Audition Announcement - RENT
January 12th and January 13th in the Lena Morton Gallery
Landmark Community Theatre will be holding auditions for the first musical of the 2025 season, RENT, on January 12th and 13thfrom 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Auditions will be held on a first come, first served basis. No appointments are necessary. Auditions will run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on both days. A dance audition will be held on the hour. After the dance audition, participants will be released. RENT is under the direction of Amy Taylor, choreography by Liam Dempsey, and stage management by Morgan Griffin. The show dates are March 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30 2025 for a total of 8 performances. Performances will be held on Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday afternoons at 2:00 p.m. Rehearsals will begin on Sunday, January 19th, and continue to be held 3-4 times a week. Rehearsal days are tentatively scheduled for Sunday afternoons from 4 pm – 8 pm, and Tuesday, and Thursday evenings from 6 pm to 9 pm. The schedule may fluctuate based on inclement weather and conflicts. Anyone cast is asked to remain flexible. Minimum age to audition is 18 years old.
All those auditioning will be required to prepare 32 bars or 1 minute of a fully memorized musical theater song in the same style as the show. Songs from RENT will be allowed. Please bring a backing track to sing to. YouTube tracks or tracks on USB drives are acceptable. Please have them cued up to the appropriate time stamp. Additional vocalizing may also be a part of the audition to determine vocal range and harmonizing skills.
Those auditioning will be asked to dance. Please wear comfortable clothing and footwear to move in. Sneakers are acceptable. Those auditioning are encouraged to bring a resume with them listing any past theatrical, dance, or relevant experience. No experience is necessary to participate.
LCT is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. As such, we encourage performers of all races and ethnicities, gender identities, sexualities, abilities, and ages to attend every audition. To performers with disabilities, you are encouraged to audition. Please indicate if you need special services, assistance, or appropriate modifications to fully participate in this event by contacting Andrea Bingham, Production Manager, andrea@landmarkcommunitytheatre.org
Plot Summary: In New York's East Village during the HIV/AIDS crisis, a group of struggling artists face poverty, illness, and eviction from their apartments. The story centers on filmmaker Mark and HIV-positive musician Roger, along with their friends: Collins and his lover Angel (both living with AIDS), Mark's ex-girlfriend Maureen and her new partner Joanne, and exotic dancer Mimi who falls for Roger. Through their battles with addiction, disease, and loss, they discover the power of chosen family and artistic expression, all set to an acclaimed rock score based on Puccini's La Bohème.
Character Breakdown:
Mark Cohen
● Age: Mid 20s
● Vocal Range: Tenor (A2-A4)
● An aspiring filmmaker documenting life in the East Village
● Jewish, awkward but endearing, observant narrator of the story
Roger Davis
● Age: Late 20s
● Vocal Range: Rock Tenor (G2-A4)
● HIV-positive former rock musician struggling to write one last meaningful song ● Withdrawn, brooding, but with deep capacity for love
Mimi Marquez
● Age: 19
● Vocal Range: Alto with Belt (F3-E5)
● Exotic dancer at Club Catscratch living with HIV and drug addiction
● Sensual, strong-willed, vulnerable beneath tough exterior
Tom Collins
● Age: Late 20s
● Vocal Range: Baritone/Bass (G2-F4)
● Gay anarchist professor of philosophy, HIV-positive
● Warm, intellectual, loving
Angel Dumott Schunard
● Age: Mid 20s
● Vocal Range: Tenor (C3-B4)
● Street drummer and drag queen living with AIDS
● Passionate, kind-hearted, vibrant spirit
Maureen Johnson
● Age: Mid 20s
● Vocal Range: Alto with Strong Belt (F3-F5)
● Bisexual performance artist and Mark's ex-girlfriend
● Dramatic, flirtatious, attention-seeking
Joanne Jefferson
● Age: Late 20s
● Vocal Range: Alto with Belt (F3-E5)
● Public interest lawyer and Maureen's girlfriend
● Harvard-educated, pragmatic, strong-willed
Benjamin "Benny" Coffin III
● Age: Late 20s
● Vocal Range: Baritone (A2-F4)
● Former friend turned landlord
● Ambitious, formerly idealistic turned corporate
Ensemble: 10 to 15 people
● Must be strong singers and movers
● Play multiple roles including homeless people, parents, support group members
● Should reflect the diverse ethnic and social makeup of the East Village
● Must handle complex harmonies and rock vocals