Auditions for ‘RENT: School Edition’ take place in Lecture Hall March 17-18
RENT is set in the East Village in 1990s New York City, a community largely inhabited by artists and those who reject the status quo, as well as a large homeless population. With the AIDS crisis being the primary source of tension for featured characters with and without the disease, the group of unlikely friends ponder the value of their lives while coping with the fact that their days are numbered.
Auditions for this year’s musical, “RENT: School Edition,” will be held March 17-18, with callbacks, if necessary, after school on March 19.
In previous years, anyone who auditioned for the musical was cast in the show, but in light of the pandemic, Hays High will have to make cuts for the first time in decades, limiting the cast to 15 to 20 members.
Knowing the importance of musical to many students, director Alex Underwood said his heart goes out to this year’s freshmen and first-time auditionees in regards to decreasing the number of participants.
He also said he hopes that students will understand the method of coping with this year’s situation and that the cuts will not turn off interested members to audition in the future.
“I want an inclusive space where we can allow everyone to participate, but there are other opportunities,” Underwood said. “Even if you don’t get cast, and you’re, say, the spotlight operator, I would advise students to look at that as an opportunity to contribute to the show in a meaningful way. That role is really important, and there is something to be learned in that process.”
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Before the audition:
1. Complete this form regarding rehearsal scheduling, production experience and contact information.
2. Complete this participation agreement and bring it to the audition. Hard copies are available in the choir room.
3. Sign up for a time slot.
Students may prepare the provided cut of “Seasons of Love” from the show, or a one- to four-minute song of their choice. If student are preparing their own songs, a copy of the sheet music must be provided for Dr. Luis Reyes-Duarte for accompaniment. He will not be available to rehearse with students in advance.
During the audition:
Students must be 10 minutes early to their audition times to check in. Once all six people in an audition group have performed their songs, they will read scenes from the show in varying combinations to see how they would interact in a performance setting.
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Once the show is officially casted, masks will be worn during the entire rehearsal process. Activities, such as music rehearsals and table reads, in which actors work through scenes together without staging, will be spaced six feet apart.
Underwood is currently looking into the cast getting a rapid test for COVID-19 during the week of the show, as well as isolating one to two weeks beforehand so that the students may perform without masks. The audience will still be required to wear masks to the event.
Recuperating costs has also been a primary concern. The budget for musical will be reduced, but even so, Underwood predicts that the show’s total revenue will be “in the red this year.”
There are still many details to be finalized as Underwood seeks advice and clearance from public health officials and the school on how to move forward safely.
“This is an ever-evolving thing,” Underwood said. “Right in this moment, the cases in Ellis County are really low. We’re so lucky, but who knows? None of us have a crystal ball. We’re optimistic, but we can’t make final plans until we get a little bit closer.”
21cleiker@usd489.com
Caitlin Leiker is a senior, and this is her third year in newspaper. She is involved in Chamber Singers, Musical, Spring Play, National Honor Society,...
