Production Auditions
Auditions are open to all Loyola students regardless of their declared major or minor.
The Theatre Program is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. As such, we encourage performers of all races and ethnicities, gender identities, sexualities, disabilities, and ages, as well as d/Deaf, to attend every audition.
General Audition Information
The Department of Fine and Performing Arts holds auditions for actors, singers and dancers for its Mainstage and student led Second Stage productions throughout the academic year.
On average, the DFPA produces 3-4 Mainstage productions a year and 6-10 Second Stage projects. Depending on the time commitment, students that are cast are enrolled in THTR 323 - Rehearsal and Performance. This one-credit class, in addition to supporting the amount of time a student spends in rehearsals and performances, also serves as part of the applied knowledge in production that theatre majors will receive as part of their graduation requirements.
Incoming freshmen have the opportunity to audition for competitive scholarships. Usually these auditions are scheduled in the February prior to a student's enrollment in the program.
Current students looking for more information regarding upcoming auditions are encouraged to join the THTR PROGRAM Sakai site.
Functioning much like the class-specific Sakai spaces, the THTR PROGRAM Sakai is the best place to find any announcements or information regarding upcoming opportunities. Please email dfpamc@luc.edu to be added to the site. Students enrolled in theatre classes are automatically added to the site at the beginning of the semester.
Audition Info
AUDITIONS: Monday, October 27 | 6:00-10:00p.m. | Gabel Rehearsal Studio (MUND 409)
For auditions, please prepare 12-14 lines of Shakespearean verse from this play or any play (and consider the Sonnets as a great resource)
AUDITION FORM: Available HERE.
CALLBACKS: Tuesday, October 28 | 6:00-10:00p.m. | Gabel Rehearsal Studio (MUND 409)
The stage manager Riley Bulson, rbulson@luc.edu, will notify you if you are called back.
Description
A wedding weekend, full of the usual complications: mismatched lovers, mischievous fairies, a talking donkey, and a band of amateur actors? William Shakespeare’s beloved comedy presents a battle between Oberon and Titania, king and queen of the fairies, played out during the wedding weekend for the Duke of Athens and the Queen of the Amazons. During a strange night in the forest, the twisted love triangles of Hermia, Lysander, Helena and Demetrius, as well as the rehearsals for a romantic play to be performed by local townsfolk fall subject to the magic and mischief of the fairy world. All must overcome enchantments to claim their rightful loves, and the freedom to follow their hearts.
Important Dates
- Rehearsals Begin: 11/15
- Tech: 2/5-2/11
- Performances:
-
- Thursday, February 12 - Saturday, February 14 | 7:30p.m.
- Sunday, February 15 | 2:00p.m.
- Tuesday, October 30 - Saturday, November 1 | 7:30p.m.
- Sunday, November 2 | 2:00p.m.
NOTE: Due to the needs of this play, we will be having five rehearsals during Fall 2025 semester. The fall dates/dates are listed below:
Fall Rehearsal Dates
Saturday, November 15 and Saturday, November 22, 10:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.
Monday, December 1 and Wednesday, December 3, 6:30p.m. - 10:00p.m.
This project conflicts with rehearsals for Mainstage show Rent and Second Stage Theatre project The Pleasures of Heartbreak and Bloodshed.
Director's Casting Considerations
The many roles in this show allow for showcase of all kinds of performative skills. We will be looking to cast performers with facility for: 1. spoken language, verse, and heightened speech; 2. physical confidence, strength, and willingness to participate actively; and 3. any special acrobatic, athletic, or gymnastic skills.
Actors of any ethnicity and gender will be considered in casting.
Characters
Four Lovers
HERMIA
LYSANDER
HELENA
DEMETRIUS
THESEUS, Duke of Athens
HIPPOLYTA, Queen of the Amazons
EGEUS, father to HERMIA
PHILOSTRATE, master of the revels to THESEUS
NICK BOTTOM, a weaver
PETER QUINCE, a carpenter
FRANCIS FLUTE, a bellows-mender
TOM SNOUT, a tinker
SNUG, a joiner
ROBIN STARVELING, a tailor
OBERON, King of the Fairies
TITANIA, Queen of the Fairies
ROBIN GOODFELLOW, a "puck" or hobgoblin, in OBERON'S service
Fairies, in the service of TITANIA
PEASEBLOSSOM
COBWEB
MOTE
MUSTARDSEED
Audition Info
AUDITIONS: Monday, October 27 | 6:00-10:00p.m. | MUND 125
AUDITION FORM: Available HERE.
CALLBACKS: Wednesday, October 29 | 6:00-10:00p.m. | Gabel Rehearsal Studio (MUND 409)
Rent is not a traditional musical theatre piece—it lives in the raw, unpolished energy of 1990s rock. For auditions, students should prepare a ‘90s rock song (verse and chorus, approximately 60–90 seconds in length) rather than a musical theatre selection. Backing tracks or live instruments are highly encouraged, and performers are welcome to accompany themselves if they play guitar, keyboard, or another instrument. Authenticity and individuality are more important than polish, so cast members should focus on bringing personal style, honesty, and the spirit of ‘90s rock into the room. Think less “Broadway polish” and more “East Village edge.”
Below are examples of 1990s rock and pop-rock songs paired with Rent characters. These selections reflect the tone, style, and energy associated with each role and are meant to guide students in choosing audition material:
Mark Cohen (Tenor)
“Iris” – Goo Goo Dolls
“Losing My Religion” – R.E.M.
Roger Davis (Tenor/Baritone)
“Under the Bridge” – Red Hot Chili Peppers
“Creep” – Radiohead
Mimi Márquez (Alto/Mezzo, strong belt)
“You Oughta Know” – Alanis Morissette
“I’m Just a Girl” – No Doubt
Tom Collins (Tenor/Baritone)
“One” – U2
“Everybody Hurts” – R.E.M.
Angel Dumott Schunard (Tenor with falsetto)
“Vogue” – Madonna (1990 release but iconic energy)
“Believe” – Cher
Maureen Johnson (Mezzo/Soprano with belt)
“Bitch” – Meredith Brooks
“Zombie” – The Cranberries
Joanne Jefferson (Alto/Mezzo, strong belt)
“Give Me One Reason” – Tracy Chapman
“You Gotta Be” – Des’ree
Benjamin “Benny” Coffin III (Baritone)
“Lightning Crashes” – Live
“Runaway Train” – Soul Asylum
Ensemble (Community Voices)
“Linger” – The Cranberries
“Torn” – Natalie Imbruglia
The stage manager, Carmela Suomi (csuozzi@luc.edu), will notify you if you are called back.
Description
Lower East Side of New York City. End of the millennium. Mark and Roger are roommates, and they can’t afford rent (again). But they don’t let that stop them from enjoying life while they can. They find solace in their community of fellow artists and activists who are also trying to make ends meet as they struggle through life, love, their art, the AIDS crisis, and paying (or not paying) rent. Jonathan Larson’s final musical still resonates today about the importance of trying to get your voice heard, even if it seems no one is listening.
INTIMACY & CONSENT
This production contains themes and moments involving intimacy, physical touch, and mature subject matter. The intimacy standards and practices employed within the industry, as well as those adopted by the Theatre program, will serve as a guide for our rehearsal process, ensuring that all cast members feel safe, respected, and supported. Consent will be ongoing and respected at every step.
Important Dates
- Rehearsals Begin: 2/9
- Tech: 3/19-3/25
- Performances:
-
- Thursday, March 26 - Saturday, March 28 | 7:30p.m.
- Sunday, March 29 | 2:00p.m.
- Thursday, April 9 - Saturday, April 11 | 7:30p.m.
- Sunday, April 12 | 2:00p.m.
This project conflicts with rehearsals for Mainstage show A Midsummer Night's Dream and Second Stage Theatre Project First Date at the Art Institute of Chicago.
Casting Considerations
Casting Considerations
The production of Rent is rooted in the recognition that this musical was created to reflect a diverse, complicated, and vibrant community. Casting will intentionally embrace that diversity in every sense—race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, body type, physical ability, and lived experience. All bodies are welcome in this production, and no role is restricted to a single physical type or gender expression. Each character exists within a world that values honesty, resilience, and authenticity rather than narrow ideas of what performers “should” look or sound like
The narrative of Rent engages directly with themes of illness, addiction, intimacy, and survival. For this reason, company members must approach the work with thoughtfulness, respect, and openness. Cast members are expected to create a rehearsal space grounded in generosity and care, supporting one another through challenging material while also celebrating joy, humor, and love. Intimacy choreography will be integrated into the process, with a focus on explicit attention to consent, open communication, and respect for personal boundaries.
Musically, Rent lives in the raw, unpolished energy of 1990s rock. Performances that embrace grit, vulnerability, and individuality are valued above polished perfection. Company members are encouraged to bring bold, creative approaches to audition material—whether through live instruments, backing tracks, or personal interpretations of rock songs from the period. What matters most is the authenticity of expression and a willingness to share unique artistry.
Casting will focus on assembling a company of performers who represent the richness of identity and embodiment present in contemporary communities. The aim is to create an ensemble that reflects the inclusive spirit of Rent, where all voices, bodies, and perspectives are celebrated as part of the storytelling.
Characters
CHARACTERS
MARK COHEN: Documentary filmmaker, wry and observant.
ROGER DAVIS: Brooding musician, living with HIV, searching for meaning.
MIMI MÁRQUEZ: Dancer, bold yet vulnerable, living with HIV.
TOM COLLINS: Philosopher and activist, warm and idealistic, living with AIDS.
ANGEL DUMOTT SCHUNARD: Drag queen and street performer, joyful and compassionate.
MAUREEN JOHNSON: Performance artist, flamboyant and unapologetic.
JOANNE JEFFERSON: Lawyer, confident and pragmatic, in love with Maureen.
BENJAMIN "BENNY" COFFIN III: Former friend turned landlord, ambitious and practical.
ENSEMBLE - Represents the East Village community, versatile voices across ranges.
POLICE OFFICERS
VENDORS
SUPPORT GROUP
HOMELESS PEOPLE
JUNKIES
PARENTS
BACKUPS
THE MAN
ALEXI DARLING
MR. GREY
RESTAURANT MAN
PASTOR
Auditions are open to all Loyola students regardless of their declared major or minor.
The Theatre Program is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. As such, we encourage performers of all races and ethnicities, gender identities, sexualities, disabilities, and ages, as well as d/Deaf, to attend every audition.
General Audition Information
The Department of Fine and Performing Arts holds auditions for actors, singers and dancers for its Mainstage and student led Second Stage productions throughout the academic year.
On average, the DFPA produces 3-4 Mainstage productions a year and 6-10 Second Stage projects. Depending on the time commitment, students that are cast are enrolled in THTR 323 - Rehearsal and Performance. This one-credit class, in addition to supporting the amount of time a student spends in rehearsals and performances, also serves as part of the applied knowledge in production that theatre majors will receive as part of their graduation requirements.
Incoming freshmen have the opportunity to audition for competitive scholarships. Usually these auditions are scheduled in the February prior to a student's enrollment in the program.
Current students looking for more information regarding upcoming auditions are encouraged to join the THTR PROGRAM Sakai site.
Functioning much like the class-specific Sakai spaces, the THTR PROGRAM Sakai is the best place to find any announcements or information regarding upcoming opportunities. Please email dfpamc@luc.edu to be added to the site. Students enrolled in theatre classes are automatically added to the site at the beginning of the semester.