Sonny Monaghan, a talented actor from East Sussex, recently landed the role of understudy for the lead role in the UK version of the Broadway hit Dear Evan Hansen. His journey to this opportunity began with a TikTok audition that caught the attention of producers.
The audition process for the UK version of Dear Evan Hansen involved hopeful actors uploading videos of themselves singing a pivotal song from the play. Sonny’s audition tape stood out among the 2,000 applicants, earning him a spot as one of the final 36 to audition in person.
Despite not having attended drama school, Sonny’s passion for musical theatre and previous acting experience helped him secure this coveted role. His dedication to perfecting his audition video, which took 11 takes, paid off when he was chosen as the understudy for the lead role.
While some critics questioned the use of TikTok auditions, director Adam Penford defended the decision, stating that the goal was to give more people, especially those without a traditional background in theatre, a chance to be seen. The success of Sonny and others like Thomas Fage, who also auditioned through TikTok, highlights the potential of social media platforms in discovering new talent.
Producers have expressed their satisfaction with the talent showcased through TikTok auditions and have not ruled out using this method again in the future. For Sonny and others, this opportunity has opened doors that may not have been accessible through traditional casting methods, proving that talent can be found in unexpected places.
