Teen Takeover

Teen Takeover is where the next generation of artists finds their voice. This isn’t just a youth program; it’s a professional-grade intensive where talented young creators are given the resources, mentorship, and stage to produce high-impact theatre. By bridging the gap between education and professional production, Teen Takeover empowers Akron’s youth to take ownership of their art, building confidence and craft in equal measure.

August 6-9, 2026

RENT - School Edition

Show Synopsis:

Set in the East Village of New York City, Rent School Edition is about falling in love, finding your voice and living for today. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, it has become a pop cultural phenomenon with songs that rock and a story that resonates with audiences of all ages.

Based loosely on Puccini's La Boheme, Rent School Edition 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 School Edition

Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

Content Warning:

Rent is a rock musical that deals with mature, heavy, and complex themes, generally recommended for mature teenagers and adults. It is often considered to have content equivalent to a "R" or "PG-13" rating.

RCT's Teen Takeover will be incorporating and tackling these themes into our production, led through in-depth discussion and supervision from the Producing Director and professional staff.

Key Content Warnings:

Substance Abuse & Addiction: Multiple main characters struggle with addiction, with scenes referencing drug use, struggles, and rehabilitation.
HIV/AIDS: The plot heavily features characters living with HIV/AIDS, focusing on illness, death, and social stigma.
Sexual Content: Features strong sexual themes, including sexual references and content, suggestive dancing, and references to S&M, prostitution, and masturbation.
Language: Moderate to severe profanity is used throughout the show.
Mature Themes & Violence: The story addresses poverty, homelessness, and LGBTQ+ relationships. It includes scenes of violence.
Death: The story deals with the premature death of young friends.

Audition Information:

Auditions are open to performers ages 14-19.

Audition Sign Ups for those 14-16 must be completed by a parent or guardian.

We are looking to cast 16-20 performers.

Audition Dates

Saturday, May 23rd. 10AM-1PM.
Sunday, May 24th. 2-5PM.

Please prepare 32 bars of a musical theatre song in the style of the show that best showcases your strengths and abilities. An accompanist will be available. You may also be asked to read a short selection from the script.

Please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time slot to check in, and please plan to stay for the full half hour. Auditions will be held at Guzzetta Hall at The University of Akron.

Any questions, please email chris@rubbercitytheatre.com.

Audition Sign Up Link: https://www.theaterforms.com/rubbercitytheatre/Rent/auditionform/

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