RENT AUDITION PACK

Cheltenham Operatic & Dramatic Society

Performances 13th - 20th October, 2018Cheltenham Playhouse

Production Team

Darren Garraghan – Director

Paul McLaughlin – Musical Director

Sophie Constantine – Choreographer

Pre-Audition Dates

Saturday 2nd June (1pm-5pm Swindon village primary school, Church Road, Cheltenham, GL51 9QP)

Monday 18th June (7.30pm Christ Church Hall, Malvern Road, Cheltenham, GL50 2JH)

Thursday 21st June (8pm Christ Church Hall, Malvern Road, Cheltenham, GL50 2JH)

Audition

Sunday 24 th June St Lukes Hall, St Lukes Road, Cheltenham, GL53 7JH

About Rent

In 1996, an original rock musical by a little-known composer (Jonathan Larson) opened on Broadway, it became the anthem of a generation, gaining coverage internationally, unlike any previous Broadway musical, it spoke to the ‘MTV generation’.

A re-imagining of Puccini’s La Boheme, RENT is sent in the late 80’s in New York telling the story of a group of young impoverished artists living the bohemian lifestyle struggling to survive and thrive under the shadow of the HIV/Aids crisis.

With its inspiring message of joy and hope in the face of fear, this timeless celebration of friendship and creativity remind us to measure our lives in love. Claiming that there is ‘No day but today’ the musical deals with the themes of loss, love, political unrest, sex, life and death and defiantly delivers the message to live life to the fullest and without fear.

Character Breakdown

Mark Cohen (Cast between 25-35 Male, Tenor. Vocal C3 – G4)

Star vehicle. Jewish. Narrator. Documents the real life. Ex-boyfriend of Maureen, best friend to Roger. Clean cut. Strong acting needed. Strong vocals required. Some dance skill required (Tango)

Mark is an aspiring filmmaker who narrates the show as he films the lives of his friends. Mark never leaves home without his camera. He is Roger’s best friend. Previously a boyfriend of Maureen (who has recently left him for Joanne). Mark is nerdy and quirky. He insists all he needs in this time of depression is his camera which provides a perfect hobby to capture this bleak environment. It becomes apparent that he is more comfortable viewing the world from behind the camera to separate himself from engaging within it. He carries guilt that unlike his best friends he does not have HIV/AIDS. The actor playing this role must be a strong actor/singer. He must be able to connect to the audience and confidently deliver the story as if a narrator. He dances the Tango with Joanne so good movement skills are also required.

Roger Davis (Cast between 25-35 Male, Rock Tenor. Vocal B2 – A4)

Romantic lead. Complex character. Has lived already. In love with Mimi. Edgy. Rockstar. Strong acting needed. Distinctive rock sound needed, Suffering from HIV. Looking for his purpose.

Roger is a once successful but now struggling musician. He discovered that he has HIV/AIDS through a letter his girlfriend left him before taking her own life. His main goal in life is to write one great song before he dies. He has not been able to play his guitar for a long time fearing he has lost his creativity. He falls in love with Mimi but is too afraid to commit to her knowing he may only have a short time left. Roommate and best friend of Mark. He is often depressed and sullen but can explode with passion at times which can often be delivered through anger. The actor playing this role must

be of an excellent standard. An excellent singer with a distinctive rock sound is ideal. Guitar skills are desired but not required.

Mimi Marquez (Cast between 18-25 Female. Mezzo Sop. Vocal G3 – E5.)

Romantic Lead. Exotic Dancer. Belt voice needed. Exceptionally strong acting, voice and movement needed. Huge character growth. Suffers from HIV. Drug addict. Heart of the story.

Mimi works in a strip club and struggles with a heroin addiction. This has led her to have contracted HIV/AIDS. She falls in love with Roger, but he won’t commit to her. A strong-minded individual that knows how to live for the day. An ex-girlfriend of Benny. She is extremely sexy, optimistic and likeable. An open book emotionally. Though she has grown up quickly in a very adult and depressing world she still sees the world through the eyes of a young girl. Intending to make the most of every day she sings passionately “No day but today”. The actress playing this role must be a strong singer, dancer and exceptional actress. She must be able to convincingly portray the struggles of heroin addiction, sexual promiscuity and HIV/AIDs whilst still maintaining the youthful optimism.

Tom Collins (Cast between 30-45 Male. Baritone. Vocal F2 – A4)

Supporting Lead. College Professor. Outspoken Gay activist. Openly Gay. Strong acting required. Strong vocals needed. Suffers from HIV. Love story with Angel. Soulful.

Tom Collins is a gay computer genius, teacher and anarchist who was recently expelled. In the opening scene he is mugged and left reflecting on the harsh reality of the world in which the characters now live. He is brave enough to allow himself to fall in love with Angel. They know almost instantly that they are both infected with HIV/AIDS; therefore, the relationship has very little future. Tom and Angels relationship is the heart of the characters friendship. They have genuine love and devotion for each other; this brings hope and inspiration to the entire group. They show the world how to truly live and to not be afraid. The actor playing this role must be an excellent singer. The actor must be strong and comfortable with same sex physical intimacy which will be essential. He must be able to portray a beautiful love story and genuine affection for Angel. The reprise of “I’ll Cover you” must be utterly heart wrenching.

Angel Dummot-Schunard (Cast between 20-35 Male. Tenor. Vocal C3 – A4)

Supporting Lead. Street drumming drag queen. Warm hearted. Openly Gay. Strong dance needed. Love story with Collins. Teaches others about love. Dies from HIV

Angel is a young drag queen and street percussionist. He meets and falls in love with Collins. He has HIV/AIDS and dies of the disease in act 2. As a person Angel is the most generous and selfless. Angel hands out money to the neighbourhood while dressed in Santa drag. Though he is dying he embraces life and lives to the fullest. People are naturally drawn to him and his smile lights up a room. His death Is mourned by all characters and eventually inspires them to truly live each day. As with Tom’s character the love and devotion they have for each other brings hope and inspiration to the group. The actor playing this role must be an excellent actor, singer and dancer. Must be comfortable with same sex physical intimacy. Must be comfortable portraying a drag queen including dancing in heels. Percussion skills desired but not required.

Joanne Jefferson (Cast between 25-40 Female. Mezzo Sop. Vocal C4 – E5)

Supporting Lead. Strong independent, educated lesbian. Strong vocal with belt needed. Rocky love story with Maureen. Dance skills required (Tango). Disciplined and conservative in comparison to Maureen.

Joanne is a lesbian Ivy league educated lawyer and activist. She struggles with jealousy. Maureen is flirtatious by nature and this is a difficult thing for Joanne to deal with. Though raised within an affluent, educated and political family, she is committed to helping those less fortunate. The actress playing this role must be an excellent singer and a good actor. She must be comfortable with same sex physical intimacy. Since she dances a tango with Mark, good movement skills are required.

Maureen Johnson (Cast between 20-35 Female. Mezzo Sop. Vocal C4 – F5)

Supporting Lead. Brazen, provocative and flirtatious performance artist. Bisexual. Appealing to both male and females. In love with Joanne. Ex-girlfriend of Mark. Strong stage presence. Strong vocal ability needed.

Maureen is a bisexual performance artist. Marks ex-girlfriend and current girlfriend of Joanne. She is sexy, flirtatious, sassy and funny. She is bold and speaks her mind. She is not afraid to take on the establishment with her views but airs them through abstract arts. The actress playing this role must be an excellent singer and confident actress with a nod to comedy. Laughs hardest, cries the most. Must be able to hold the stage by herself. Must be comfortable with same sex physical intimacy.

Benjamin ‘Benny’ Coffin III (Cast between 30-40 Male. Baritone. Vocal E3 -F4)

Supporting Lead. Yuppie, Rich business man. Former roommate of Mark, Roger and Maureen. Ex-boyfriend of Mimi. Bad guy turns good. Strong vocal needed.

Benny used to be Mark and Roger’s roommate and best friend. He has since moved out and married Alison Grey, a daughter of a rich real estate mogul. He is now Mark and Roger’s landlord. He has been letting them live rent free but is now forcing them to start paying or to face eviction. Roger and Mark consider him a yuppie sell out. He has had an affair with Mimi before she found Roger. While in the beginning he is caught up very much living with affluence and wealth he ultimately realises that friends are more important and something that money can’t buy. The actor playing this role must be a good singer and good actor.

Other notable roles for the cast.

Casting: 18 to 60s. Vocal Ranges: all vocal ranges sought

Carolers: There are homeless street men and women who appear throughout the show sarcastically singing Christmas carols.

Mrs. Cohen: Mark's stereotypical Jewish mother. Her voicemail messages are the basis for the songs Voicemail #1, Voicemail #3, and Voicemail #5.

Alexi Darling: The producer of Buzzline who tries to employ Mark after his footage of the riot makes primetime. Sings Voicemail #3 and Voicemail #4.

Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson: The wealthy parents of Joanne Jefferson, they leave her Voicemail #2.

Mr. Jefferson is also one of the acappella singers in Voicemail #5.

Mrs. Davis: Roger's confused mother who calls in Voicemail #5, asking continuously, "Roger, where are you?"

Mrs. Marquez: Mimi's Spanish speaking mother who sings in Voicemail #5, wondering where she is.

Mr. Grey: Benny's father in law‐ ‐ who wants to buy out the lot.

The Man: The local drug dealer whom Mimi buys from and Roger used to buy from.

Life Support Group: Paul (The man in charge of the group), Gordon, Steve, Ali, Pam and Sue. As in the original script, the roles of the life support members are encouraged to take on the names of someone they know or have known they would like to honour who has succumbed to a long-term illness.

Squeegee Man: A homeless person who chants "Honest living!" over and over.

Homeless Woman: She gets harassed by police and Mark films it. She first yells at Mark but then asks him for a dollar.

Waiter: Waits on the cast and has solo lines in La Vie Boehme.

There are also many other unnamed roles such as the preacher, soloists, cops, bohemians, vendors, homeless people. We will be looking for a diverse cast of all shapes, sizes and vocal ranges. In addition, because of the doubling up opportunities and numerous roles each ensemble member will be taking on; every member of the ensemble will be mic’d throughout the show.

Characters and potential doublings

Ensemble 1 Male- Gordon, Mr Grey, The Man

Ensemble 2 Male - Steve, Squeegee man

Ensemble 3 Female - Alexi Darling, Mrs Davis

Ensemble 4 Female - Mrs Jefferson, Seasons of love soloist

Ensemble 5 Female - Mrs Marquez, Homeless woman

Ensemble 6 Male – Mr Jefferson, Seasons of Love soloist

Ensemble 7 Male – The Waiter, Pastor

Ensemble 8 Female – Mrs Cohen

Audition PiecesMark – Halloween and What You Own

Roger – One Song Glory, What you Own and I Should Tell you

Mimi – Out Tonight and I Should tell you

Collins – I’ll Cover You Reprise, and I’ll Cover you

Angel – Today 4 You and I’ll Cover you

Joanne – We’re Okay and Take me or Leave me

Maureen – Over the moon and Take me or Leave me

Benny – You’ll See

Ensemble –Will I

Where more than one song is expected, you will be called in to sing with your opposite. Please understand the duet sections are as, if not, more important than the solo pieces; this is mainly to hear vocal blend and see how you look and work together. The expectancy from the people playing the couples is that they deliver an honest and complete performance. We want to see a connection in your audition. We are looking for actors than can deliver the songs and the story not just sing a ‘nice’ solo.

Please make all efforts to be off book for your audition. We don’t want to see your process. Actors off book will deliver confidence and will be able to control the audition; it demonstrates good work ethic and will make it easier if you are asked to demonstrate your piece in a different way.

Audition Calls (Sunday 24 th June)

10am-11am (Drop in) Ensemble Call 1 (Dance, and Will I?) (All Ensemble and those auditioning for Mark, Roger, Mimi and Benny)

11am – 11.30am Mark (Halloween)11.30am – 12pm Roger (One Song Glory)12pm-12.15pm Mark and Roger (What you

Own)12.15pm – 1pm Mimi (Out Tonight)

1pm-1.15pm Roger and Mimi (I Should Tell you)

1.15pm-1.30pm Benny (You’ll See)2pm – 3pm (Drop in) Ensemble Call 2 (Dance, and Will

I?) (All Ensemble and those auditioning for Angel, Collins,

Joanne and Maureen)3pm-3.30pm Angel (Today 4 You)3.30pm-4pm Collins (Reprise)4pm-4.15pm Angel and Collins (I’ll Cover you)

4.15pm-4.30pm Joanne (We’re Okay)

4.30-5pm Maureen (Over the Moon)5pm-5.30pm Joanne and Maureen (Take me

or Leave me)

Notes from the panel.

- If you would only like to be considered for the roles not being cast on audition day, please arrive at one of the two drop-ins. Please don’t all feel like you need to attend the first drop-in session, no casting will be considered until all attendees have auditioned. If you are auditioning for one of the named 8 roles you need to attend the specific drop-in audition noted. This will be your chance to audition for the show as a cast member and for us to see your movement and vocal harmony ability. EVERYONE is required at one of the drop-in audition sessions.

- There may still be some waiting around on the day; this is unfortunately unavoidable, and we will do our best to keep to the schedule and if possible speed it along. If you are auditioning for two roles, unfortunately you will likely be waiting more; although you will not need to attend both drop-ins if you are considering two roles either side of the break.

- If you are going for a significant role, please also expect to be called in to sing several times; there is a chance we need to partner you with other people to see how you work and who you look right with. This is all part of the casting process and should not be looked at in a negative way. We only want to see/get the best from you.

- Once the panel have deliberated, casting will be signed off and sent out on Sunday 24th in the evening. All auditionees will be notified whether successful or not. If we have unfulfilled casting of a role we will look to re-audition ASAP. This will also be noted.

- The audition panel will consist of the Director, Musical director, choreographer and two members of the committee. It will be a closed audition and will be very relaxed.

Rehearsals

For those cast, rehearsals will begin immediately on Monday 25th June.

Rehearsals are every Monday and Thursday with the occasional Sunday on the run up to the show. A rehearsal schedule will be presented to the cast soon after rehearsals start.

It is expected that you attend every rehearsal you are called for. We have a very short rehearsal process so need commitment from every member of the cast.

Please note that attendance at rehearsals for which you are called is necessary and a register will be taken.

We will try to schedule rehearsals around any known absences (e.g. holidays) notified on your Audition Form, so please be honest.

If you are unable to attend a rehearsal for which you are called, please notify the Production secretary (Sarah Dyer) as far in advance as possible.

Regretfully, the production team reserves the right to remove cast members in the event of poor attendance or lack of commitment to the show.

CODS Guidance

1) You are expected to prioritise the show and are not expected to miss more than two rehearsals for which you are called.

2) You are expected to attend all rehearsals for which you are called in the month prior to show week.

3) You are expected to notify all absences in advance to the Production Secretary (Sarah Dyer)

4) You are responsible for the safe keeping and good condition of any scores or libretto you borrow

5) We ask that you contribute to the team effort needed for the huge amount of work required to prepare for and stage the show, including for example, publicity and promotion, refreshments, tidying up after rehearsals, helping with get in and get out tasks.