Audition information:

Auditions: December 9 and 10, 2025 @ Center Stage Dance Alliance

• Parking Info: If there is no parking available in the parking lot, there is on-street parking around the corner on Kawili St, Hinano St and Laukapu St. Please do not park at the church next door as they may tow your car.

Auditioners much register for an audition time by filling out the form below.

The character breakdowns provided, especially in terms of their ethnic background, are a framework  for the telling of this specific story about a community in Washington Heights; they are not  meant as a limitation. We acknowledge the constraints of casting in a community that does not have strong Latinx representation, however we are committed to diversity, inclusion, and representation, and are  focused on honoring the intent of the story. We are most interested in actors who  can embody the essence, spirit, and energy of these characters. If you identify with/as any part  of these characters, we strongly encourage you to audition.

Character Breakdown

Usnavi de la Vega —Male, Latino, 20’s. The protagonist, he owns the corner bodega left to him  by his deceased parents, and longs to visit his beloved birthplace, the Dominican Republic. His  parents immigrated to New York when he was a child, and he has not returned to DR since  then. He has a special relationship with Abuela Claudia, who is not actually his grandmother,  but is as close as family to him. He is in love with Vanessa but struggles to share his feelings.  Usnavi serves as an unofficial ambassador for his community. He is hard-working and  awkwardly-endearing; on his own journey to grapple with where he comes from, where he is,  and where he is going. Excellent rap skills are a must. Good mover and singer. 

Nina Rosario — Female, Latina, 19. Nina, a first-generation college student, has just returned  home from her first year at Stanford University. She is the daughter of Kevin and Camila  Rosario, the owners of the local car service. The community looks to her as a symbol of  success, as someone who has achieved great things outside "the Heights". She is a do-gooder  who struggles with trying to make her community and family proud, and trying to forge her own  path and identity. Excellent vocalist; strong belt/mix to an E. Good mover. 

Camila Rosario — Female, Latina, middle-aged. Camila is the co-owner of Rosario's Car  Service with her husband Kevin. They emigrated to New York from Puerto Rico at a young age,  striving to create a better life for themselves and their daughter, Nina. They face the struggles  of business-owners in an expensive city. Loving but firm. Great singer. 

Kevin Rosario — Male, Latino, middle-aged. Co-owner of Rosario's Car Service, Camila's  husband, and father to Nina. After emigrating from Puerto Rico, he has worked hard his entire  life to build his business and provide for his family. He can be stubborn and proud. He is Nina’s  fiercest champion, and though his intentions are in the right place, this creates pressure on  what she expects of herself. Represents the complexities of the immigrant’s “American  Dream.” Great singer. 

Abuela Claudia — Female, Latina, mid-60’s +. The warm matriarch of the neighborhood, she  emigrated to New York from Cuba when she was very young, before the Revolution. She has  raised Usnavi since his parents died. She serves as the guiding light and sage for many in the  community: everyone’s Abuela. Also represents the complexities of the immigrant’s “American  Dream,” of her generation. Her title song “Paciencia y Fe” embodies her ethos of patience and  faith. Strong belt to a C. Spanish-speaking a plus. 

Sonny — Male, Latino, mid-teens. He is Usnavi's idealistic and optimistic, younger cousin who  helps at the bodega. Friends with Graffiti Pete, to the chagrin of Usnavi. He has a genuine  desire to improve the inequities of his community and emulate Usnavi. Comedic chops and rap  skills. Good singer and mover.

Vanessa —Female, Latina/mixed race/ethnicity, early 20’s. She works at Daniela’s salon and  longs to make her way out of Washington Heights. She deals with family issues that make her  feel stuck and defensive at times, but she maintains her hopeful outlook. She is close friends  with Nina, and is the object of Usnavi's hidden affection, for whom she has a soft spot.  Excellent singer/belter and excellent dancer. 

Benny — Male, Black/non-Latino, 20’s. Benny is best friends with Usnavi, and in love with  Nina, even though her father disapproves, in large part due to cultural differences. Benny is a  driver for Rosario's, who grew up having to make his own way, and who Kevin took under his  wing. Benny hopes to someday own his own car service and represents the hard work and  optimism of a hopeful entrepreneur. Excellent dancer and singer. 

Graffiti Pete — Open gender/ethnicity. (*This character is traditionally Male but open to change  this. For now, breakdown will use “he” pronoun, but this is not fixed.) He is the comedic  nemesis of Usnavi, a graffiti artist who tags up Usnavi’s bodega, always with a boombox and  spray cans in tow. He is friends with Sonny, which concerns Usnavi. Excellent dancer, street  and salsa styles. 

Daniela — Female, Latina, 30’s-40’s. She is the savvy, strong-willed, straight-talking owner of  the salon next to Usnavi’s bodega. She emigrated from Puerto Rico and finds her business a  victim of gentrification. A mentor to Vanessa and Carla in a tough love style. Spanish-speaking  a plus. Great mover and singer with strong belt. 

Carla — Female, Latina, 20’s-30’s. She works at Daniela's salon; she looks up to her and is a  loyal sidekick. She can be naive at times but is not a ditz, and always means well. She provides  comedic relief with her rose-colored glasses outlook. Great singer/strong belt/mix; great mover. 

Piragua Guy — Male, Latino, 30’s +. A hard-worker with a buoyant and positive energy, he  makes his living selling flavored shaved ice, “piraguas,” from his mobile street cart in  Washington Heights. A very strong presence in the community, his piraguas are a nostalgic reminder of the flavor of the islands so many of the residents once called home. Spanish speaking a plus. Excellent singer, tenor. Good mover. 

Ensemble - Any gender and ethnicity, age 15+. Residents to make up the strong community of Washington  Heights. The ensemble is heavily used in the storytelling of this show. Good singer/dancers. 

Featured Dancers - Any gender and ethnicity, age 15+. Must be excellent dancers in street and salsa styles.  No singing required.

Keiki Dance Ensemble: - Any gender and ethnicity, age 14 and under, to be selected from current Center Stage Dance Alliance students (no auditions)

IN THE HEIGHTS is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com