the Community, Actor, Director, Designer, or Playwright, we want to hear your ideas! Maybe you’ve found a play or musical you’d like to see, or direct, or design, or act in; there could be a director (or designer, or actor) you’d like us to consider as you think they would work well with B8; perhaps you’ve come across a playwright who might have a new work that fits in with our mission (or you’ve written something yourself!); maybe you found a piece of literature that would make a great adaptation — anything you would like to bring to our attention, we want to know about it!

Just contact Artistic Director JanLee Marshall at janlee@b8theatre.org for more information. or by mail to B8 Theatre Company, ATTN: Project Proposals, PO Box 5175, Concord, CA 94524-0175.

Stage Management & Crew

If you are interested in working with B8 on running crew, whether it be Stage Management, sound/light board operations, deck crew, or any other “behind the scenes” aspect of live theatre, we’d love to have you! No resume? Never worked stage crew before? No problem! Just send an email to Artistic Director JanLee Marshall at janlee@b8theatre.org and let us know what you’re interested in exploring!

BE involved - Work with B8

​Be Honest — Be Engaged — Be Connected — Be Heard — Be Inclusive — Be Generous — Be Curious — Be Brave — B8