Audition Information
ZEST holds open auditions for all of our productions. We are always on the lookout for new talent, both on and off stage, and we welcome everyone to audition, regardless of prior experience, or membership status.
RENT
Wed, 3rd June 2026, 18:30-22:00
Thu, 4th June 2026, 18:30-22:00
Fri, 5th June 2026, 18:30-22:00
Mon, 8th June 2026, 18:30-22:00
Tue, 9th June 2026, 18:30-22:00
Self-tape submission deadline:
Sat, 13th June 2026, 22:00
Note: This is a purely amateur, non-paid production. All positions are voluntary.
ZEST Rehearsal Space
Im Holzerhurd 60, 8046 Zürich, Switzerland
RENT is the iconic, Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical by Jonathan Larson that captures the lives of a diverse group of young artists struggling to survive and create in New York City’s East Village. Set against the backdrop of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, this modern adaptation of Puccini’s La Bohème is a powerful celebration of friendship, community, and the resilience of the human spirit. Featuring a legendary soundtrack and unforgettable anthems, RENT challenges us to face adversity while learning to measure our lives in love. Join us for our 30th-anniversary production, an immersive experience that redefines this classic story for a new generation.
Currently all roles for our upcoming productions are filled.
Please check this page again later for future opportunities.
Sign up to our newsletter at the bottom of the page to be informed of new audition opportunities.
Getting Started
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Audition dates are typically announced a few weeks in advance at our Monday Evening Readings and via our mailing list.
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Auditions are open to everyone - non-members and members. If cast, you are expected to become a ZEST member before rehearsals begin.
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Audition pieces are usually available at least one week in advance on the play's specific audition page. You are not expected to have them memorised, but you should be familiar with them. You will not be penalised for keeping the script in your hand!
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Candidates should complete an audition application form online prior to the audition date. If you have problems accessing or filling out the form, please email the audition panel instead.
The Audition Process
Auditions are generally held in front of a casting panel, consisting of at least the director and one member of the committee. The exact format of the auditions is the decision of the director.
The casting panel’s decision is final. While the best candidate may not always be chosen, decisions are based on more than just the audition performance. We also consider how each candidate will fit into the whole cast and the level of commitment the show requires.
Regarding callbacks and final results:
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Callbacks: If callback dates are advertised, they do not necessarily indicate how well or poorly you performed in your initial audition. They simply mean the panel would like to see you again – for instance, to see you work alongside other potential cast members.
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Selection: Not being called back does not mean you are no longer being considered for a part – just as receiving a callback does not necessarily indicate an increased likelihood of being cast in a role.
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Format: Not all audition panels hold separate callbacks; some directors may integrate these into the primary audition dates or cast directly from the first round.
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Notification: All candidates will be informed of the final result shortly after the final audition date. Although we aim to do this within a few days, it can sometimes take longer.
ZEST is an amateur group, and no one is paid for their participation in a production.
If cast, you are expected to commit to attending most rehearsals, as well as all technical rehearsals and performances.
Important Policies
Stage Combat and Intimacy
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All scenes with physical contact between actors must be blocked by a member of the creative team (director, fight choreographer, assistant director, etc.)
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No scene involving physical contact can be rehearsed without the presence of a member of the creative team.
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Any changes to such scenes without express permission are grounds for immediate disciplinary action, such as exclusion from further productions.
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If anyone has any concerns, they can be expressed in strictest confidence to any committee member anonymously and will be fully supported and acted upon.
Travel Expenses
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For information on how to claim and be reimbursed for travel expenses incurred while working with ZEST, please refer to our full Travel Expenses policy.
