As the new school year begins, so does the Upper School theatre schedule. First on the slate of three productions for the Upper School is “The Importance of Being Ernest”. The play is a classic, written by Irish playwright Oscar Wilde. The story recounts the adventures of Jack Worthington, an English landowner and pillar of the community who lives a double life of pleasure-seeking and adventure, and at the same time, desperately wants to marry and settle down. This year’s cast will include freshman, sophomores and seniors playing the roles of Worthington, Algernon Moncrieff, Gwendolen Fairfax, Cecily Cardew, Lady Bracknell, Miss Prism, and the aptly-named Reverend Canon Chasuble.
Auditions for the play were September 10th and September 11th. Over 20 students auditioned for the play. That is an encouraging number, considering the fact auditioning can be uncomfortable at times.
Many theatre enthusiasts have mixed feelings about the audition process. “I guess it can get awkward at times. I have often found myself being the loudest one in the group, and it is slightly uncomfortable” said Josephine von Dohlen ‘15, a nine-show veteran at PA. “Not knowing if (he) will get a part or not” is what makes another PA theatre veteran, Will Nickoloff ‘15, nervous about the audition process. Fellow nine-show veteran Jordan Schilling agreed with Will. “The worst part is waiting. You’re constantly in this limbo state where you overthink and second guess every line you spoke in the audition,” Jordan said.
However, not all the comments on the audition process were negative. “Going into the audition not knowing exactly what you are going to do makes it exciting,” von Dohlen explained. “Every time you try to predict what will happen, you’re most likely surprised with something completely different than you expected,” added Connor. “That feeling you get when you feel like you got a line in the scene you’re reading completely spot on” is Jordan’s favorite part to auditioning.
These veterans encourage all students at PA to engage in some sort of performing art, with that being on stage, or behind the scenes. It’s a great way to meet new people and to have a good time.
“The Importance of Being Ernest” will be performed November 7th and 8th at 7pm.