Welcome!
Thank you for your interest in auditioning at Diversionary. We’re so glad you’re here.
Diversionary Theatre is proud to be the third oldest LGBTQIA+ theatre in the nation, and a home for bold, inclusive storytelling. Located in the heart of San Diego, we produce 3–4 productions each season and cast both local and national talent. Whether you’ve worked with us before or are new to our community, we look forward to getting to know you.
Casting & Auditions at Diversionary Theatre
Diversionary Theatre will be holding an open call for our upcoming 2026 season shows. We currently are seeking Equity and Non Equity actors of all identities and backgrounds to be considered for principal roles in the shows.
CONTRACT:
Non-union performers are paid an hourly rate of $17.50 for rehearsals through performances. Union performers are paid the SPT-2 weekly minimum. Please stipulate whether you are AEA or not on your resume.
AUDITION PREPARATION:
Each actor will be given a five minute slot. Within that slot, you have the option to perform a 32 bars of contemporary rock/pop songs or a contemporary monologue that shows intimacy, vulnerability or open emotion. An accompanist will be provided. Also, please bring your headshot and resume stapled together.
In an effort to concentrate our casting process, we are highly encouraging all actors specifically interested in RENT to come and be seen during this open call.
To schedule an audition appointment please email: casting@diversionary.org. Please include your availability.
An Equity Monitor will not be provided. The producer will run all aspects of this audition.
Equity’s contracts prohibit discrimination. Equity is committed to diversity and encourages all its employers to engage in a policy of equal employment opportunity designed to promote a positive model of inclusion. As such, Equity encourages performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities, to attend every audition.
Always bring your Equity Membership card to auditions.
World Premiere
STRADDLE
By Harrison David Rivers
Co-conceived with Sherri Eden Barber
With music by Nini Camps
REHEARSALS:
January 13 – February 18, 2026
PERFORMANCES:
February 19 – March 15, 2026
OPENING NIGHT:
February 28, 2026
It’s Dodie and Vita’s anniversary again. And this year’s celebration feels an awful lot like last year’s. And the year before that. In this sexy new play from Harrison David Rivers (author of last season’s we are continuous), one couple asks: how do you keep things hot when it’s all been done before?
ROLES:
DODIE: Married to Vita. If you asked her how long, she’d guess five years. She’s shrewd and strategically-minded with a demanding job that she frequently prioritizes. A sexy charmer. Can’t quite articulate what’s missing from their relationship. Late 30’s to early 50’s, female identifying.
VITA: Married to Dodie. If you asked her how long, she’d say seven years (and she’d be right). She’s witty and intelligent. A scholar. A pragmatic romantic. Can’t quite articulate what she wants from their relationship. Late 30’s to early 50’s, female identifying. Must be able to move and carry a tune.
Audition Dates:
Friday, September 5th, 2025
Saturday, September 6th, 2025
Sunday, September 7th, 2025
10:00PM – 7:00PM
BREAK: 2:15PM-3:00PM
LOCATION:
Diversionary Theatre , 4545 Park Blvd #101
San Diego, CA 92116
Please give yourself time to find parking as Diversionary is located in a busy neighborhood. There will be a sign-in area when you arrive.
Diversionary Theatre will provide reasonable accommodations to individuals who request them in advance.For advanced accommodation requests and general questions or inquiries, please email casting@diversionary.org.
PERSONNEL EXPECTED TO ATTEND:
Artistic Producer, Kian Kline-Chilton
Our Casting Commitments
At Diversionary, we are committed to anti-racist, inclusive casting practices that foster a space where artists of all identities, backgrounds, and abilities are respected and celebrated. We strive to make our audition and rehearsal rooms welcoming, equitable,
and artist-centered.
Our casting commitments include:
- Using inclusive language in all casting breakdowns, audition notices, and in our rehearsal rooms.
- Ensuring our spaces are accessible to all artists and providing accommodations as needed.
- Communicating casting decisions directly with actors before any public announcements.
- Offering artists a respectful amount of time to prepare audition material.
Submitting to Diversionary
San Diego-based actors are always welcome to submit their headshot, resume, and any work samples at any time using this form. You may update your materials by resubmitting the form whenever needed. All submissions are kept on file in our casting database for consideration throughout the season.
Questions?
We’re happy to connect! For general casting inquiries, please reach out to our Casting Department at casting@diversionary.org.
Legacy Revival
RENT
Book music, and lyrics by
Jonathan Larson
Co Directed by
Sherri Eden Barber, Coleman Ray Clark and Nigel Semaj
REHEARSALS:
April 14 – May 17, 2026
PERFORMANCES:
May 21 – June 14, 2026
OPENING NIGHT:
May 30, 2026
This is RENT like you’ve never experienced it before.
Diversionary Theatre proudly presents a bold, reimagined production of the iconic musical that changed everything. Set in the heart of a community that knows firsthand the power of chosen family, love, loss, and resilience, RENT comes alive in a way that only Diversionary can deliver. With raw intimacy, electric energy, and unapologetic authenticity, this production strips the story down to its core, reminding us what it means to live, to fight, and to love—no day but today. Don’t miss this unforgettable theatrical event.
ROLES:
MARK COHEN: A filmmaker and video artist who constantly seeks validation. He longs for the days when his group of friends were closer. In his struggles to find his place in the world, he often finds himself on the outside looking in. Mark
comes from privilege but desires to understand his responsibility to himself and his community. Roger’s roommate. Late 20’s to late 30’s.
ROGER DAVIS: A musician/singer-songwriter who is a recovering drug addict living with HIV. Roger has mourned members of his community and is grieving the loss of his deceased former girlfriend. Roger longs for connection and meaning through his music. Mark’s roommate. Late 20’s to late 30’s.
TOM COLLINS:A professor of technology at NYU that is grounded in anarchy and liberation. Smart, caring, and the backbone of his friend group. His chosen family is lifted by his positive and nurturing spirit. His warmth and empathic presence allows him to invite his friends to examine personal accountability. Tom used to be a roommate in the loft with Mark and Roger. He is also living with HIV. Late 20’s to mid 40’s
BENJAMIN “BENNY” COFFIN III: Mark and Roger’s landlord and former roommate. He struggles to find connection with his former chosen family. He is constantly battling being a friend while pleasing his new white in-laws. In spite of being seen as a sell out, Benny longs to know who he is and where he fits in his community. Late 20’s to mid 40’s.
JOANNE JEFFERSON: A public interest lawyer who always fights for the underdog, she is smart, purposeful, and grounded. She is dating Maureen.She struggles to not be jealous ofMaureen’s flirtatious nature with others Late 20’s to late 30’s.
ANGEL DUMOTT SCHUNARD: A vibrant street musician who radiates light. Angel moves through the world as a gender nonconforming human who is also living with HIV. Angel has an incredible spirit with a gift for inspiring human
connection all while being a street fashion icon. Angel is magnetic and rooted in living for the moment. The heart of the group. Late 20’s to late 30’s.
MIMI MARQUEZ: A dancer and sex worker who is living with HIV. A young woman on a journey to find who she is and what she is fighting for. Mimi’s addiction and intentions are often at odds. She desperately tries to make the best of life in whatever way she can. Her artistry is connected to her body and movement. Late 20’s to late 30’s
MAUREEN JOHNSON: A performance artist who is constantly raging and ready to fight. She’s a former roommate of Roger, Mark, Collins and Benny. Maureen is queer and openly dating Joanne after recently breaking up with Mark. Bursting with confidence and a vivacious spirit, Maureen navigates how to be a less self-centered human that is accountable for their actions. Artistically speaking she is a radical and unexpected arts advocate. Late 20’s to late 30’s.
ENSEMBLE: The Ensemble of this world is incredibly valuable and provides the foundation and full structure that holds and supports the stories Rent has to share. Late 20’s to late 30’s.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
Diversionary Theatre is an institution of integrity and respect. We intend to cast our productions as inclusive and open as possible. As a theatre that serves a minority group, intersectionality has been a priority in our work on stage and off. We are actively seeking actors of all ethnicities, abilities, body types, and gender identities. We invite actors to audition and submit for the roles with whom they most identify. In every decision we make, we commit to upholding the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and to create brave artistic spaces.
Diversionary Theatre prioritizes hiring local artists.
An additional note on Rent: This is not a Rent that aims to replicate what most productions look like. This is a Rent for anyone who has always seen themselves in the show. If you see yourself as Roger, come audition for Roger. We want to see punk rock energy, excitement and bold choices.
The productions of Manifest Pussy and To My Girls have been cast.