Audition Details:
Audition Dates: September 2, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Callbacks: (by invitation) September 3, 6:00 PM
Location: McInnis Theatre
Sign-Up: Audition Time Slot | Audition Form
The Concept/Vision
This fall, we are transporting Oscar Wilde’s beloved masterpiece to the grand Walmarthon Estate in St. Davids, Pennsylvania, circa 1913. We are looking for performers to bring distinctly American archetypes to life using the brisk, witty "Hollywood/Broadway" dialect of that era. Here is an example from the film Bringing Up Baby to give you a sense for the dialect variations we are shooting for.
Audition Requirements
- Sign up for a time slot and complete the Audition Form prior to arrival.
- Preparation: Please prepare and memorize ONE (1) comedic monologue, no longer than two minutes in length.
- Material: Your monologue must be selected from a play written by Oscar Wilde, one of his contemporaries, or a successor in the Comedy of Manners canon (e.g., George Bernard Shaw, Noël Coward, Arthur Wing Pinero). Please note: Monologues must NOT be selected from The Importance of Being Earnest.
- Focus: We are looking for collaborators who are ready to explore British and American archetypes, learn sharp comedic timing, and demonstrate distinct vocal dialects and physical character expressions. All of this will be explored through the rehearsal process. Simply put, be ready to learn!
- What to Bring: A printed copy of your monologue for the directorial team. Headshots and résumés are required for theatre majors/minors and highly encouraged for all others. Always best to have your headshot printed on the reverse side of your résumé.
Character Breakdown:
The "Matinee Idol." A seemingly respectable pillar of St. Davids society who harbors a scandalous double life. He possesses the dashing, leading-man charm of a silent film star, but crumbles under pressure.
The "Broadway Playboy." A fast-talking, wisecracking rogue from Philly. He is entirely selfish, brilliantly witty, and always looking for the next great amusement.
The "Silver-Screen Starlet." Sophisticated, deeply pretentious, and utterly demanding. She treats her life on the Main Line as though she is always in the center of the frame.
The "Ingénue." Jack's ward, tucked away at Walmarthon. She appears innocent but possesses a wild, dime-novel-fueled imagination and a desperate craving for theatrical romance.
The "Formidable Dowager / Producer." The ultimate gatekeeper of high society. She operates with the iron fist of a Broadway producer and the terrifying grace of old money. (Note: Role is open to performers of all gender identities).
The "Strict Moralist." Cecily’s highly pedantic chaperone. Beneath her rigid, puritanical exterior beats the heart of a melodramatic romantic. (Note: Role is open to performers of all gender identities).
The "Bumbling Intellectual." The earnest, slightly pompous rector of St. Davids. He means well but is easily flustered by the modern world and his secret affections for Miss Prism. (Note: Role is open to performers of all gender identities).
The "Deadpan Companions." The dry, fiercely observant, and thoroughly American servants who watch the chaos unfold with perfect comedic timing.
Inclusive Casting Statement:
The EU Theatre Department is committed to equitable, inclusive, and diverse casting. We highly encourage students of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities to audition. In accordance with current Actors' Equity Association (AEA) and League of Resident Theatres (LORT) guidelines, we are actively open to cross-gender casting for the roles of Lady Bracknell, Miss Prism, and Rev. Canon Chasuble. Please note that while performers of any gender identity or expression may be cast in these tracks, the characters themselves will be presented onstage as their gender assigned by the playwright. Roles will be cast based on the director's vision for character dynamics, without strict adherence to traditional casting tropes.