ACTOR RYAN BURTON

Ryan Burton is one of the out-of-town artists joining Broadway Rose for this season’s production of Dear Evan Hansen, stepping into the title role of Evan in the emotionally powerful musical. Between rehearsals and exploring the Pacific Northwest, I sat down with Ryan to ask him about his journey to Broadway Rose, what it’s like bringing this story to life, and how he’s navigating the experience both on and off the stage.

Blythe: Okay, Ryan, tell us a little about yourself. Who is Ryan Burton?

Ryan: I recently graduated from the University of Southern California, where I studied musical theatre. I grew up in upstate New York and had spent my whole life on the East Coast before college. When it came time to choose a school, I wanted something completely different, so I went all the way to Los Angeles. It was everything I hoped for and more.

B: Have you always been a theatre kid?

R: Pretty much. My first exposure to theatre was in kindergarten. We had this little performance called the “Kindergarten Circus” where we all got up on stage and played characters like popcorn sellers and strongmen. I caught the bug right then and never really let it go.

Performance also runs in my family. My dad performed growing up, and my grandfather was a performer and a director, so there’s definitely a generational thread there.

B: What was your experience like studying musical theatre at USC?

R: I was in a really small cohort—there were only nine of us. So, it felt like this tight-knit family within a huge university. It was the best of both worlds.

When we did productions, sometimes they were just within the School of Dramatic Arts, and sometimes auditions were opened to the entire university. One of my favorite experiences was performing in Rent during my junior year.

B: This is your first time performing at Broadway Rose—and your first professional show. What has the experience been like so far?

R: It’s been such a dream. This is actually my first time in Oregon, and I’ve been learning all about the Pacific Northwest and how beautiful it is here.

Everyone at Broadway Rose has been incredibly welcoming and collaborative. It already feels like a family, and that’s made the process really special.

B: Broadway Rose productions come together pretty quickly. What challenges—and benefits—does that bring?

R: The challenge and the benefit are actually kind of the same thing. Because the rehearsal period is short, you really have to trust your instincts.

You go with what feels truthful in the moment, try things, and keep moving forward. There isn’t time to overthink everything, which can actually be really freeing as an actor.

B: What does it mean to you to make your professional debut as Evan Hansen?

R: It’s incredibly special. Evan Hansen has been a role I’ve wanted to play for a long time.

I saw the show on Broadway when I was about 14 years old, and I was completely obsessed with it. I listened to the cast recording constantly and studied the characters. So, the fact that I’m getting to play Evan now—and that it’s my first professional show—feels surreal. It’s a huge deal for the 14-year-old version of me.

B: What are you most excited for audiences to experience in this production?

R: I’m really excited for people to see this specific version of the show. Abe Reybold’s direction is so magical and thoughtful, and I think audiences are going to be surprised by how the story unfolds on stage.

But more than anything, I’m excited for people to experience the message. Even though the story centers on a high school student, the themes are universal. It really speaks to people of all ages.

B: What do you hope audiences take away from the show?

R: I hope people leave remembering that no one is truly alone.

Everyone is going through something in their own way, and sometimes the bravest thing you can do is reach out or ask for help. The show reminds us that we need to be there for each other and talk about the things that might make us uncomfortable—because that’s how we start to heal and connect.

B: You mentioned this is your first time in Oregon. Have you had a chance to explore?

R: A little bit! I’ve been doing a lot of hiking. I went to Tryon Creek, and honestly the first time I went there I almost cried—it’s just so beautiful and so different from what I grew up with in the Northeast.

I’ve also visited the Hoyt Arboretum and the Portland Japanese Garden. I’m trying to see as much of the area as I can while I’m here.

B: What do you like to do outside of theatre?

R: I love to cook and bake. Being in the kitchen feels like another creative outlet for me.

And after rehearsals, I sometimes decompress by watching reality TV. I’m a big Housewives fan—it’s the perfect way to turn my brain off for a while.

B: What’s next for you after this production?

R: Right now, I’m casting a wide net and seeing what opportunities come next. Eventually, I plan to move to New York City to continue auditioning and building my career.

But wherever the work takes me, I’m excited to keep exploring and performing.

Ryan encourages audiences to come ready for an emotional experience. “Bring tissues,” he says with a smile. But he also hopes audiences leave with a feeling of hope for the good in the world and a reminder that the connections we build make us stronger and more united than anything else. For Ryan, sharing this story with audiences is both a milestone and a privilege, and he’s thrilled to bring Evan Hansen’s journey to life on the Broadway Rose stage.