In the heart of Toronto, within the lively performance spaces of George Brown College's School of Media & Performing Arts, Evan Alexander Smith's journey as a rising star began.
In the heart of Toronto, within the lively performance spaces of George Brown College's School of Media & Performing Arts, Evan Alexander Smith's journey as a rising star began.
His passion for the stage took hold during his high school years, nurtured by frequent visits to Mirvish productions alongside his family. After completing Stratford Festival's summer theatre program, he asked a veteran actor for advice on which theatre schools he should apply to. He told Evan that George Brown’s conservatory program was the best acting school in the country. Evan then polled other actors in the industry, and they all said the same thing: if you want to become a great actor, George Brown is the place to be. With this extra encouragement, and following his successful audition, Evan enrolled in GBC’s renowned.
Stepping onto the GBC campus, located in the Young Centre for the Performing Arts, Evan was greeted by a whirlwind of opportunity and challenge.
"I struggled when I first started the program," he reflects. "A lot of students had more experience than I did, and I had a lot of growing up to do. I was a sponge, just taking it all in and trying to figure out where I fit in."
In his second year, things started to click for Evan, as he became more comfortable with his surroundings and grew more confident in his abilities. Sharing a building with Soulpepper Theatre, he got to rub shoulders with industry veterans like Nancy Palk, whose casual conversations over coffee left a lasting mark.
“Students learn a lot from having that kind of exposure,” Trent Scherer, Associate Dean for the School of Media and Performing Arts, says. “The program is demanding with long hours, which inspires an incredible work ethic. But that immersion and opportunity to live and breathe theatre is invaluable.”
The seeds of an incredible career
After graduating in 2009, Evan immediately launched his career, landing a variety of roles on stage and screen. But like any aspiring artist, he faced moments of doubt and uncertainty.
"The most important thing an actor can do is get to know who they are," he says. “I had to figure out my place in the industry, and nothing can really prepare you for that. It just takes time.”
As Evan continued to find his footing, he began what would become his favourite role as the lead in the Toronto musical The Toxic Avenger. Working alongside Canada’s “first lady of musical theatre” Louise Pitre, the role was a dream for Evan and even landed him a nomination for a Dora Award.
“I still have no idea how that happened,” he laughs.
On February 22, a small Alumni-Global delegation, led by GBC President Dr. Gervan Fearon, had the unique opportunity to connect in New York City with GBC alum, actor Evan Alexander Smith, and celebrate his successes.
This year marks Evan’s 10th year on Broadway, and he is currently on stage in the hit show, Merrily We Roll Along, starring Daniel Radcliff and Jonathan Groff. Evan was truly delighted to meet with the GBC team after the show to talk about his journey and how he continues to stay involved with his alma mater through guest speaking and mentoring students in the theatre program.
He also felt truly honoured learning that Bob Rae, Canada’s Ambassador to the United Nations, was in the audience and connected with the GBC team during the intermission of the show.
Cruise ship gig
Another gig that would prove to be life-changing for Evan took place aboard a Disney cruise ship. But this time it wasn't so much about his career as it was about his personal life, since this is where he met the love of his life—a fellow actor—who would eventually become his wife. It wasn’t long after marrying that the two packed up and moved to New York City to pursue their acting dreams together.
From the stages of Toronto to the bright lights of Broadway, Evan's resume is nothing short of impressive. His current role in the hit musical Merrily We Roll Along at Broadway’s Hudson Theatre stands as a testament to his hard work and dedication.
"It's been an incredible gift," he says of the experience. "To watch established actors like Daniel Radcliffe and Jonathan Groff and learn from their approach to work—it's been fascinating."
But Evan cautions that working on a big-ticket show isn’t necessarily the key to happiness.
“I always imagined the most successful shows would be the most gratifying, but even when you’re doing a small show, it’s the people you work with, and the work itself that’s fulfilling,” he says. “Just because a show is a hit doesn’t make it is fulfilling. I’ve found lots of satisfaction working in tiny theatres in the middle of nowhere.”
Connection to the GBC community
Despite his busy schedule, Evan remains deeply connected to the George Brown community, returning each year to share his experiences with current students in the Theatre Arts program.
"I love giving back to the students because the program gave me so much," he says. "I remember being in their place and feeling uncertain about whether I’d be able to make it in the industry, so I’m glad I can reassure and inspire them.”
As Evan grows older, he finds himself yearning for the familiarity of home, recognizing the challenge of building a sense of community elsewhere. He’s looking forward to reconnecting with GBC's diverse alumni network through an exciting pilot program, which will bring together fellow alumni in NYC to watch him on stage, followed by a shared dinner—a perfect opportunity to forge lasting connections and reminisce about shared experiences.
When thinking about his future, Evan says that his priorities have shifted, with the pandemic having forced him to redefine what success means to him.
“I know now that all of this can be taken away in a second,” he says. “Success is so different for everybody. I want to work so I can spend time at home with my wife and live a happy life together. I’d love to work more in TV and film, but as long as I can make a living doing great work with people I love, that’s the goal.”
“I just want to keep the ball rolling.”
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