OPEN AUDITIONS CHRISTCHURCH

The Court Theatre, Christchurch’s 2020 production of

RENT
Book, Music and Lyrics by Jonathan Larson
Directed by Lara Macgregor
Musical Direction by Richard Marrett

Auditions: 2 November, 2019
Callbacks: 3 November, 2019
REGISTER INTEREST by email to Susan Rendall at The Court Theatre
susan.rendall@courttheatre.org.nz
by 5pm Monday 14 October, 2019

In 1996, an original rock musical by a little-known composer opened on Broadway… and forever changed the landscape of American theatre. Two decades later, Jonathan Larson’s RENT continues to speak loudly and defiantly to audiences across generations and all over the world. And now, this Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award®-winning masterpiece is destined to ignite The Court Theatre’s stage in 2020. A re-imagining of Puccini’s La Bohème, RENT follows an unforgettable year in the lives of seven artists, in a 1990’s New York City ravaged by the AIDS epidemic, as they come to terms with their place in an increasingly uncertain world.
With its inspiring message of joy and hope in the face of fear, this timeless celebration of friendship and creativity reminds us to measure our lives with the only thing that truly matters—love.


Please prepare two songs (you may only be asked to perform one): 


1. A Pop / Rock song in the style of the show.

2. A song of your choice from the show.

3. A short monologue (3 min maximum) of your choice. U.S accent optional.

Please have sheet music, in the correct key, for the pianist. Music must be in a binder or neatly taped together. No a cappella auditions. There are no playback facilities available for backing tracks.


Please submit a recent headshot, resume and contact information with your application.


Dance auditions will be held at callbacks.


CHRISTCHURCH SEASON

REHEARSAL DATES: 11 May - 12 June

SEASON DATES: 13 June - 11 July (with possible extension)

Roles Available:
All roles require confident rock/pop singers

Angel Dumott Schunard (Lead): Drag Queen, 18-30
The eccentric HIV-positive street drummer. A drag queen with an incredible gift of dance and a magnetic personality. He becomes Tom's lover.
Ethnicity: All Ethnicities

Benjamin Coffin III (Lead): Male, 21-35
The landlord of Mark and Roger's apartment building. A former roommate in the loft, Benny traded in his personal morals for power and wealth.
Ethnicity: All Ethnicities

Joanne Jefferson (Lead): Female, 18-35
A public interest lawyer and headstrong lesbian. She is smart and purposeful in all her decisions. Carries on a tumultuous relationship with Maureen.

Mark Cohen (Lead): Male, 18-35
Filmmaker and video artist. Knee deep in his own soul-searching, Mark is the typical young artist. He and Roger are roommates in the loft. A bit of a nerd.

Maureen Johnson (Lead): Female, 18-35
An unpredictably zany performance artist. Maureen oozes sexuality and used to live in the loft. She has recently dumped Mark for Joanne.

Mimi Marquez (Lead): Female, 18-35
An HIV-positive stripper with drug addictions. Slender and sickly, she conceals it all at her job in the local strip club. She lives in the same building as the loft.

Roger Davies (Lead): Male, 18-35
A struggling musician and former drug addict. He is reminiscent of Kurt Cobain. Roommates with Mark in the loft and battles with being HIV-positive.

Tom Collins (Lead): Male, 18-40
A computer genius and liberal professor. He is a nurturer with a smooth and relaxed disposition. Used to be a roommate in the loft and is HIV-positive.

Mrs. Cohen (Ensemble): Female, 40-55
Mark's Mom, also plays Homeless Woman with Bags, Sue, Vendor, Police Officer.

Mr. Jefferson (Ensemble): Male, 40-60
Joanne's Dad, also plays Police Officer, Support Group Member 2, Homeless Man, Vendor, Cook, Drag Queen, The Pastor 

Mrs. Jefferson (Ensemble): Female, 40-55
Joanne's Mom, also plays Homeless Woman with Bags, Mrs. Jefferson, Sue, Vendor, Police Officer.

Steve (Ensemble): Male, 25-40
Also plays Support Group, Police Officer, Drunk Santa 2, Junkie, Host, Halloween Costume

Gordon (Ensemble): Male, 18-40
HIV - Support Group Member, also plays Salvation Army Santa, Gordon, Drunk Santa 1, Vendor, Security Guard

Cy (Supporting): Male, 35-45
A gender-flipped version of Paul from the original, also combined with soloist 1), also plays Homeless Person, Vendor, Roger's Mother.

Homeless Woman 2, Ali, Vendor, Police Officer, Cook, Angel's Mom, Mimi's Mother (Ensemble): Female, 40-55

Alexi Darling (Ensemble): Female, 30-45
Producer of a sleezy news show, also plays Police Officer, Pam, Vendor, Homeless Woman 1, Coat Vendor, Server, Angel's Sister, Halloween Costume.

Junkies/ Dancers (Ensemble): Males & Females, 18-45

Support Group (Ensemble): Males & Females, 18-45
The AIDS support group attended regularly by Angel. Some featured Singers in this group. Strong Singers