THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST
May 1 – May 10, 2026
Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest” is a satirical comedy that playfully critiques Victorian societal norms, particularly those surrounding marriage, identity, and the superficiality of the upper class. As such, the play revolves around two gentlemen, Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, who have both created fictional personas to escape the monotony of their lives.
Written by OSCAR WILDE
Performance Information
Performed live at the California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg, CA
- Friday, May 1 @ 7:30 pm
- Saturday, May 2 @ 7:30 pm
- Sunday, May 3 @ 2:00 pm
- Monday, May 8 @ 7:30 pm
- Saturday, May 9 @ 2:00 pm
- Sunday, May 10 @ 2:00 pm
Tickets
Tickets can be purchased directly through the California Theatre Box Office.
- Single Tickets – $18 – $25
- Season Tickets (4 Show Packages) – $72 – $98
- Group Rates – available for groups of 20 or more for a single event.
Call the Box Office for assistance.
To purchase tickets, visit www.tickets831.com or call 925-427-1611.
Production Team
Directed by GREGORY BROWN
Produced by MICHAEL WILSON
Auditions
Auditions are held in person and video submissions are accepted as well. Videos must be recieved by Monday January 5, 2026 by 5 pm for considerations.
- Initial Auditions: Monday and Tuesday, January 5 & 6, 2026
- Half-Hour Blocks beginning at 7:00 pm with four actors per block. Please make sure to fill in blocks if possible before starting a new block.
- Location: TBA, Pittsburg, CA
- Callbacks: Thursday, January 8, 2026 if necessary by invitation.
Audition Links
Use this link to sign up for an audition appointment.
What to prepare
- Review the “The Importance of Being Earnest” Audition Packet.
- Select and prepare a monologue of your choice from one of the provided sides.
- Complete the Audition Application found in the same audition packet and bring with you.
- Headshot is optional but appreciated.
- Be prepared to do a cold read from the script.
Character Descriptions
- John “Jack” Worthing, J.P., aka Ernest, 30’s, is a wealthy young gentleman who takes life seriously. He is a friend of Algernon whose behavior he sometimes deplores. Jack is Cecily’s guardian and is in love with Gwendolen Fairfax.
- Algernon Moncrieff, 30’s, is the brilliantly witty and blithely selfish nephew of Lady Bracknell and cousin to Gwendolen Fairfax. He is Jack’s best friend and is in love with Cecily Cardew.
- Gwendolen Fairfax, 20’s, is Algernon’s young, aristocratic, and charmingly superficial cousin and Lady Bracknell’s daughter. She is in love with Jack.
- Lady Bracknell, 55 +, is domineering, cunning, mercenary, and snobbish. She is Gwendolen’s mother, and she means to see her daughter well-married. A formidable woman, Lady Bracknell is used to having her own way in all ways.
- Cecily Cardew, 20’s, is a young woman given to romantic fantasies and intrigued by the wickedness of Jack’s brother. She is the simpler, more innocent country girl to Gwendolyn’s sophisticated city girl.
- Rev. Canon Chasuble, D.D. (Doctor of Divinity), 55 +, is the pleasant rector on Jack’s estate and has a crush on Miss Prism.
- Miss Prism, 50 +, is Cecily’s pedantic governess. She is somewhat puritanical, but her softer side leans toward Dr. Chasuble. She once wrote an important novel.
- Lane, 30 – 40’s, is Algernon’s manservant.
Cast
To Be Announced.
Credits
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com.