Kentwood Players announces open auditions for RENT

Book, Music, and Lyrics by Jonathan Larson Sunday, March 19 and Monday, March 20, at the Westchester Playhouse

 

February 2, 2023

Kentwood Players will hold open auditions for Jonathan Larson's Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning musical RENT on Sunday, March 19 from 6pm to 9pm and Monday, March 20 from 7pm to 10pm at the Westchester Playhouse, 8301 Hindry Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90045. Callbacks are not planned at this time. If you are unable to attend auditions in person, video submissions to rent@kentwoodplayers.org will be accepted if provided no later than March 17.

This is a non-equity, all-volunteer production directed and choreographed by Marcus S. Daniel, musically directed by Gabrielle Maldonado, and produced by Alison Boole and Elizabeth Bouton Summerer for Kentwood Players through special arrangement with Musical Theatre International (MTI).

Performance dates are Friday, May 12 through Saturday, June 17 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm. Beginning May 20, Saturday matinees at 2pm are added and continue through the rest of the run. There are no performances over Memorial Day weekend, May 26-27-28. Auditions and performances take place at the Westchester Playhouse, located at 8301 Hindry Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90045.

Loosely based on Puccini's La Bohème, Jonathan Larson's RENT is a rock opera set in New York's Lower East Side under the shadow of AIDS in the late 80s/early 90s. The production requires raw, quirky, interesting rock singers who can channel both punk rock rage and open-hearted Bohemian love. Most importantly we are actively seeking performers of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, body types and abilities for all roles. Open and inclusive casting for every role is a top priority.

Those auditioning must be fully vaccinated, with mask wearing required indoors unless on stage. Please familiarize yourself with the show. No appointments are necessary to audition; please arrive to allow time to sign-in and complete paperwork during scheduled audition times. Please bring a current headshot and resume as well as your calendar as a rehearsal schedule will be posted and you will be asked to note any conflicts. For more information, please send an email to rent@kentwoodplayers.org.

Please prepare a song from the show and role for which you are auditioning. A pop/rock, soul, or R&B/gospel song that reflects the style of the show and the style in which that character sings is also acceptable. Be prepared to sing the entire song, however you may be asked to sing less. Please bring sheet music in the appropriate key - an accompanist will be provided. You may be asked to showcase dance or movement ability. If submitting a video audition, please sing the entire song. Please note the deadline to submit a video to rent@kentwoodplayers.org is March 17.

Character Breakdown:

MARK: (C#3-G4) Male presenting. Filmmaker and video artist. Knee deep in soul- searching,

Mark is the typical young artist. Mark and Roger are roommates in the loft. A bit of a nerd. Age:

to play 20-25

ROGER: (B2-A4) Male presenting. A struggling musician and former drug addict. Roommates

with Mark in the loft and battles with being HIV-positive. Guitar playing a plus but not required.

If you play, please bring your guitar. Age: to play 20-25

MIMI: (F#3-E5) BIPOC, any gender identity. An HIV-positive stripper with drug addictions. Very sickly. They live in the same building as Roger and Mark. Performer should be a strong dancer. Age: to play 19

BENNY: (Eb3-F4) Male presenting. The landlord of Mark and Roger's apartment building. A former roommate in the loft, Benny traded in their personal morals for power and wealth. Age: to play 20-25

MAUREEN: (C4-F5) Female presenting. An unpredictably zany performance artist. Maureen

oozes sexuality. She has recently dumped Mark for Joanne. Age: to play 25.

JOANNE: (Bb3-E5) BIPOC, Female presenting. A public interest lawyer and headstrong lesbian. She is smart and purposeful in all her decisions. Has a tumultuous relationship with Maureen. Age: to play 30-40

COLLINS: (F#2 – A4) BIPOC, any gender identity. A computer genius and liberal professor. A

nurturer with a smooth and relaxed disposition. HIV-positive. Deeply in love with Angel. Age: to play 25-40

ANGEL: (C3-A4) BIPOC, any gender identity. HIV-positive street drummer. Incredible gift for

dance and a magnetic personality. Deeply in love with Collins. if possible, please bring heels to

demonstrate your ability to move in them Age: to play 18-20.

ENSEMBLE & UNDERSTUDIES: All ethnicities and all genders. Must be great pop/rock singers and actors to play various characters throughout the show, including homeless people on the Lower East Side and parents of Mark, Roger, Mimi, Joanne, etc. The ensemble is hugely

featured and rarely off stage. Must move well. Ages: to play 18-30.

 

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