In The Heights

In reference to the character descriptions that follow—most characters we encounter currently are on the binary and are written with he/him or she/her pronouns and you will see that in the following descriptions. But however limiting the descriptions are, our casting seeks to be as inclusive as possible and we invite gender non-conforming, gender-fluid, transgender and non-binary actors to submit for the roles they most identify with.

 

We expect if you are submitting for a part with a specified ethnicity, that you identify as that identity, regardless of your race.  We recognize that Latine/x/a/o people come in all colors. 

 

In addition, we will list disability when specific to a character, but are otherwise seeking actors with disabilities as well as non-disabled actors for all roles.

 

Please let us know if you have any questions, concerns, or if there are any accommodations we can provide.

 

CHARACTERS

 

USNAVI DE LA VEGA: (Baritenor, Latino, Reads 20s-30s) Owner of De La Vega's Bodega, his parents emigrated from the Dominican Republic and have since passed away. He lives with Abuela 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. Singing a plus. (A2-A4)

 

NINA ROSARIO: (Mezzo-Soprano, Strong Belt/Mix, Latina, Reads as college age) 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 belt/mix to an E. Must be a good mover. (F3-F5)

 

KEVIN ROSARIO: (Baritenor, Latino, Reads 40s-50s) 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. (A2-F4)

 

CAMILIA ROSARIO: (Alto, Latina, Reads 40s-50s) 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. (G3-E5)

 

BENNY: (Tenor, Non-Latino, Reads 20s-30s) A 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. Preferably African American. Strong singer and excellent mover. (B2-A4)

 

VANESSA: (Mezzo-Soprano, Strong Belt, Latina, Reads Late Teens to 20s) A shampoo girl at 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 belt/ mix to an E. Must be strong dancer. (F#3-F5)

 

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

 

ABUELA CLAUDIA: (Alto with Belt, Latina, Plays late 60s+) 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. Strong belt to a C. (Eb3-E5)

 

DANIELA: (Alto, Latina, Reads 30s-40s) 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 out of the neighborhood because of rent hikes. Comic actress with a strong belt. Should be an excellent mover. (F3-E5)

 

CARLA: (Latina, Reads 20s-30s) 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. Strong belt mix. Should be an excellent mover. (F3-E5)

 

GRAFFITI PETE: (Reads late teens to 20s, any race, must be dancer) A graffiti artist and the nemesis of Usnavi, he/they are always hanging out on the streets, dancing to their boombox music, spraying any surface they 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) He walks the hot and humid streets of Washington Heights selling piraguas (flavored ice shavings) to earn a living. He represents the rhythm of the islands in the big city. Bright, soaring tenor. (D3-A4)

 

ENSEMBLE: Various Dancers and Singers. All ethnicities encouraged to audition.

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