Set in New York City’s East Village, Rent follows a group of young artists struggling to survive, create, and love under the weight of poverty, illness, and uncertainty. Mark, an aspiring filmmaker, and his roommate Roger, a musician battling grief and HIV, navigate life in their rundown apartment as their landlord pressures them for rent they can’t pay.

Their circle includes Mimi, a dancer fighting addiction; Maureen, a rebellious performance artist; Joanne, her driven lawyer girlfriend; Collins, a philosopher; and Angel, a vibrant street musician whose generosity and spirit unite them all. As relationships spark and fracture, the group leans on each other through love, loss, and the harsh realities of the AIDS crisis.

Over the course of a year, they face eviction, addiction, betrayal, and the devastating loss of Angel. Yet through it all, they hold tightly to friendship, creativity, and the urgency of living fully in the present.

At its core, Rent is about choosing connection over fear and embracing the idea that, despite everything, there is “no day but today.”

Jonathan Larson: Jonathan Larson received the 1996 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for RENT. He also won the 1996 Tony Award for Best Musical and the 1994 Richard Rodgers Award for RENT and twice received The Gilman & Gonzales-Falla Theatre Foundation's Comendation Award. In 1989 he was granted the Stephen Sondheim Award from American Music Theatre Festival, where he contributed to the musical "Sitting on the Edge of the Future". In 1988 he won the Richard Rodgers Development Grant for his rock musical Superbia, which was staged at Playwrights Horizon. He composed the score for the musical J.P. Morgan Saves the Nation, which was presented by En Garde Arts in 1995. Mr. Larson performed his rock monologue tick, tick... BOOM! at Second Stage Theatre, The Village Gate and New York Theatre Workshop. In addition to scoring and song writing for "Sesame Street", he created music for a number fo children's book-cassettes, including Steven Spielberg's "An American Tail" and "Land Before Time". Other film scores include work for Rolling Stones magazine publisher Jann Wenner. He conceived, directed and wrote four original songs for "Away We Go!", a musical video for children. RENT, his rock opera based on "La Boheme", had its world premiere on February 13, 1996 at New York Theatre Workshop. Mr. Larson died unexpectedly of an aortic aneurysm on January 25, 1996, ten days before his 36th birthday. His music (including songs cut from his shows) is archived in the Library of Congress

Keri Burman Castro: (Director) has directed more than fifty productions across Northwest Indiana, including multiple regional premieres. Her most recent work includes Cabaret at Valparaiso University, Hadestown: Teen Edition, Shrek, and SIX: Teen Edition for Playact Theatre, Something Rotten Jr. for Premier Performance, Anastasia at Valparaiso University, and the regional premiere of Beetlejuice Jr. for Premier Performance. Last fall, she also appeared onstage as Margaret Johnson in Playact’s The Light in the Piazza.

As a professional actor, Keri has performed in productions across the United States and is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association. She holds a Master’s Degree in Theatre Directing from Roosevelt University in Chicago, as well as degrees in Music and Theatre from Oklahoma Baptist University and The American Musical & Dramatic Academy.

Keri is endlessly grateful to her husband, Daniel, whose creativity, partnership, and support make every production possible. She is passionate about nurturing young artists and creating inclusive, collaborative spaces where creativity and confidence can thrive. @playacttheatre

Daniel Evan Castro (Music Director) is an educator, and multi-discipline theatre artist with a passion for shaping bold, expressive performances. As co-founder of Playact Theatre, he has helped build a space where young artists can grow through rigorous training, supportive mentorship, and high-level creative work. Daniel has music-directed and choreographed productions across Northwest Indiana and at Valparaiso University, including Shrek, Six: Teen Edition, Hadestown: Teen Edition, Cabaret, and upcoming projects such as Alice By Heart and Matilda. He is known for his sharp musical instincts, collaborative rehearsal style, and his ability to coach singers toward honest, energized storytelling. Daniel believes in creating an environment where students feel challenged, encouraged, and safe to take creative risks. His goal is simple: help every performer raise their artistic ceiling while celebrating the joy and discipline of musical theatre.

Amanda Ruhl (Choreographer) is a dance educator known for her dynamic movement style and her ability to bring out confidence and clarity in young performers. She has worked throughout Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland, creating choreography for musicals, competitive teams, and studio training programs. Amanda specializes in storytelling through movement and is skilled at teaching dancers of all levels, from beginners finding their footing to advanced performers refining their technique. At Playact Theatre, she works closely with actors to build movement that feels honest, expressive, and rooted in character. Amanda is passionate about fostering a supportive learning environment where students feel safe to take risks, push themselves, and grow. Her goal is always to help performers discover their own voice in the work while developing strong technical and artistic foundations.

Mark Cohen: A filmmaker and the narrator of the story. Thoughtful, observant, and often on the outside looking in. Mark struggles with whether to document life or actually live it. He’s grounded compared to his friends, but wrestles with guilt, purpose, and artistic integrity. Needs strong acting and storytelling more than vocal power.

Roger Davis:A once-promising rock musician living with HIV. Haunted by the loss of his girlfriend, he’s emotionally shut down and desperate to write one meaningful song before he dies. Intense, guarded, and raw. Requires a strong rock tenor with emotional depth.

Mimi Marquez:
A dancer and drug addict who lives downstairs from Mark and Roger. She is also HIV positive. Sensual, impulsive, and searching for connection, she uses charm to mask fear. Her journey is about survival, love, and self-worth. Needs a strong pop/rock belt and vulnerability.

Tom Collins: A philosophy professor and anarchist with a big heart. He is HIV positive and deeply compassionate, serving as a stabilizing force in the group. His love story with Angel is one of the show’s emotional anchors. Requires a warm, rich baritone and sincerity.

Angel Dumott Schunard
A street performer and drummer, HIV positive. Joyful, generous, and full of life, Angel brings light and humor to the group while also grounding them in love and community. A role that balances humor with deep emotional impact. Needs strong movement and character work.

Maureen Johnson: A performance artist and activist. Bold, chaotic, and attention-driven, she thrives on being the center of everything. Her relationships are passionate but unstable. Requires strong comedic instincts and fearless stage presence.

Joanne Jefferson: A lawyer from an affluent background and Maureen’s girlfriend. Intelligent, controlled, and practical, she often finds herself trying to manage Maureen’s chaos. Her journey is about letting go of control and embracing vulnerability. Needs a strong belt and grounded acting.

Benjamin “Benny” Coffin III: The former roommate turned landlord. Once part of the group, now aligned with wealth and development. He believes he’s offering opportunity, but is seen as a sellout. Complex, not a villain—he represents the tension between success and integrity.

Ensemble / Featured Roles:
The ensemble is essential in Rent and often doubles as:
Homeless community members
Support group participants
Street vendors and performers
Friends and chosen family

Location
Playact Theatre
6816 E Lincoln Hwy, Crown Point, IN 46307

Audition:
Jun 14, 2026
Jun 15, 2026
Jun 16, 2026

Callback:
Jun 18, 2026

First Rehearsal:
Jun 22, 2026

All auditioners will prepare one monologue and one song of your choice. There will also be a dance/movement component at auditions.

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(1) Register for Your Audition

Once you've read everything you needed to know on this page, register for your audition by CLICKING HERE

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(2) Download and Fill Out The Audition Packet

Click Here To Download the Information Packet

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(3) Headshot and Résumé (Optional)

You may include a headshot and résumé, but they are not required.

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(4) Monologue

You will also prepare a 30–60 second contemporary monologue from a published play. 

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(5) Song

Please come prepared with 60–90 seconds (or 32 bars) of a musical theatre song that fits the tone, energy, and style of Rent. Do not sing from the show. Choose something that sits comfortably in your voice, is fully memorized, and allows us to see your personality and storytelling skills.

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Movement/Dance (Callback Only)

Movement plays an important role in this production. All auditioners should come dressed appropriately for movement, as there will be a dance call as part of the audition process.

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A Note to Dancers

Dancers are fully encouraged to audition using the requirements above.
We value strong movers and physical storytellers, and the creative team will place you where your strengths shine. Even if dance is your primary discipline, please prepare the same materials as actors.