Special to 1812Blockhouse
The Renaissance Theatre is seeking video submissions for Rent which is set to run from October 6 – October 15. This performance will be set Stage-On-Stage, where limited 120 seats are set onstage with the actors within the Historic Renaissance Theatre making this an intimate presentation of the favorite musical.
Auditions will not be in person and video submissions can be sent online. Interested actors are asked to submit 16-32 bars of a pop/rock song or musical theatre song in the style of the show. The submission deadline is July 20th. All named roles will be compensated and actors from out of town will be provided housing. Rehearsals for Rent begin September 11, 2023. Rent will be directed by Ryan Shealy (Spring Awakening, Next to Normal, [title of show]) with Music Direction by Jacob Poiner (Spring Awakening, Next to Normal, [title of show]).
Rent is a musical by Jonathan Larson set in New York’s Lower East Side. Based on Puccini’s La Boheme, this rock opera is a bohemian romance under the shadow of AIDS in the early 90s. Premiering in 1996, Rent gained critical acclaim and won several awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Musical. It has become a musical theatre classic that celebrates those on the fringes of society.
We are actively seeking performers of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, body types and abilities for all roles.
ROGER DAVIS: 20-25. Male presenting. A struggling musician and former drug addict, he is reminiscent of Kurt Cobain. Roommates with Mark, he battles with being HIV-positive and the death of his girlfriend. Vocal range top: A4 Vocal range bottom: F2
MARK COHEN: 20-30. Male presenting. Underfunded and underground filmmaker and video artist. He has turned his back on his affluent upbringing and is deep in his own soul-searching. Vocal range top: G4 Vocal range bottom: A2
MIMI MARQUEZ: 18-21. BIPOC, Female presenting. Dancer at the Cat Scratch Club and Roger and Mark’s neighbor. Savvy and independent, but with dark secrets. Vocal range top: E5 Vocal range bottom: Eb3
TOM COLLINS: 25-35. BIPOC, Male presenting. Philosopher, teacher, anarchist, AIDS activist. A computer genius and liberal professor, he is a nurturer with a smooth and relaxed disposition. Vocal range top: A4 Vocal range bottom: F#2
ANGEL DUMOTT SCHUNARD: 20-30. BIPOC, any gender identity. An eccentric street drummer with an incredible gift of dance and magnetic personality. Warm, loveable, and nurturing. Vocal range top: A4 Vocal range bottom: C3
MAUREEN JOHNSON: 20-25. Female presenting. A downtown performance artist. Funny and wild, she is always the life of the party. Vocal range top: F5 Vocal range bottom: C4
JOANNE JEFFERSON: 25-35. BIPOC, Female presenting. A public interest lawyer with wry humor and sardonic wit. Headstrong, smart, and purposeful in all her decisions. In a tumultuous relationship with Maureen. Vocal range top: E5 Vocal range bottom: G3
BENJAMIN COFFIN III: 25-35. Male presenting. Former roommates with Mark, Roger, and Collins, he is now the landlord of the building. Traded in his personal morals for power and wealth.Vocal range top: F#4 Vocal range bottom: Bb2
ENSEMBLE: All ethnicities and all genders. 20s-30s. Strong pop/rock singers to play citizens of Alphabet City, the parents of Mark, Roger, Mimi and Joanne, Support Group attendees, and others.
For additional information or if you are interested in submitting an audition, visit https://rentickets.org/audition to learn more. The Renaissance Performing Arts Association is a 501c3 non-profit organization located at 138 Park Avenue West in Mansfield, Ohio. For tickets and information, visit our website or contact the box office at 419-522-2726.
Source, Photo: Renaissance Performing Arts Association
