Summer Place Theatre in Naperville, IL is holding open auditions for actors aged 18 and up for their production of Rent!

NOTE: This is an unpaid, non-Equity production.

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 Bohème, 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 Márquez, 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

Sign up here: https://www.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.

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

Audition Structure

Material to Prepare:

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.

Roles
Roger Davis: 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.
Mark Cohen: 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. 
Tom Collins: 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. 
Benjamin Coffin III: 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. 
Joanne Jefferson: A public interest lawyer and headstrong lesbian. She is smart and purposeful in all her decisions. Carries on a tumultuous relationship with Maureen. 
Angel Dumott Schunard: The eccentric HIV-positive street drummer. A drag queen with an incredible gift of dance and a magnetic personality. He becomes Tom's lover. 
Mimi Marquez: 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. 
Maureen Johnson: An unpredictably zany performance artist. Maureen oozes sexuality and used to live in the loft. She has recently dumped Mark for Joanne. 
Ensemble
Homeless Men & Women; Junkies, Parents (Mrs. Cohen, Mr. & Mrs. Jefferson); Support Group (Steve, Gordon)
 

Time Commitment:

Rehearsals begin the week of May 17th

Typical rehearsal schedule:

Monday–Thursday evenings, 6:00–9:00pm

Beginning after May 10th, Sunday rehearsals from 6:00–9:00pm may also be added.

Rehearsals will take place at:

• Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center

• Fort Hill Recreation Center

• Naperville Central High School Auditorium

Tech week begins Sunday, July 12th. Attendance at all tech rehearsals is required.

Pickup rehearsals July 23rd and 30th

Performances:

Naperville Central High School Auditorium

440 West Aurora Ave

Naperville, IL 60540

Friday, July 17th – 7:30pm

Saturday, July 18th – 7:30pm

Sunday, July 19st – 2:00pm

Friday, July 24th – 7:30pm

Saturday, July 25th – 7:30pm

Sunday, July 26th – 2:00pm

Friday, July 31th – 7:30pm

Saturday, August 1st – 7:30pm

Sunday, August 2nd – 2:00pm

Call time is 1.5 hours before curtain.

Mandatory strike will take place immediately following the final performance on August 2nd

 

 

What type of theatre is Summer Place Theatre?

Summer Place Theatre, is a community theatre located in Naperville, IL (a suburb of Chicago).

Who can audition for shows at Summer Place Theatre?

Auditions are open to all performers, whether you’re a seasoned actor or exploring theatre for the first time. We encourage anyone with a passion for performing to consider auditioning or getting involved!

What is the rehearsal and performance schedule like?

Rehearsals typically begin 6-9 weeks before the opening of each show, with around 4-5 rehearsals per week. These usually take place on weekday evenings and occasionally on weekends, depending on the director’s schedule and cast availability. All rehearsals are held in Naperville, IL.

Are actors paid or provided with housing?

Actors participate on a volunteer basis, as we do not offer payment or stipends for performers. Additionally, we do not provide housing, so local residency or travel accommodations are the responsibility of each actor.