Footlite Musicals is proud to announce open auditions for RENT, directed by Isaac Becker-Chamberlin and produced by Susan Bott, with choreography by Conner Becker-Chamberlin and vocal direction by Markell Pipkins.

You are required to fill out our online audition form either in person or ahead of time here: Footlite Musicals Audition Form (click here)

Please bring 16-32 bars of a song that shows off your vocal range, with sheet music in the correct key for the provided accompanist.

There will be a dance/movement portion of the audition. A video will be provided to learn the audition choreography ahead of time.

Those auditioning may be asked to read excerpts from the show.

We welcome performers of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, body types, abilities, and backgrounds to audition. We especially encourage LGBTQ+ performers and performers of color to audition as we seek to authentically reflect the diversity and spirit of community at the heart of RENT.

This is not a youth production. Auditioners must be 18 and over.

Please list all conflicts on your audition form. You may not have conflicts after April 30. The number of conflicts listed may impact casting decisions.

If you have any questions regarding the audition process, please contact the director at isaacwbecker@gmail.com.

PRODUCTION STAFF:

Director – Isaac Becker-Chamberlin
Choreographer – Conner Becker-Chamberlin
Vocal Director/Conductor – Markell Pipkins
Asst. Director – Kennedy Wilson
Asst. Director/Stage Manager – Jeremy Crouch
Producer – Susan Bott
Dramaturge – Shannon Rehmel
Intimacy Director – Olivia Mozzi
Technical Director– Ted Jacobs
Props Designer – Shari Jacobs
Scenic Designer – Rachael Jacobs
Costume Designer – Etta Biloon
Makeup Designer – Cameron Grant
Lighting Designer – Maria Matters
Sound Designer – Jake Talty

MARK COHEN
Stage Age: Early to late twenties
Vocal Range: Tenor (A2–G4)
Mark is an aspiring filmmaker who documents the lives of his friends while struggling to find his own place in the world. Roger’s roommate and Maureen’s ex-boyfriend, he is intelligent, quirky, and often more comfortable observing life through his camera than participating in it. Though deeply loyal to his friends, Mark struggles with feelings of isolation and survivor’s guilt. Requires a strong singer and actor with good movement skills for “Tango: Maureen.”

ROGER DAVIS
Stage Age: Mid-twenties to early thirties
Vocal Range: Rock Tenor (F2–A4)
Roger is a struggling rock musician and former drug user living with HIV. Following the death of his girlfriend, he has withdrawn from the world, determined to write one meaningful song before he dies. His developing relationship with Mimi challenges his fears of intimacy, loss, and vulnerability. Requires an excellent singer with a strong rock sound and the ability to portray emotional depth. Guitar skills are preferred but not required.

MIMI MÁRQUEZ
Stage Age: Late teens to early twenties
Vocal Range: Alto/Mezzo-Soprano (E♭3–E5)
Mimi is a young nightclub dancer living with HIV and struggling with heroin addiction. Confident, passionate, and determined to embrace life, she develops a complicated relationship with Roger. Beneath her bold exterior is a young woman seeking love, connection, and stability. Requires a strong singer, dancer, and actor who can balance Mimi’s confidence and vulnerability.

BENJAMIN COFFIN III (BENNY)
Stage Age: Twenties to thirties
Vocal Range: Baritone/Tenor (B♭2–F#4)
Benny is Mark and Roger’s former roommate who has married into a wealthy family and become their landlord. His newfound financial success puts him at odds with his former friends, who see him as having abandoned their bohemian ideals. Ambitious, confident, and pragmatic, Benny is caught between his past friendships and his desire for success. Requires a strong singer and actor.

MAUREEN JOHNSON
Stage Age: Twenties to thirties
Vocal Range: Soprano Belt (C4–F5)
Maureen is a bold, charismatic, and unpredictable performance artist who thrives on attention and challenging authority. Mark’s ex-girlfriend and Joanne’s current partner, she is flirtatious, outspoken, and fiercely independent. Her larger-than-life personality brings both excitement and conflict to her relationships. Requires an excellent singer and actor with strong comedic instincts, stage presence, and comfort with same-sex physical intimacy.

JOANNE JEFFERSON
Stage Age: Mid-twenties to early thirties
Vocal Range: Soprano Belt (G3–E5)
Joanne is an intelligent, ambitious, and confident public interest lawyer from a politically connected family. Grounded and practical, she often finds herself at odds with the unpredictable nature of her girlfriend, Maureen. Beneath her composed exterior, Joanne struggles with jealousy, vulnerability, and her desire for a stable relationship. Requires an excellent singer and actor with good movement skills for “Tango: Maureen” and comfort with same-sex physical intimacy.

TOM COLLINS
Stage Age: Late twenties to late thirties
Vocal Range: Baritone/Tenor (F#2–A4)
Collins is a brilliant computer scientist, professor, and anarchist who returns to New York and reconnects with his former roommates. Warm, compassionate, and deeply loyal, he forms a loving relationship with Angel. Living with HIV, Collins faces tremendous loss while remaining a source of strength and compassion for his friends. Requires an exceptional singer and actor capable of conveying both tenderness and profound emotion, particularly in “I’ll Cover You (Reprise).” Must be comfortable with same-sex physical intimacy.

ANGEL DUMOTT SCHUNARD
Stage Age: Early to late twenties
Vocal Range: Tenor with Falsetto (C3–A4)
Angel is a charismatic street percussionist and drag performer whose generosity, humor, and compassion bring people together. Living with HIV, Angel embraces life with joy and fearlessness, forming a deeply loving relationship with Collins. A vibrant presence within the community, Angel becomes an emotional center of the story. Requires an exceptional singer, actor, and dancer with strong stage presence, physical stamina, and the ability to perform confidently in heels. Must be comfortable portraying a drag performer and with same-sex physical intimacy.

FEATURED ENSEMBLE (12 PERFORMERS)

Stage Ages: Early twenties to sixties
Vocal Ranges: All vocal ranges sought
Casting: 6 masculine-presenting and 6 feminine-presenting performers

The ensemble is an essential part of RENT, bringing the diverse and vibrant community of New York City’s East Village to life. These 12 performers will take on multiple featured characters throughout the production, with opportunities for solo singing, speaking roles, and movement. From the powerful harmonies of “Seasons of Love” and “Will I?” to the energy of “Christmas Bells” and “La Vie Bohème,” the ensemble plays a vital role in telling this story.

Featured roles include:

Feminine-presenting tracks (6): Mrs. Cohen, Mrs. Jefferson, Alexi Darling, Mimi’s Mother, Roger’s Mother, Life Support members, homeless individuals, street vendors, and bohemians.

Masculine-presenting tracks (6): Mr. Jefferson, Gordon, Steve, Paul, Pastor, Squeegee Man, The Man (drug dealer), police officers, street vendors, and bohemians.

Featured vocal opportunities include the iconic solos in “Seasons of Love,” along with additional solo and small-group singing throughout the show. Performers should be strong singers and actors who can portray a variety of characters. Movement skills are encouraged.

Specific character doubling and vocal assignments will be determined during the casting and rehearsal process.