RENT Questionnaire
"Behind the Scenes of RENT"
Name:
Karmine Alers
Title/Role: Understudy/Swing
How long have you been working on RENT?
5 years
Tell us a little about your job. What does it mean to be a ____?
The role of an understudy/swing requires me to go on, at anytime, for any one of the five roles I cover. For instance if someone is ill, has an accident during the show or is on vacation.
Describe your typical day.
My typical day could be coming in for rehearsal from 1 – 5:30 pm for new cast members. Then coming back ½ hour before the start of the show. Sign in and since I know the show so well, I’d sit in my dressing room. If I didn’t I’d be watching the show periodically from the house.
What is your favorite part of the job?
I love the challenge of the many roles I cover. Being able to see the show from different perspectives and trying new things every time I go on.
What is your least favorite part of the job?
If I’ve had a big meal right before I’m told that I would be on. It’s uncomfortable
When did you first become interested in a career in this field?
When I went to high school. I loved the idea of entertaining. It was a great escape at home.
Tell us a little about your career up to this point. How did you get where you are now?
I started out singing in Junior High School. Then joined a 3 girl group, toured the states. The sang in a wedding band for years auditioning for theater. Booked children’s theater where I worked with Jonathan Larson. I then signed a deal as a recording artist with A and M records in another 3 girl group. Rent called me in after 12-13 auditions with them.
What advice would you have for someone seeking a career in your field?
It’s not easy, but so what! In order to sustain yourself in this business you must remain positive. Always look at the experiences (whether in auditions, classes, readings, etc.) as ways to help you grow as a performer. Take classes and continue to take classes in whatever you desire (voice, dance, acting, etc.). It will give you confidence and longevity in an extremely competitive industry.
What is your favorite scene/song in RENT?
Probably the most challenging scene/song is “Goodbye Love”—it requires me to dig deep and understand this character ib a very deep level. My favorite song is “Will I”—I believe it’s something we’ve all asked ourselves at some point. “Out Tonight” is a very playful, fun loving son with a lot of hidden meanings in it.
Tell us about your favorite RENT backstage anecdote. What the funniest/scariest/most exciting thing that’s happened backstage or during a performance?
There’s so many moments throughout the show. Too many to mention. But I’ll say we do have a lot of fun. For such an emotional show we laugh a lot. The only time I get concerned if I haven’t been on for any particular role. I just pray I get all the words out and hit my marks.
Tell us about the first time you ever heard of RENT.
I was finishing up a children’s show run. Musically directed by Jonathan Larson. When he approached me with the script and music. He thought I’d make a good Mimi, and wanted to know what I thought of the material.
Had you seen RENT before you started working on the show? If so, how many times?
Yes, several times, my sister Yassmin was a part of the original case as an understudy/swing. I came whenever she was on for something new.
Tell us how you got your job working for RENT. Any interesting audition or interview stories?
After 5 ½ years of auditioning for the casting directors and the creative team, several times. They called me randomly and asked if I would join the “Benny Company” on the road. 7 ½ months later we closed. 1 month later my sister Yassmin was in the NY Company of Rent and was leaving to do another show. So they asked me to take her position. I did and 4 months after was given the role of Mimi.
