DEAR EVAN HANSEN - The Everett Theatre Non Equity Auditions

Auditions for Dear Evan Hansen at The Everett Theatre in Middletown, Delaware

The Everett Theatre announces open auditions for Dear Evan Hansen. This is a nonunion, unpaid community theatre production.

We are seeking strong actors and contemporary pop/rock singers who can handle demanding harmonies, find the humor in the script, and approach its sensitive material with care. Auditioners must be at least 17 years old at the time of auditions. Adults are encouraged to audition for both student and parent roles; the ages listed below are the characters' stage ages.

Audition dates and location
Monday, November 2, from 6–9 p.m.
Wednesday, November 4, from 6–9 p.m.
Check in at The Annex, next door to the theatre at 43 W. Main Street, Middletown, Delaware.

Arrive at any time during either audition window. You do not need to stay for the entire session.

Callbacks, if needed, will be held by invitation on Friday, November 6, from 6–10 p.m. Please keep this date available.

What to prepare
Prepare approximately 16–32 bars, or about one minute, of a song that demonstrates your vocal range and acting ability. A song from Dear Evan Hansen is strongly preferred, though another contemporary pop/rock musical theatre selection is acceptable.

Bring a downloaded accompaniment track without vocals on your phone or another device that can connect to our Bluetooth PA. An accompanist will not be provided, and unaccompanied singing is not permitted. Please do not rely on YouTube or other streaming services.

Memorization is preferred, but you may use sheet music. Headshots and résumés are welcome but not required.

Please complete the online audition form before attending or submitting a video. Bring a complete list of rehearsal and performance conflicts. Non-emergency conflicts will not be accepted after a role has been offered.

Audition and callback music and script sides are available at:
https://zips.to/deh-auditions

Video auditions
In-person auditions are preferred. If you cannot attend, submit a video audition before 4 p.m. on Wednesday, November 4, to auditions@theeverett.org and copy bob@bobgatchel.com. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Your submission should include:

Your name, age, the role you are auditioning for, and your song title.
Your prepared song, following the guidelines above.
Readings of the provided script sides for two different characters.
A brief description of your performance experience, including harmony or small-ensemble singing.
Your conflict schedule.
Complete the online audition form before sending your video.

Roles
Evan Hansen
Stage age 17. Tenor, G2–C5. An anxious high school senior whose desire to belong draws him into an increasingly complicated lie. Requires an actor-singer with vulnerability, comic timing, and the stamina to carry much of the show. Strong contemporary mix and falsetto required. Suggested songs: Waving Through a Window or For Forever.

Heidi Hansen
Stage age 40s. Mezzo-soprano/belter, F3–E♭5. Evan's overworked single mother, balancing work and school while struggling to reach her son. Warm, funny, and capable of direct emotional honesty. Suggested song: So Big / So Small.

Zoe Murphy
Stage age 16. Mezzo-soprano, F3–E5. Connor's younger sister and Evan's love interest. Dryly funny and guarded, Zoe has complicated feelings about the brother who hurt her and the grief surrounding his death. Requires a natural pop sound and strong chemistry with Evan. Suggested songs: Requiem or Only Us.

Connor Murphy
Stage age 17. Baritone/tenor, C3–G♯4. An isolated, volatile classmate who dies by suicide early in the story, then appears as a figure of Evan's imagination. Requires charisma and the ability to move between anger, sardonic humor, and vulnerability. Suggested songs: Sincerely, Me or Disappear.

Cynthia Murphy
Stage age 40s. Mezzo-soprano/belter, F3–E5. Connor and Zoe's mother. Grieving and desperate to understand her son, she clings to Evan's stories about their supposed friendship. Requires a warm contemporary belt and mix. Suggested songs: Requiem or Anybody Have a Map?

Larry Murphy
Stage age 40s. Baritone, B♭2–G4. Connor and Zoe's father. Reserved and emotionally guarded, Larry struggles to express his grief while developing an unexpected bond with Evan. Suggested song: To Break in a Glove.

Jared Kleinman
Stage age 17. Tenor, D3–B4. Evan's sarcastic family friend, who helps fabricate the emails at the center of the story. His confidence and jokes conceal his own loneliness. Requires sharp comic timing and quick, rhythmic delivery. Suggested song: Sincerely, Me.

Alana Beck
Stage age 17. Mezzo-soprano/belter, F3–E5. An ambitious, relentlessly involved classmate who leads The Connor Project. Her enthusiasm masks a need for connection. Requires precise comic delivery, vulnerability, and strong harmony skills. Suggested songs: Disappear or Alana's section of Good for You.

The panel may consider additional ensemble performers for movement and vocals. Any additions, including offstage singers for the show's virtual community, will be subject to licensing permissions.

Rehearsals and performances
The first read-through will be Monday, November 9, from 6:30–9 p.m.

Regular rehearsals will be Sundays, Mondays, and Wednesdays from 6:30–9 p.m. Cast members may not be called to every rehearsal. A detailed schedule will be developed after casting and review of conflicts; additional rehearsals may be necessary.

All tech rehearsals, February 6–11, are mandatory. No conflicts will be accepted during this period.

Performances:

February 12, 13, 19, and 20 at 7:30 p.m.
February 14 and 21 at 2 p.m.
All performers must attend set strike immediately following the final performance.

Content and participation requirements
Dear Evan Hansen addresses teenage suicide, a possible suicide attempt, anxiety, depression, grief, isolation, and online harassment. The production includes strong language, sexual humor, references to drug use, intense family arguments, a physical shove, and staged kissing between Evan and Zoe. Connor's death occurs offstage, but it is discussed throughout the show, and the character appears after his death in Evan's imagination.

Please consider your comfort with this material before auditioning. We encourage auditioners to read a full synopsis and listen to the Original Broadway Cast Recording beforehand.

Performers who are 17 when cast must submit a parental permission form.

The Everett is a volunteer-based nonprofit. Performers' friends and family are encouraged to help with box office, ticket taking, concessions, and ushering. Volunteers may enjoy the show free as a thank-you for their assistance.

Callbacks and casting notifications
Callbacks may include scene readings, solo and harmony singing, and a brief movement or staging exercise. No dance experience or special shoes are required; wear comfortable clothing.

Invitations and preparation instructions will be sent by email. You may still be cast without receiving a callback.

Everyone who auditions will receive an email with their casting outcome. Please provide accurate contact information and check your spam or junk folder.