Creating RENT at TheatreSourceLA: A Journey of Process, Camaraderie, and Tribute

Bringing RENT to life on the TheatreSourceLA stage was more than a production—it was a deeply introspective journey shaped by dedication, artistry, and a shared passion to honor Jonathan Larson’s legacy. With every rehearsal, our team worked not only to capture the spirit of RENT but to make it resonate powerfully with today’s audience.

From the outset, our director, Brayden Hade, led us with a vision grounded in the dual meaning behind RENT’s title: the literal struggle of paying rent and the idea of tearing at the fabric of relationships, dreams, and personal beliefs. These themes became our foundation as we worked to highlight each character’s journey of survival, love, and identity in a close-knit community fighting for meaning and connection in a world that could take it all away.

Casting played a unique and pivotal role in our process. Our production was double-cast, with each actor alternating between two roles from night to night. This approach added layers of depth and understanding, as actors gained insights into the experiences of multiple characters. For instance, Nicholas Teixera and Jeff Blim, both portraying Roger Davis, alternated with roles that offered a different perspective on life and struggle. This dual-casting approach fostered a sense of camaraderie within our team, creating an environment where actors could both challenge and support one another as they inhabited multiple facets of RENT’s world.

Every ensemble member was thoughtfully crafted to represent real people impacted by the AIDS epidemic. Each actor drew on research, interviews, and personal reflection to ground their characters in the lived realities of those who fought through—and often succumbed to—this harrowing time. This commitment transformed our ensemble scenes, lending an authenticity and emotional weight that allowed RENT to honor those who were lost. Watching the street vendors, artists, and struggling souls of the East Village move across the stage became an act of remembrance, and it shaped the way we approached each performance with a spirit of reverence.

Hade’s direction emphasized an industrial, stripped-down set, creating the gritty, tactile world of East Village New York, with costumes by Annie Claire Hudson blending grunge and street style to pull the audience right into the era. The costumes became a layer of the characters themselves, each piece carefully chosen to embody the aesthetics and resilience of the 90s. From plaid pants to layered slip dresses, each look became a tribute to the individuals who lived on the margins of society, fighting for survival and self-expression.

Dylan Price’s onstage band translated Larson’s rock-pop score with an urgency that filled the space, while Amy Morgan’s choreography infused numbers like “La Vie Bohème” with defiant energy. Together, they brought Larson’s music to life in a way that allowed the audience to feel the pulse of the East Village.

At the heart of our production were the emotional layers of relationships like Angel and Collins’, as well as the self-imposed isolation of Mark and Roger’s internal struggle with acceptance. Through countless hours in rehearsal, actors Kevin Corte/Vince Carubia (Angel) and Tristan J. Schuler (Collins) worked to build a relationship that embodied a love both joyful and brave. Their reprise of “I’ll Cover You” became one of the most poignant moments in the show—a tribute to love that persists in the face of inevitable loss. These performances grounded the production in raw, heartfelt emotion, honoring not just the characters but the real people whose lives inspired them.

“Seasons of Love” remains a powerful anthem, a call to savor every moment, and our cast delivered it with a depth of feeling that brought the audience into RENT’s central message: to live unapologetically, embracing both the joy and heartbreak that define our lives. As actors alternated roles and connected to real stories, this number became a collective testament to the resilience of those who fought against the odds, making the most of the time they had.

In our journey to bring RENT to the TheatreSourceLA stage, we created a production that is as much about today’s world as it was about the 90s. Every rehearsal, costume fitting, and ensemble discussion became part of a tribute—not just to Larson’s masterpiece, but to the individuals who lived, loved, and fought during a time of great loss. By casting actors in multiple roles and grounding every character in real stories, our production became a celebration of resilience, connection, and the tenacious spirit to survive.

For our team, RENT is more than a show; it’s a tribute, a bridge to the past, and a reminder that even in a world marked by hardship, love and art have the power to bring people together. We are honored to share it with our audiences, inviting them to remember and embrace the extraordinary spirit of those who left an indelible mark on the world.

The TheatreSourceLA production of RENT featured a talented ensemble of actors, each bringing depth and authenticity to their roles. The principal cast members, with some roles double-cast to add versatility and richness to the performances, included:

• Roger Davis: Nicholas Teixera / Jeff Blim
• Mark Cohen/Gordon: Jewell Valentin / Dalton Weaver
• Mimi Marquez/Alexi Darling: Natalie Luna / Kyra Waters
• Tom Collins: Tristan J. Schuler
• Maureen Johnson/Mrs. Cohen: Joelle Tshudy / Renée Cohen
• Angel Schunard/Restaurant Man: Kevin Corte / Vince Carubia
• Joanne Jefferson/Pam: Virginia Vass / Amber France
• Benjamin Coffin III: Trae Adair
• Paula: Amaya J
• Mr. Jefferson/The Man: Caleb Rogers

Additionally, the production featured swings who provided essential support and versatility:

• Swings: Annie Claire Hudson, Amy Melendez, Jessie Harrison

This ensemble’s dedication and talent were instrumental in bringing the vibrant and poignant world of RENT to life on stage.