Summer Place Theatre in Naperville, IL is holding open auditions for actors aged 18 and up for their production of Rent!
A groundbreaking rock musical that redefined Broadway, Rent takes audiences into the vibrant yet struggling East Village of New York City, following a group of young artists navigating life, love, and creativity during the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis. With music, lyrics, and book by Jonathan Larson, this Pulitzer Prize-winning show features iconic songs such as Seasons of Love, La Vie Boheme, Take Me or Leave Me, and One Song Glory.
At the heart of the story are filmmaker Mark Cohen and musician Roger Davis, along with their circle of friends: the passionate Mimi Marquez, activist Joanne Jefferson, performance artist Maureen Johnson, philosopher Collins, and the unforgettable Angel Dumott Schunard. Together, they navigate friendship, identity, love, and loss while striving to live fully and authentically. Rent is a powerful and emotional celebration of community, resilience, and the urgency of living for today.
Music, Lyrics, and Book by: Jonathan Larson
Audition Info
Who
Directed/Choreographed by: Bianca Pietro
Music Director: Amy Jackson
Stage Manager: Bre Sakalis
Music Director: Audrey Brynda
Sound Designer: Lexi Grueneberg
Production Manager: Adam Milne
Produced by: Taylor Weisz
When
Monday, May 11th - 6:00-10:00pm
Tuesday, May 12th - 6:00-10:00pm
Callbacks: Wednesday, May 13th 6:00-10:00pm (by invitation only)
Where
Location: Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center
In addition to a headshot and resume (if you have one and have not included it in the sign up). Please prepare a 30-60 second cut of a pop/rock song, from any time period, that feels like YOU. Think along the lines of Pink, Alanis Morrissette, Pat Benatar, Joan Jett, Journey, Bon Jovi, Billy Idol, Pete Townsend, Green Day, Paramore, Fall Out Boy, The Killers, Miley Cyrus, Bruce Springsteen, My Chemical Romance, or any other song you rock out to. You can also sing from a pop/rock musical if it feels right-like Tick Tick Boom!, Hair, Spring Awakening, Next to Normal, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Jesus Christ Superstar, etc. Jukebox musicals like We Will Rock You, Rock of Ages, and Jagged Little Pill may also be helpful. Pick whatever song suits you best. The original singer's gender doesn't matter.
IMPORTANT: We genuinely want to hear you, not an impression of the cast album. RENT works best when the voices sound personal and real. A distinctive sound is a good thing, so showcase your joy and individuality! We will work with singers at callbacks to discover how their unique strengths fit the show's musical requirements.
Please bring sheet music in your selected key for the pianist. Acapella and karaoke tracks will not be accepted.
Contact Info:
Sign up here: theaterforms.com/summerplace/rent/auditionform/
If you would like to submit a video audition, please still sign up for a slot and indicate that you are submitting a video. Video auditions are due Monday, May 11th by 6:00pm and should be sent to auditions@summerplacetheatre.org
Please make sure you have completed the audition form on TheatreForms prior to submitting.