RENT

Written by Jonathan Larson

Ithaca College, Hoerner Theater

Directed by Cynthia Henderson

Choreographed by Daniel Gwirtzman

Music Direction by Christopher Zemliauskas

Scenic Design by Olivya DeLuca

Lighting Design by Kyle Stamm

Costume Design by Nicole Brooks

Sound Design by Emma Taylor

Sound Mixing by Ariana Cardoza

Sound Engineered by Tom Cohen

Assistant Sound Engineered by Timothy White

Production Stage Managed by Dani Berman

Jonathan Larson’s RENT chronicles a year in the life of a group of struggling, starving artists living in New York City’s East Village in the late 80s and early 90s; at the height of the AIDS epidemic.

While it is commonly considered a rock musical, the ever-present underscoring and the fact that the story is almost entirely sung, it is more similar in structure to an opera, much like the opera that inspired it, Giacomo Puccini’s La Bohème.

The goal of the design was to create an intimate feeling that transported the audience to the heart of New York City, while not interrupting the musical score and flow of the show. As a sound designer this presented a clear goal and direction. The vocals and iconic music were the focus of the performance. My sound effect creation was limited to in-world sounds such as phones ringing, city ambience, the power going out, and dramatic motorcycle entrances.