THE IMPORTANCE

[full length] TYA. As a group of high schoolers rehearses for a production of THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, they come to realize what’s really important.

“One must be serious about something if one wants to have any amusement in life.” - Oscar Wilde, THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST
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THE IMPORTANCE

Recommended by

  • Aly Kantor:
    22 Oct. 2023
    This is how you write a play for high school-aged actors. Somehow, this large ensemble play is filled with specific, well-developed characters on their own tiny journies, each the protagonist in their own story. I cared about EVERY CHARACTER! Not only are their voices easy to distinguish and track, but each one gets a phenomenal stand-out monologue moment that will give young actors the opportunity to really, truly perform. The drama is authentic, the dialogue is real and consistently funny, and the playwright never condescends or telegraphs anything. I wish I was a teenager performing in this play. Fantastic!
  • Matt Harmon:
    14 Feb. 2023
    This is one of my favorite plays I have read in an incredibly long time. Everyone (educator or not) needs to read this script and help high schoolers find solace in Accuardi's words.
  • Rich Rubin:
    16 May. 2022
    Thoroughly enjoyed reading this! So smart, so funny ... though truly chilling here and there, like real life. Absolutely pitch-perfect for a high-school cast. Brilliantly constructed satire with a big heart and a compelling, uplifting message. Very deserving of wide production. Brava!

Character Information

  • DREW
    In 11th grade. Got the part of John (Jack) Worthing.
  • TANNER
    In 12th grade. Got the part of Algernon Moncrieff.
  • JULES
    In 12th grade. Got the part of Gwendolyn Fairfax.
  • SLOAN
    In 10th grade. Got the part of Cecily Cardew.
  • GREER
    In 11th grade. Got the part of Lady Bracknell.
  • SAGE
    In 11th grade. Got the part of Miss Prism.
  • PEYTON
    In 10th grade. Got the part of Rev. Canon Chasuble.
  • EVAN
    In 10th grade. Got the part of Lane.
  • ASHTON
    In 9th grade. Got the part of Merriman.
  • RILEY
    In 12th grade. Got the part of... the under butler? What?
  • MORGAN
    In 11th grade. The props master.
  • NICO
    In 11th grade. The stage manger.
  • KAI
    In 12th grade. The costumer.
  • VICK
    In 12th grade. The student director.
  • CHARLIE F.
    In 9th grade. Crew.
  • CHARLIE Q.
    In 10th grade. Crew.
  • BLAKE
    In 11th grade. An outsider. Dating Jules.

Development History

  • Commission
    ,
    Franklin High School in collaboration with Teen West Theatre Project
    ,
    2020

Production History

  • High School
    ,
    daVinci Arts, Portland OR
    ,
    2023
  • High School
    ,
    Ida B. Wells-Barnett High School, Portland, OR
    ,
    2023
  • High School
    ,
    Jerome High School, ID
    ,
    2022