Website URL Gateway Center for Performing Arts
Website with Additional Info & Audition Form: https://www.gcpastl.org/rent
Ages 16 – 20
For Mature Audiences
Professional Focus Production^
Based loosely on Puccini’s La Boheme, Jonathan Larson’s Rent follows a year in the life of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York’s Lower East Side, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS. The physical and emotional complications of the disease pervade the lives of Roger, Mimi, Tom and Angel. Maureen deals with her chronic infidelity through performance art; her partner, Joanne, wonders if their relationship is worth the trouble. Benny has sold out his Bohemian ideals in exchange for a hefty income and is on the outs with his former friends. Mark, an aspiring filmmaker, feels like an outsider to life in general. How these young bohemians negotiate their dreams, loves and conflicts provides the narrative thread to this groundbreaking musical.
RENT is being presented as one of our “professional focus” productions which means an even higher focus on professional practices and production values. There are also NO PRODUCTION/PARTICIPATION FEES.
Auditions will be held March 13 – 15, 2026
Friday, March 13th
7 – 9:30 RENT Vocal Auditions
Saturday, March 14th
12:30 – 3 pm RENT Vocal Audition UPSTAIRS ACTING
Sunday, March 15th:
12 – 1:30 RENT Movement Call BLUE ROOM
Callback schedule will be held for 1 pm – 9 pm.
We will accept video submissions but highly recommend attending in person.
VOCAL AUDITIONS:
Please prepare 16-32 bars of a contemporary/pop musical theatre song. Sheet music is preferred. No transpositions and no lead sheets. No a cappella singing. Please do not sing songs from the show. An accompanist will be provided. Backing tracks (karaoke) are not preferred but are allowed. We will provide the speaker and adapters/Bluetooth. Please bring your track on a device.
MOVEMENT CALLBACKS:
A short movement combination will be taught. You will be notified at your vocal audition if we would like to see you at the movement call.
READ/SING CALLBACKS:
You will be notified at your vocal audition if we would like to have you read/sing. A schedule will be emailed out by midnight on Saturday, March 1st.
VIDEO SUBMISSIONS:
Attending auditions in person is much preferred. If you are unavailable for any of the times listed, here is the process to submit a self-tape video audition:
Tapes are due by March 9. You will be notified of any callbacks by March 11. Callback tapes are due by midnight on Saturday, March 14.
All vocal audition self-tapes should follow these guidelines:
– Please prepare 16-32 bars of a musical theatre song. Please do not sing from the show.
– Vocal backing tracks or live accompaniment are allowed. Do not sing a cappella.
– Please slate your name, age, and what you will be singing.
– Video auditions are accepted as UNLISTED YOUTUBE links or GOOGLE DRIVE links ONLY.
– Links need to be included in your audition form.
– GOOGLE DRIVE links must be shared with the following emails: lpagano@gcpastl.org, ppagano@gcpastl.org, sfox@gcpastl.org
Some helpful self-tape hints:
– Early submissions are greatly appreciated and give us more time to spend on your video than those we receive at the deadline.
– You do not need fancy equipment. Using a phone camera is more than sufficient.
– Film in landscape.
– Make sure your phone is stationary and level. A tripod is helpful, but not necessary. It is easy to make a stand for your phone out of household items.
– Choose a quiet, well-lit area with minimal distractions.
– Natural light and ring lights are great, but you can also enhance with lamps. We want to clearly see your facial features and expressions.
– You do not need to do a full-body frame unless your audition piece requires it. In most cases, an upper body frame is best.
– Practice before filming! Prepare for this audition as you would for an in-person audition. Practice your song for vocals and acting before ever setting up your equipment.
– If you are prepared ahead of filming, you should not need more than 3 takes. Do not over analyze details.
Actors are not called to every rehearsals, only when needed. A detailed schedule will be provided. This is a short and intensive rehearsal process, so only limited conflicts will be considered. No additional conflicts can be submitted after March 15th except for emergency circumstances. If you plan to audition for the MUNY, please fully communicate your current situation at auditions.
YOUR CONFLICTS MUST BE UP-TO-DATE IN THIS FORM TO BE CONSIDERED FOR APPROVAL.
Rehearsals
June 27th – July 31st
Mon, Tues, Thurs 5 – 10 pm
Saturday 10 – 4
Sunday 1 – 9
Tech:
August 1 and 2: 10 am – 10 pm
August 3 – 5: 4:30 – 10 pm
Performances:
August 7th at 7 pm
August 8 at 2 pm and 7 pm
August 9th at 2 pmt
Strike Sunday, August 9th. All company members are required to stay until strike is completed.
Strike is REQUIRED for all company members with no exceptions.