Based loosely on Puccini's La Boheme, Jonathan Larson's Rent follows a year in the life of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create music in New York's Lower East Side, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS.

The physical and emotional complications of the disease pervade the lives of Roger, Mimi, Tom and Angel. Maureen deals with her chronic infidelity through performance art; her partner, Joanne, wonders if their relationship is worth the trouble. Benny has sold out his Bohemian ideals in exchange for a hefty income and is on the outs with his former friends. Mark, an aspiring filmmaker, feels like an outsider to life in general. How these young bohemians negotiate their dreams, loves and conflicts provides the narrative thread to this groundbreaking musical.

Rent will mark the 12th production of TUTS’ Summer Conservatory Program. This program at HSMT strives to bring Houston's finest musical theatre talent ages 13-18 together once a year to rehearse and present a fully staged production. These students enhance their musical theatre training through their interactions with TUTS’ Artistic Team, directors, choreographers and musical directors.