RENT "revival" Auditions

[Actor2]

Posted: 3/18/11 at 11:22am

Excuse me for getting on a bit of a high horse here, but I think that it is absurd that there are people waiting outside at one in the morning to be part of the new RENT cast. Not that there are people willing to do it, but the fact that this is basically a requirement of the business. It's insulting. Standing and sleeping around a city block for hours on end only to get a 45-second spot where you walk in vocally and physically fatigued is an insult to talented people and the process as a whole.

Yes, I know it's called "auditioning." And yes, I do work professionally and know how the business works. I just needed to rant.

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Photo_Coverage_RENT_Hopefuls_Await_Open_Call_Auditions_20110318


Updated On: 3/18/11 at 11:22 AM

[italianpride888]

Posted: 3/18/11 at 5:52pm

I think it's insane that people were waiting in line since last night. And why are people wearing coats? Last time I checked it was a sunny 75 degrees today! It was warm last night too.

[themysteriousgrowl]

Posted: 3/18/11 at 5:57pm

Disgusting. It probably only went down to like 50 last night.

They should be shot and killed, all of them, and then tortured.

[ColorTheHours048]

Posted: 3/18/11 at 6:35pm

Huh? How is this insulting to talented people and the audition process as a whole in any way? It was an open call. People just wanted to guarantee that they would get seen. It's RENT. It's the musical for the new generation of musical theatre actors. People were excited.

You got on your high horse. Now, kindly, hop back off.

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 3/18/11 at 7:21pm

Rent was a very important musical for a generation. This is a new revival and a new opportunity for young actors. They have got to start somewhere. I gotta give them credit, I know I would not have the guts and energy to wait in line to audition. I don't think its insulting at all.

Updated On: 3/19/11 at 07:21 PM

[bwaylvsong]

Posted: 3/18/11 at 7:31pm

Yep- it's not insulting in the slightest! It's part of the job and actors pursuing a career know what they're getting into.
Of course, I totally see where you're coming from and it would be nice if the auditions were organized such that no one had to get there that early, but unfortunately that would take more funds than can be allotted for an audition of this nature.

[RippedMan]

Posted: 3/19/11 at 1:31am

How many people got seen today?

[Actor2]

Posted: 3/19/11 at 1:37am

In response to those who disagree with me (both politely and impolitely), I'm not talking about the temperature or the fact that it was an open call. I'm talking about the absurdity of it being almost a necessity to stay awake outside all night for a few seconds in the audition room for one show, as wonderful and generation defining as it may be. I understand that the type of show gives just the incentive to give people the "guts" to stand outside like this, but there has got to be a better and more humane way.

[ColorTheHours048]

Posted: 3/19/11 at 1:45am

No one told anybody they needed to line up at 1 in the morning. People did that themselves. All an open call requires is a start time. How people interpret when to begin lining up is their own doing.

[Actor2]

Posted: 3/19/11 at 1:49am

A very good point.

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 3/19/11 at 1:52am

I think they are just very excited and eager to be a part of something like this. It's like whenever a big new movie opens and people line up hours early. It's not because they won't get in, it's just part of the experience for some people.

[Actor2]

Posted: 3/19/11 at 1:57am

Another good point.

I suppose it just feels sometimes that auditioning can take so long among so many other people for such a brief moment in the course of the casting director's day.

What you said makes sense though.

[RuprechtJr.]

Posted: 3/19/11 at 2:03am

So if I arrive two hours before signups for Spamalot's tour open call this thursday will that be enough or is this the norm now for open calls?

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 3/19/11 at 2:03am

"Rent defined a generation." It really didn't. And I wish you'd stop posting that.

[Urban]

Posted: 3/19/11 at 2:09am

I'm with Namo, RENT didn't define a generation.

Clearly it duped a number of people in thinking it was good though...

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 3/19/11 at 2:15am

Namo and Urban - I see your point and I edited the post. You're right it did not define a generation, a better way to say that is that it was a major part of musical theatre for a generation. That was actually the first time I posted that though. However, I see your point and I stand corrected.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 3/19/11 at 2:16am

It refracted the experiences of people approximately 10 years older than the characters and what they were doing eight years before RENT opened. It was very popular.

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 3/19/11 at 2:46am

^ Thank you Namo! That was basically what I was trying, but failing, to say.

[EricGraise]

Posted: 3/19/11 at 3:23am

I think that's why I like the digital auditions, I didn't have to stand out in the cold. lol. If you guys get a chance check out my audition video and vote for me March 21 - 27 on www.siteforrent.com. Thanks


Click Here to See Eric Graise's RENT Audition

[dramamama611]

Posted: 3/19/11 at 3:51am

And for this show, it was an open call where (likely) 95% of the people showing up haven't the skills to be seriously considered -- how many of them have NEVER auditioned professionally before, never will again, and have little to aboslutely NO training? Gads, I'm sure.

This was basically a cattle call (and the name infers the lack of consideration for the actor) and a marketing tool. Look at all the "already-made" fans building excitement for the show.

[dexter3]

Posted: 3/19/11 at 4:49am

wow. I tend to forget how many people are trying to make it as actors in NYC. It's just kind of sad that most of them will eventually have to give it up and change careers. There's just too many people going out for very few jobs.

[Actor2]

Posted: 3/19/11 at 10:22am

Dramamama and Dexter - I think that's basically what my point was. Surely there were many talented people there, but there are so many others who just show up. You know?