Please note: Actors of all ages are encouraged to audition for the roles listed below.

John Worthing, J.P. (Jack) – Late 20s. Jack is the best friend of Algernon. While he shares in some of his mania, he is more reserved and understands when it is time to reel in his behavior. He is in love with Gwendolen and will do anything to be able to marry her. Jack owns a beautiful country home.

Algernon Moncrieff – Late 20s. Algernon is fully dedicated to the pursuit of his own pleasure. He always goes a little too far over the top and let’s nothing interfere with his desire to have fun. He is very wealthy and owns a beautiful home in London. He falls in love with Cecily and must come to grips with his own games in order to marry her.

Rev. Canon Chausuble, D.D. – 50 and up. The local vicar. Mild mannered and perfectly normal, we soon discover that he has a thing for Miss Prism.

Lane (butler) – 40 and up. A cool, calm servant who fully understands his master (Algernon) and how to manage him. A delightfully understated character who occurs only in Act I. This role may be combined with Merriman.

Merriman (butler) – 40 and up. Jack’s butler. He only occurs in Act III and has a limited amount of lines. This is the perfect role for someone who would like to participate, but has limited rehearsal time. This role may be combined with Lane.

Footman – Any age. This is a walk on role that has no lines. It is a perfect role for someone who is looking for a first “on stage” experience. This role is not essential to the show and may be cut if there are no interested applicants.

Lady Bracknell – 50 and up. Lady Bracknell is frequently cast as a man for additional humor. This production will entertain both men and women interested in the part. Lady Bracknell is the aunt of Algernon and seeks to control the lives of everyone she touches. A delightfully funny role, her humor is derived from her idiosyncratic take on life and society.

Hon. Gwendolen Fairfax – Mid 20s. Gwendolen is the cousin of Algernon and she is in love with Jack. She seeks to marry him and also to fend off any other ladies who might seek to distract him. She is delightfully funny and has an unusual take on the world.

Cecily Cardew – 18–20. Cecily is the ward of Jack. She falls hopelessly in love with Algernon the moment she sees him and seeks to marry him. Cecily also has an interesting take on the world and the way it works. Another delightfully funny role.

Miss Prism – 50 and up. Miss Prism is the governess of Cecily. She has an interesting history with the vicar and holds the terrible secret that allows all the pieces of the puzzle to fall into place. She is a no nonsense sort of woman.

PLEASE NOTE – All of the characters are involved in the mistaken identities of both Algernon and Jack, each of whom professes to be someone named “Ernest”.

Additional Information:
Please be prepared to list all potential rehearsal conflicts on the audition form. Selected readings of the play will be used for the auditions. It is highly advised that auditionees be familiar with the entire play.

Perusal copies may be borrowed for a limited time. Please be aware that limited copies are available. For perusal copies or additional information, contact the Guild’s Casting Governor, Kim Donovan, at casting@playersguildofdearborn.org or (313) 561-TKTS.