Announcing Youth Chorus Auditions for Dear Evan Hansen
Auditions are open for the youth chorus of Drayton Entertainment’s professional production of Dear Evan Hansen. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young performers to be part of something truly meaningful. This powerful, Tony Award–winning musical explores the issues that resonate deeply with today’s teens. By joining the youth chorus, you’ll not only work alongside industry professionals and gain invaluable stage experience, but also become a voice for your generation, sharing a story that matters. It’s more than just a role – it’s a chance to grow as an artist, connect with your community, and be part of a musical that changes lives. This program is offered completely free of charge.
Please note: Families considering this opportunity should be very aware of the content of the story and ensure that the teenagers are well equipped and supported to navigate its sometimes difficult themes.
Dear Evan Hansen explores the need for connection in today’s fast-paced society and promotes the idea that everyone deserves to feel seen and valued. While the production contains humor, music, and uplifting themes of belonging and family, its exploration of sensitive issues may not be suitable for all young people to participate in. This production contains strong language, mature themes, and references to drugs, alcohol, sex, and violence.
As Evan struggles with the consequences of becoming entangled in a lie about the circumstances of a troubled classmate’s death, he – and those around him – grapple with themes of loneliness, connection, mental health, depression, addiction, suicide, family dysfunction, and the potentially dangerous impact of social media.
- Language: Includes explicit and derogatory language.
- Sexual Content: Multiple references to sex or sexual situations.
- Drugs and Alcohol: Dialogue and lyrics mention drug use and rehab.
- Violence: One adolescent punches a peer; two references are made to a past incident of a student throwing something at a teacher.
Dear Evan Hansen is licensed with a PG-13 rating by Music Theatre International.
Audition Self-Tape Submission Deadline: November 14th, 2025
Callbacks: November 23rd, 2025
Rehearsal Dates: February 24th to March 17th, 2026
Show Dates: March 18th to April 12th, 2026
Show Location: St Jacobs Country Playhouse (40 Benjamin Rd E, Waterloo)
Ages: 14 – 15*
*PLEASE NOTE: In accordance with the standards outlined by the Canadian Theatre Agreement, all children’s chorus members MUST be 15-years-old or younger for the ENTIRE run of the show (March 18 to April 12, 2026).
For schedule, please see dropdown below.
Rehearsal and Performance Schedule
Rehearsals
Rehearsals will take place on evenings and weekends from February 24th to March 17th. Full rehearsal schedule and details to be announced soon.
Show Schedule
Show Dates: March 18th to April 12th, 2026
Performance schedule to be announced.
*SUBJECT TO CHANGE*
About the Show
Dear Evan Hansen tells the story of a young man with social anxiety disorder who so yearns to make a connection with his peers that he fabricates a relationship with a deceased student to become closer to the boy’s family. When a classmate commits suicide, shy Evan Hansen finds himself at the center of the tragedy and turmoil. In a misguided attempt to comfort the boy’s grieving family, Evan pretends that he was actually good friends with their son. He invents a fabricated email account to “prove” their friendship, and when a fake suicide note makes its way online, Evan finds himself the unintended face of a viral video about loneliness and friendship.
As his social currency skyrockets, Evan is drawn deeper and deeper into the lie. His relationship with his actual mother wanes in comparison to that of his “shiny new family.” He finally lands the girl of his dreams, and most importantly–he’s no longer invisible.
Eventually, Evan is forced to make a decision: Will he give himself over to the fantasy he’s created, or will he bite the bullet and risk losing everything he’s ever wanted?
Preparing for your Audition
Audition self-tapes are due November 14th.
Callbacks will take place November 23rd with the director and music director.
For the first round of auditions, applicants are asked to submit a self-tape using the provided audition materials. You may choose to prepare and record either the Connor selections or the Alana selections. *Youth are not being considered to play these roles, we just want to hear people sing from the show.
Please ensure your self-tape is clearly recorded with good lighting and sound quality, and that your full performance is visible within the frame.
Self-tapes are to be submitted in the audition form in the tab below.
Click here for steps on how to upload your UNLISTED audition video to YouTube.
Audition Material
ALANA – Good For You
ALANA – Good For You (Melody)
CONNOR – Disappear
CONNOR – Disappear (Melody)
Audition Form and Self-Tape Submission
Audition self-tapes are due November 14th.