Instead of insisting that he auditions, try to understand why he does not want to do it this time. Maybe he is burned out? Maybe it was not as much fun to him as you seem to believe?(I am not sugesting it wasn't, just trying to brainstorm:-) Maybe he would like to try other aspect of theatre, like working on sets or sounds, instead of acting? Gifted kids are naturally good in many areas, which does not necessarily mean that they are enjoying all of them.
Having said that, I have to be honest and say that Ghost, after performing in Willy Wonka (he was Mr. Wonka), could not wait for another role. But he had to wait a whole year. He was so sure that he is going to land the major role in Midsummer's Night Dream, that when he did not get to play Puck, he was very, very dissapointed (tears in his eyes big time). But the role he landed has opened him up even more, as he was playing one of the female characters, and he was spectacular. The whole gymnasium was loughing at his high pitched attempts to speak like a woman:-)
So Lorel, try to find out why your son is not exciting about this new production. There is a reason!
