THANK YOU FOR INQUIRING ABOUT PVPA PROFESSIONAL AUDITIONS! 

AUDITION NOTICE – IN THE HEIGHTS
 
Palos Verdes Performing Arts is pleased to announce auditions for IN THE HEIGHTS.
 
Hector Guerrero: Director & Choreographer and Sean Alexander Bart: Music Director.

   - Everyone cast in the show MUST be at least 18 years of age.
   - Auditions will be held: Monday, January 30 at 7pm for open principles and Tuesday, January 31 at 7pm for ensemble open dancers.
   - Visit www.palosverdesperformingarts.com for more information.
   - Rehearsals begin on April 1; Mondays-Thursdays from 3-11pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 10-6pm. Performances run at the Norris    - Theatre the weekends of April 28 – May 7, 2023.
   - Please prepare 32 Bars of an up-tempo song, in the style of the show, that shows off your range. Please have an alternate selection ready if needed.
   - Pay is $2,500 for principles and $2,000 for ensemble. This includes all pay.
   - Auditions will be held at the Norris Pavilion: 501 Indian Peak Road, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
The Norris Pavilion Building is next to the fire station. Parking is across the street in the mall parking structure if the Pavilion lot is full.
 
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
Seeking:

USNAVI DE LA VEGA
Baritenor; A2-A4, Latino, Reads 20s-30s
24 year old owner of De La Vega's Bodega, his parents emigrated from the Dominican Republic and have since passed away. He lives with Abuela Claudia (Grandmother Claudia), who isn't actually his grandmother but they are as close as family. Usnavi is in love with Vanessa and remains the eyes and ears of his Washington Heights neighborhood. Strong actor, must be an excellent rapper and a good mover.

NINA ROSARIO
Mezzo-Soprano; F3-F5, Strong Belt/Mix, Latina, Reads as college age
19 year old Nina has just finished her freshmen year at Stanford University. She is the daughter of Kevin and Camilia Rosario. Nina is the only member of her family and friends who made it to college. She is best friends with Vanessa and a beacon of hope and inspiration to all who know her; she represents the opportunity outside of "the heights.". Strong belter. Must be an excellent mover.

KEVIN ROSARIO
Baritenor; A2-F4, Latino, Reads 40s-50s
In his forties and owner of Rosario Car and Limousine, Kevin is a husband to Camilia and father to Nina. While Kevin was born and raised in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, he immigrated to New York City with Camilia. Kevin immediately started working to provide a better life for his newly- arrived family. He is stubborn, hot tempered at times and can be quick to act without thoughts of repercussions. Singing actor who moves well.

CAMILIA ROSARIO
Alto; A2-F4, Latina, Reads 40s-50s
Also in her forties, she is the co-owner of Rosario Car and Limousine with her husband Kevin. Also from Arecibo, Puerto Rico, she fell in love with Kevin at 19 and immigrated with him to New York City. She is cool-headed yet keeps a subtle but strong leash on Kevin. Her daughter Nina has just returned for the summer from her first year at Stanford. Singing actor who moves well.

BENNY
Tenor; B2-A4, Black/ African-American, Reads 20s-30s
Now a 24 year old cab driver for Rosario Car and Limousine, he once was a street punk and hoodlum, often finding himself in trouble. Kevin saw promise in Benny and helped shape him into a responsible, hard-working young man. Benny has enormous respect for Kevin and sees him as a father figure. Eventually falling in love with Nina, Benny sees a future for them by becoming a businessman. He and Usnavi are best friends. Preferrably African American. Strong singer and excellent mover.

VANESSA
Mezzo-Soprano; F#3-F5, Strong Belt, Latina, Reads Late Teens to 20s
A 19 year old shampoo girl and Daniela's Salon, Vanessa is strong, intelligent and grew up with Benny and Usnavi. Though Usnavi would like to be something more than Vanessa's "friend", he has never made any attempt. Vanessa dreams of leaving to create her own life away from her alcoholic mother. Very sexy. Strong belter. Must be strong dancer.

SONNY
Tenor; D3-B4, Latino, Reads in teens
15 years old and Usnavi's cousin, Sonny is spending the summer working for Usnavi at the bodega. He usually hangs out on the street with his friend Graffiti Pete but avoids trouble. He is an extremely intelligent young man who strives to emulate Usnavi. Passionate to solve the social and economic problems of the city, he is someone that needs guidance or risks ending up a street punk. Comic actor, must be a good rapper and a strong mover.

ABUELA CLAUDIA
Alto with Belt; Eb3-E5, Latina, Reads as late 60s+
In her late 60's, she raised Usnavi after his parents passed away and continues to live with him. She emigrated from Cuba when she was very young. Of all the characters, Abuela Claudia has been in "the Heights" the longest. She struggled to learn English, struggled to find work and in turn has helped others who have followed in her path. She is clearly the matriarch of the neighborhood.

DANIELA
Alto; F3-E5, Latina, Reads 30s-40s
In her thirties or early forties, she is the owner of Daniela's Salon. Savvy to say the least, she is quick witted, brassy and outspoken. While she retains a motherly relationship with Vanessa, she remains the gossip queen of the neighborhood. Non-nonsense, she has built a successful business but is being forced of the neighborhood because of rent hikes. Comic actress with a string belt. Should be an excellent mover.

CARLA
Latina; F3-E5, Reads 20s-30s, vocal part TBD
In her mid-twenties to early thirties, she is a hairdresser at Daniela's Salon. Born and raised in Queens, she is a pure, sweet, innocent, and loving woman who is devoted to her family and friends though she is easily taken advantage of because of her naivety. She and Daniela are best friends. Should be an excellent mover.

GRAFFITI PETE
Reads late teens to 20s, any race, must be dancer
An 18-year old graffiti artist and the nemesis of Usnavi, he is always hanging out on the streets, dancing to his boom box music, spraying any surface he can. Usnavi is unhappy that Sonny and Graffiti Pete are friends because Graffiti Pete epitomizes everything that Usnavi hopes that Sonny will not grow up to be. Must be an extremely strong dancer. Acro a plus.

PIRAGUA GUY
Tenor, Latino, Reads 30s-40s
In his-mid thirties, he walks the hot and humid streets of Washington Heights selling piraguas (flavored ice shavings) to earn a living. He represents a rhythm of the islands in the big city.

Ensemble
Males and Females to play age 18+, strong dancers and singers.
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