Our Character Insights section is designed to help you prepare for In The Heights Auditions with confidence. Each character card includes a brief description, vocal range, and age range to help you find the best fit for your voice and strengths. We encourage you to audition for any role you feel is right for you! Casting is open to all, and we welcome performers of all genders, ethnicities, ages (8+) and body types.
Want to feel even more prepared for auditions? Check out our Audition Workshop!
ENSEMBLE
Character Age: 8+
Vocal Range: All vocal types
Strong and active, the ensemble supports and keeps up the energy of In the Heights.
USNAVI
Character Age: 20-35
Vocal Range: Baritone
Latinx. The protagonist, who owns the bodega. He is the show’s narrator and main voice.
ABUELA CLAUDIA
Character Age: Mid-60s
Vocal Range: Alto
Latinx. The matriarch of the neighborhood, who emigrated to NYC from Cuba when she was very young. She serves as the guiding light for many in the community; everyone’s Abuela.
NINA
Character Age: 18-25
Vocal Range: Soprano
Latinx. A first-generation college student who has just returned home from her first year at Stanford University.
BENNY
Character Age: 20-30
Vocal Range: Tenor
A young cab driver who is in love with Nina. He shows strong perseverance and has big dreams of starting his own business.
VANESSA
Character Age: 18-30
Vocal Range: Mezzo-Soprano
Latinx. She works at Daniela’s salon and longs to make her way out of Washington Heights. She navigates family issues that sometimes leave her feeling stuck and defensive, yet she maintains a hopeful outlook.
CARLA
Character Age: 20-30
Vocal Range: Soprano
Latinx. Carla works at Daniela’s salon and is also one of her greatest friends. She is naïve and cares deeply for her friends and family.
KEVIN ROSARIO
Character Age: 40-60
Vocal Range: Baritone
Latinx. The co-owner of Rosario’s Car Service, husband to Camila, and father to Nina. Stubborn and proud. After emigrating from Puerto Rico, he has worked hard his entire life to build his business and provide for his family.
CAMILA ROSARIO
Character Age: 40-60
Vocal Range: Mezzo-Soprano
Latinx. Nina’s mother and Kevin’s wife. She is the co-owner of Rosario’s Car Service and is composed but strong. She immigrated with her husband from Puerto Rico at 19 to start their business and raise their daughter.
SONNY
Character Age: 13-30
Vocal Range: Tenor
Latinx. Usnavi’s idealistic and optimistic younger cousin who helps at the bodega. He has a genuine desire to improve the inequities of the community and emulate Usnavi. He has comedic chops and rap skills.
DANIELA
Character Age: 20-40
Vocal Range: Alto
Latinx. Strong, sassy, and persistent, Daniela is the owner of a salon. She has worked hard for her business, but has struggled to keep up as things change around her.
PIRAGÜERO (PIRAGUA GUY)
Character Age: 30-60
Vocal Range: Tenor
Latinx. He has made his living walking around the stress of Washington Heights selling shaved ice.
GRAFFITI PETE
Character Age: 13-30
Vocal Range: Tenor/Baritone/Bass
He is the comedic nemesis of Usnavi, a graffiti artist who tags up Usnavi’s bodega. He is always with a boombox and spray cans.