DeWitt and Riggan take novel approach to auditions for RENT

Joyce Dewitt and Kaine Riggan have a novel - perhaps even revolutionary - approach to auditioning prospective cast members for the upcoming production of Rent at Nashville Dinner Theatre. Instead of staging a serious, fussy, old-fashioned audition by the books, they're going to host a big ol' party where everyone can have a good time, show off their wicked talents and maybe even have a drink to two.

Jonathan Larson's Rent is coming to downtown Nashville March 18-May 14 and producers are looking for the best singers in Music City USA to fill the show's colorful roles. Auditions are one-night only - Friday, February 18 - from 8 p.m.-midnight at the Printer's Alley venue, located in the former Boots Randolph Theatre (with parking available in the adjacent parking garage).

DeWitt and Riggan, co-artistic directors of Nashville Dinner Theatre who will also co-direct the musical, will cast Rent from the singers auditioning during the four-hour sing-a-thon. Music director Micah Huschler will be at the piano for the entire evening as auditionees will each be allowed to sing one selection of their choice in front of the entire party.

And given the show's lengthy two-month run, DeWitt and Riggan hope to double-cast the production. Nashville Dinner Theatre's production of Rent will be accompanied by The Clones, "a hot Nashville rock/alternative band," the duo explains.

"It occurred to me after a very short time in Nashville that the singing talent in this town is off the charts," admits co-director Joyce Dewitt. "So we decided to open Randolph's for the night to the public and let those voices be showcased in the way that they deserve to be."

So how did the duo decide on this unique audition format? According to Riggan, the inspiration came from a New York City bar he calls "the coolest place on the planet."

"I think the coolest place on this planet is a bar in Greenwich Village, NYC called Marie's Crisis. Everyone in the bar sits around the piano and sings at least once a night... pop tunes, rock tunes, show tunes, you name it," he explains.

It the directing pair's hope that the sense of camaraderie and joie de vivre that can be found at Marie's Crisis can be recreated at Randolph's (the Nashville Dinner Theatre's piano bar), thus capturing the same feelings that pervade Larson's acclaimed musical.

"I think it also takes the nerves out of an audition when you're not singing for one or two people," Riggan says. "A crowd and bright lights make for a much better performance."

DeWitt and Riggan say that given the show's lengthy run, they would like to double cast it. Hopeful cast members should prepare two songs for their audition and bring the sheet music. The music director may choose one or both of them for the audition.

"Either way, the evening will be fun for both the auditionees and the enthusiastic members of the audience, Riggan asserts."

Riggan admits the audition party may be a first-of-its-kind event in Nashville and he anticipates an exciting and exhilarating experience: "I am not sure if anyone has ever tried this in Nashville, but I think it could become a tradition at our theater," he suggests. "My hope is that even people who don't wish to audition will come for the free entertainment. Randolph's Show Bar is an incredible space and every party we have had in there so far has been a total blast."

And just to add some flair to the evening, the bar will definitely be open: "The bar will be open the entire evening because we expect a lot of theater folk and, well... enough said," DeWitt says.

Questions? Call the theater at (615) 889-4000 or email scarlett@NashvilleDinnerTheatre.com.

To post a comment, you must register and login.