CASTING CALL: RENT
Theatre Sarnia’s
“RENT”
Audition Information
AUDITION DATES
FRIDAY NOV 22nd, 6:30 to 9:30
SATURDAY NOV 23rd, 11:00-6:00
Location: STUDIO A AND B OF THE IMPERIAL THEATRE, 168 NORTH CHRISTINA STREET
Please be aware you may be asked to stay for further auditions.
Role: Roger
Male presenting, late 20’s/early 30’s
Description:
Once successful, now struggling musician who discovered he had HIV/AIDS in a note his girlfriend left him. He falls in love with Mimi but is too afraid to commit to her. Roommate and best friend of Mark. Rocker aesthetic, trying to write one last great song but struggling to find the inspiration and energy. Guitar skills are desired, but are not required.
Role: Mark
Male presenting, mind 20’s/early 30’s
Discription:
Aspiring filmmaker, narrates the show as he films the lives of his friends. Roommate and best friend of Roger and he was once Maureen’s boyfriend (who left him for Joanne). Nerdy, quirky, perhaps more comfortable viewing the world through his lens than in actively engaging in it.
Role: Tom Collins
Male presenting, late 20’s/early 30’s
Description:
Tom Collins is a proud grounded man who is smart, caring, and the backbone of his friend group. His chosen family is lifted by his positive and nurturing spirit. Tom used to be a roommate in the loft with Mark and Roger. He is also living with HIV.
Roile: Maureen
Female presenting, mid 20’s/early 30’s
Description:
A performance artist who is ready to fight, Maureen is full of well intended passion and anarchist energies which she puts into her art. She’s a former roommate of Roger, Mark, Collins and Benny. She is a member of the chosen family bringing intoxicating energy with sensual confidence. Maureen is queer and openly dating Joanne after recently breaking up with Mark. Bursting with confidence and a vivacious spirit, Maureen navigates how to be a less self-centered human that is accountable for their actions.
Role: Mimi
Female presenting, late teens/early 20’s
Description:
Mimi is an optimistic and proud latina female who wants to live each day to the fullest. She is a dancer at a local club, lives with addiction which resulted in her contraction of HIV/AIDS. She falls in love with Roger, who is unable to commit to a relationship with her. She is also Benny's ex‐girlfriend. Her addiction and intentions are often at odds.
Role: Angel
Both male & female presenting, late 20’s/early 30’s
Description:
A street musician who radiates light! Angel moves through the world as a gender nonconforming human who is living with HIV. Angel has an incredible spirit with a gift for inspiring human connection all while being a street fashion icon. Angel is magnetic and rooted in living for the moment. Angel meets and swiftly becomes Tom Collins’ partner, a connection that brings Angel into the chosen family group. Angel is the heart of the piece.
Role: Joanne
Female presenting, late 20’s/early 30’s
Description:
A driven public lawyer, Joanne comes from a conservative upper-class family. As an out and proud lesbian, she demands her own liberation. She is smart, purposeful, and grounded. She is dating Maureen Johnson. Joanne’s connection to Maureen brings her into an established chosen family where she discovers the power of being celebrated in your own community.
Roile: Benny
Male presenting, late 20’s/early 30’s
Description:
Mark and Roger's landlord and former roommate. Benny struggles to find connection with his former chosen family. He is constantly battling being a friend while pleasing his new in-laws. In spite of being seen as a sell out, Benny longs to know who he is and where he fits in his community.
Role: Ensemble
Male, Female, & Non-Binary representation
Early 20’s+
Variety of vocal range
Description:
The ensemble of this production holds the world of the show together. Ensemble members will be included in the majority of the numbers and scenes through specified characters and additional elements.
Creative Team:
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Director - Kate Hardy
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Musical Directors - Denise Chaulk & Valerie Schmidt
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Choreographers - Bethany Tiegs & Olivia Gogas
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Stage Manager - Emma Van Barneveld
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Producers - Ruth Francoeur, Justin Clendenning, & Colleen Vasey-Smith
Please fill out an AUDITION FORM HERE: RENT Audition Form and submit it.
The minimum age requirement for all people auditioning is 18 years old.
Deadline to submit an audition form is November 15th, at 6 pm. If you have any questions, please email rent@theatresarnia.org.
Show Content
This production covers topics such as: addiction, suicide, mental health, homelessness, HIV/AIDS, grief, and more.
Due to the nature of the show, the material we'll be tackling, and to ensure everyone's comfort level is respected, we'll be working with an Intimacy Director during the entire process.
Any moments of intimacy will be with the actor’s consent only and will be choreographed during rehearsals with help from the intimacy director. The audition will not include any intimacy.
Examples of intimacy:
- kissing (light to intense)
- movement of a sexual nature (range from solo to group)
- physical touch with other actors (light to intense)
- Chemistry/sexual tension
- Possible partial/simulated nudity
Important Show Dates:
Media Day: April 14th, 2025
Opening Performance: Friday May 23rd, 2025
Closing Performance: Saturday May 31st, 2025
Tech Week: Saturday May 17th - May 22nd, 2025
Rehearsals:
Read Thru: Sunday February 9th, 2025 at 6:30pm in Imperial Theatre Lobby
Rehearsal Days: February 9th - May 14th, 2025 - Sunday, Monday, & Wednesday 6:30pm-9:30pm
Financial notes:
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The following are the potential costs of participating in this show:
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Theatre Sarnia Membership $15-$20 (Required)
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Please enroll online at www.theatresarnia.org. The cost of a Theatre Sarnia Membership may be offset should you be experiencing Financial Challenges. Please contact baustin@imperialtheatre.net.
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Show Shirt $TBD (Optional)
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Creative Team Gifts ~$5-$10 (Optional)
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Cast Parties - Opening Night, Closing Night - the Venue is arranged by the Creative Teams, but Cast members are responsible for their own food and beverage purchases. (Optional)
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Should you be experiencing Financial Challenges please discuss this with your Producer, or baustin@imperialtheatre.net. A fund is available to support your participation.
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Please contact Kate Hardy - Director (kate.hardy1986@gmail.com) at (519) 466-8119 or Emma Van Barneveld -Stage Manager (rent@theatresarnia.org) with any questions.
