Stephen is thrilled to return to Take Two Productions to direct "Dear Evan Hansen." Previous directing work with TTP includes "Merrily We Roll Along" (Arts for Life [AFL] Best Small Ensemble Show Award), "tick, tick…BOOM!" (AFL Best Small Ensemble Show nomination), "Fun Home" (AFL Best Small Ensemble Show and Best Scenic Design Awards; Best Director nomination), and "Next to Normal" (AFL Best Small Ensemble Show Award; Best Director nomination). Outside of his work with TTP, Stephen most recently directed "The Inheritance, Parts One and Two" with Tesseract Theatre Company, earning St. Louis Circle Awards for Outstanding Drama, Outstanding Director of a Drama, and Best Ensemble in a Drama. In 2019, he directed "A New Brain" with Hawthorne Players (AFL Best Small Ensemble Show Award; Best Director nomination). He is also an active performer and was recently seen in Stray Dog Theatre productions of "Deathtrap," "The Minutes," and "Frankie and Johnny at the Claire de Lune." Stephen is deeply grateful for the opportunity to return to TTP and help bring this powerful story to life. He extends heartfelt thanks to Assistant Director/Stage Manager Rachel Dowling, Music Director Jason Eschhofen, Vocal Coach Mary Mather, and the entire company—cast, crew, and band—whose passion and dedication make this work possible. Above all, Stephen is thankful for the love and support of his entire family, from his sisters to his three little furballs at home—Poppy, Kona, and George—with special thanks and BTL to Jon. Thank you for supporting local, live theatre!

Jason (he/him) is very excited to be making his debut with Take Two Productions! He is a St. Louis based Music Director, Music Copyist, Orchestrator, and Keyboard Programmer. Since moving to St. Louis in 2024, he has worked with many theatres in the area, including The Muny, Saint Louis University, Webster University, New Line Theatre, Alfresco Productions, and Opera Theatre of Saint Louis. Some of his favorite shows he has music directed are Next to Normal (Germantown Community Theatre); Smokey Joe's Cafe (Playhouse on the Square); The Fantasticks (The Link Theatre Company); Bat Boy (New Line Theatre); Beautiful, The Carole King Musical (Theatre Memphis); Ride the Cyclone (SLU); and Matilda (Harrell Theatre). Jason has a B.A. in Voice Performance and Studio Recording Technology from Bowling Green State University and an M.M. in Voice Performance from the University of Memphis. He wants to thank Stephen and Take Two for letting me be a part of this production, and much love to his wife Olivia and dog Rua! www.jasoneschhofen.com

Mary is thrilled to be a part of the Dear Evan Hansen team. She has provided Direction, Music Direction, and/or Choreography for over 65 productions including 19 musicals, 6 plays, 4 original works, and over 40 musical revues. Selected credits include; A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder (Dir.), Mary Poppins (MD), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Choreo.), Into the Woods (MD/Choreo.), Little Shop of Horrors (Dir.), The Music Man (Dir.), City of Angels (Dir.), and A Little Princess (MD/Choreo). Everlasting gratitude to her incredibly supportive husband for years of listening to musicals on repeat, watching choreography demonstrations, and helping double check rehearsal schedule drafts.

Rachel is so excited to be working with Stephen and Take Two again! She most recently AD/SM’d Merrily We Roll Along with Take Two and SM’d The Inheritance Pts. 1 & 2 with Tessarect. In her spare time she enjoys hanging out with her roommates and her cat, Beyblade. Please enjoy the show!

Joshua is thrilled to be back working another fabulous show with Take Two Productions. Past Favorite Credits TTP: Next to Normal and Tick Tick Boom. Stray Dog: JCS, Most Fabulous Story. KTG: Nice Work if you can get it. Thanks to the creative team and the awesome board of Take Two for bringing such amazing show to the stage! Much Love to Adam and the furbabies!

Joseph has a BA in Audio Production. He played the role of the Grandpa in 8th Grade Play, "Meet Me in St. Louis." Played Joey Biltmore in St. George Theatre Group Play, " Guys and Dolls." Singer/Dancer in FMT's "Mame." Acted at various Haunt Attractions. Props Assistant in high school plays. This is the first time assisting with sound for a theatrical production. Extra in the independent movies "Hag" and "Reaper Road"

John Jauss is humbled to be involved in his second production with “Take Two Productions”. “Dear Evan Hansen" marks his 50th community theater production overall, from lighting and set design to being on stage, and favorite roles include Nicely-Nicely Johnson in “Guys and Dolls”, The Baker in "Into the Woods", and the Juan Peron in “Evita”. John taught chemistry at Parkway South for over 20 years, and currently works in the financial sector. Thank you to Stephen and Take Two for inviting him to be a part of their outstanding creative team!