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Open auditions for Wilde satire

Gallery 7 needs actors and crew for The Importance of Being Ernest

Gallery 7 Theatre and Performing Arts will hold open auditions for its third production of the theatre season – the classic social satire The Importance of Being Earnest, by Oscar Wilde.

A hilarious and biting satire of Victorian morals and manners, Wilde’s most famous comedy is a masterfully written romp featuring an absurd case of mistaken identity, and explores matters of love, marriage and social status.

Middle-class socialites Algernon and Jack are bored with their existence and seek adventure by assuming alternate identities. Their charades can only go so far, however, and things really come to a head when they each decide to settle down and get married.

“Producing Wilde’s comedy is almost like a rite of passage for any theatre,” says Gallery 7 Theatre’s artistic director Ken Hildebrandt.

“At some point in a theatre’s history, you’ll produce The Importance of Being Earnest. Since we’re exploring community this season, and because the play satirizes a multitude of Victorian social norms, I felt it would be an interesting fit for us. The show will be a lot of fun for audience and cast alike.  The characters, the sarcasm and the biting wit are highly entertaining.”

The show will run in March.

“There are outstanding roles for both men and women,” said Hildebrandt.  “This play poses some fun challenges, especially in terms of language and character.”

• The audition will take place Thursday, Dec. 1 at 6:30 p.m. at the MEI Theatre, 4081 Clearbrook Road in Abbotsford. It is open to male and female performers ages 17 to 65. To book an audition, call 1-604-504-5940 or email info@gallery7theatre.com.

Backstage

Volunteers who wish to work behind the scenes as assistant stage managers, sound or lighting operation, running crew and others are also invited to attend the audition.  For more information, call 1-604-504-5940 or email info@gallery7theatre.com.