Casting

The premiere production employed six actors to portray 18 roles, but Renascence can be performed by a larger cast to give more actors opportunities to participate.

The actors can be any size, shape or color, but they should be young: mid-20s for Vincent, Norma and Kathleen; mid-30s for Mother, Father and Editor. Vincent, Norma and Mother are portrayed by female actors; Father, Editor and Kathleen are played by male actors. This breakdown is in response to the vocal demands of the score. Edna St. Vincent Millay challenged gender roles, starting with her name (she was called Vincent). Having a male actor play a female character(s) illuminates this aspect of Vincent's provocative presence in the world.

Brilliant, sensual, charming and dangerous. Pansexual by today’s standards, she can be as coquettish as she needs to be to get what she wants, and as tough. Vincent is obsessively self-involved, yet she possesses deep insight into other people. Should be played by a female actor

The classic middle child: the family peacekeeper and truth teller. Clear eyed and open hearted. She is wise beyond her years, while always yearning for the connectedness she once felt for her sisters. Should be played by a female actor. Also plays Elaine Ralli.

The only non-member of the Millay family, he sometimes functions as the conduit between the audience and the story, so he should have a warm, welcoming and trustworthy quality. As Editor, he wants to be a bad boy but lacks the courage to do so. Should be played by a male actor. Also plays Henry Hall, Dr. Sommerville, Ella Sommerville, Catherine with a C, Publisher, and Catherine with a C’s Little Sister

She reveres and is jealous of her brilliant oldest sister. Kathleen is maybe as talented as Vincent (then again, maybe not), but she lacks the other qualities required to turn that talent into a life. Should be played by male actor. The actor playing Kathleen doesn’t need to do anything to convey “woman.” Also plays Caroline B. Dow.

Vincent's mother. A woman who rejected the notion that she needs a man, and raises her daughters to believe that being female is no reason not to dream big. She is proud of her oldest daughter’s resulting success and—as a failed poet—shattered by it, too. Should be played by a female actor. Also plays Judge.

Vincent's father. Playful, nurturing and sensitive with Vincent, his oldest daughter, yet wounded and uncertain in every other area of his life. There is a sexiness to his vulnerability, rather than a weakness. Should be played by a male actor. Also plays Orrick Johns, Katherine with a K, and Katherine with a K’s Little Sister.