Show Dates: January 13-17 & 19-24, 2027 Auditions: October 5 & 6, 2026 | 6-9pm Auditions are one-hour time slots (6-7pm | 7-8pm | 8-9pm) Rocori High School Auditorium Enter Door #11 (534 5th Ave N, Cold Spring, MN 56320) Callbacks: Thursday, October 8 at 6:00pm
Welcome to the Great Northern Theatre Company auditions. Please take time to familiarize yourself with some information about our process. Rehearsal & Performance Schedule A quality production comes from hard work and commitment on the part of everyone in the cast and crew. If members of the cast or crew are missing on days we didn’t expect, it creates confusion and is not fair to other members. For this reason, we ask you to consider the following information:
Please think about conflicts with the rehearsals and performances before you audition. Think about work, sport events, religious obligations, and family vacations so that these important conflicts are honestly recorded on your audition form
We cast based on conflicts you are honest about, and if NEW conflicts arise, you MAY be re-cast.
Rehearsal Schedule The rehearsal schedule will have a lot of variations each week. We have set the schedule to work around conflicts with the theater, as well as holidays during this busy time of year. It is CRITICAL you review the attached schedule and list ALL conflicts. Missing additional practices not listed is simply not an option.
Dear Evan Hansen – SummaryDear Evan Hansen is a contemporary musical that follows Evan, an anxious high‑school student whose life changes when a misunderstanding leads others to believe he was close friends with a classmate who died by suicide. As Evan becomes entwined with the grieving family, he finds himself creating a false narrative that brings him the connection and confidence he’s always longed for. The story explores loneliness, the desire to belong, and the complicated ways people seek meaning and connection in a digital age.
Content Warning – Summary The musical contains sensitive themes that may be difficult for some viewers, including suicide, depression, anxiety, social isolation, and deception. It portrays intense emotional distress, strained family relationships, and moments of manipulation—both intentional and unintentional. Audiences should be aware that the show includes discussions of mental health struggles and scenes that may be triggering for individuals who have experienced similar challenges.
Summary of Characters for Dear Evan Hansen
Evan Hansen
Heidi Hansen
Zoe Murphy
Connor Murphy
Cynthia Murphy
Larry Murphy
Jared Kleinman
Alana Beck
While this show is written for high school students, we will welcome individuals who are not in high school. Casting the show will ultimately depend on who auditions. Please don’t let age influence you from auditioning. If you are interested in a specific character, please make sure to list the character on your audition form. If you only want a specific character and would rather not be cast as something else, please mark the form accordingly.
Auditioning Schedule: You will sign up for a one-hour audition shot. During this time, you will be asked to sing the prepared music we have in the audition packet, choose a reading from the four options, and dance the selection listed. Although we don’t expect you to come memorized, it is important that you prepare ahead of time.
Vocals:
Our Vocal Director will work with everyone to review the selected songs we have provided. You will sing as a group and then individually. Please use the audio tracks provided to practice ahead of time.
Dance:
We will review the short dance piece and ask people to dance in groups. Have fun and remember this show does not have traditional dances. We are looking for body expression, facial expression and basic rhythm during this portion of the audition. Please review the videos provided.
Reading:
We have provided four options for reading. If you are hoping to be cast as a student for the show, please select the reading of Evan or Alana. If you are auditioning for a parent, please read either Cythia or Larry’s part. Again, you do not need to memorize but come prepared.
Call backs will take place on Thursday, October 8th @ 6:00 pm. Not everyone is called back, but it does not mean you will not be offered a part. If you have a conflict with this date, please let the production team know on the day of your audition. Casting decisions will be posted on the website no later than Saturday, October 10th.
If you have questions during any portion of the evening, please reach out to Leigh Ann Davis (director) at [email protected].
Have fun and Break a Leg!
Audition Materials
Vocals Men will be singing “For Forever” measures 35-65. Women will be singing “Only Us" measures 109-127. The music can be found below and each song has three audio tracks:
The melody line with our vocal director singing the music
Choreography We are so excited for you to audition for Dear Evan Hansen. You may have noticed this show doesn’t have a lot of traditional “dance”—but that doesn’t mean movement isn’t incredibly important. The dance audition is not meant to be complicated. What we are looking for is your ability to do the following:
Follow a beat/transition in walking
Use your face and body to be expressive.
There are four videos below. The first two walk through the movement and the second two are the movement with music from both views. If you have any questions do not hesitate to reach out. Happy Practicing!
Reading Men who are auditioning for a student role should prepare the Evan monologue. Men auditioning for a parent role should read the Larry monologue.
Women who are auditioning for a student role should prepare the Alana monologue. Women auditioning for a parent role should read the Cynthia monologue.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when auditioning:
Your audition begins when you first arrive and doesn’t end until you leave the building. We’re looking to put together a team of actors who will work together well. How you act off stage matters as much as how well you act on stage.
Attached to this document is a link to a vocal piece, a reading and dance material for auditions. While you do not have to have the material memorized, we would like you to come prepared.
Dress appropriately. Keep your hair out of your face and hands out of pockets. Wear comfortable shoes you can move in.
When it's your turn to audition: Introduce yourself. Project! Articulate! Have a positive attitude! Have fun!
After the audition: Think about what you have learned. Then forget about "how you did". SO many factors affect casting that it is a waste of time to worry about it. Feel good about yourself. There are MANY people that would not have the courage to audition - and you did! Come back and try again if you don't get cast this time!
After the audition...Reflect on the lessons you've learned, but don't dwell on your performance. Many factors influence casting decisions, so it's unproductive to worry about the outcome. Instead, feel proud that you had the courage to audition - that's an accomplishment in itself. If you don't get cast this time, come back and try again. There will be other opportunities.
DEAR EVAN HANSEN Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com