Casting call for Rent

Horsham Arts Council will present a more provocative and edgy production to follow up its run of sold-out shows featuring everyone’s favourite redheaded orphan.

Hot on the heels of Annie, council leaders have invited Wimmera performers to audition for the organistion’s next production, Rent.

Director Debbie Boutcher said the show – a rock musical based on a group of impoverished young artists struggling to survive and create a life in New York City’s East Village – was a far cry from Annie.

“It depicts a group of friends who live together under the threat they could be evicted at any time,” she said.

“I think of it as what would have happened to Annie had she not been adopted.”

The rock musical is set in the thriving days of Bohemian ‘Alphabet City’ and contains community-based themes including homelessness, LGBTI issues, HIV-AIDS, suicide and drug use.

Boutcher said it was important to challenge performers and audiences.

“We can present the ‘blockbusters’, day in, day out, but occasionally there is a need to think outside the box and present something a little different,” she said.

“Yes, Rent has some confronting themes, but no more so than what is happening in the wider world at the moment.

“There are some positive themes as well – it’s not all doom and gloom.

“It is a comedy. It depicts the importance of friendship and support – and there is a lot of love.”

Boutcher said about 40 people attended an information session at Horsham Arts Council’s Hamilton Road headquarters on Sunday night.

“We had some past and present arts council members, along with some newcomers, so it was a good mix,” she said.

Boutcher will host auditions for people aged 18 and older on Saturday and Sunday.

“We’ll have callbacks on June 12, on the Monday of the long weekend, and hopefully have the show cast by the 18th,” she said.

The production, which will run from October 27 to November 4, will be smaller than Annie, with a cast of about 20.

“Shows like Rent often attract people who aren’t into mainstream musicals,” Boutcher said.

“The Wedding Singer was similar – it paved the way for this performance.

“It will have a rock feel with a live band.”

Boutcher, who also directed the arts council’s 50th anniversary spectacular and What’s New Pussycat, said she was pleased to work with a strong team, including executive producer Jess Wilson, assistant director and choreographer Loucas Vettos, vocal director Maddi Ostapiw and musical director Mark Block.

“We have a young production team, except for me, and there is a lot of enthusiasm,” she said.

People can call Boutcher on 0429 407 931 for more information or to book an audition time.

“I think of it as what would have happened to Annie had she not been adopted” – Debbie Boutcher