Leeds Playhouse: open casting call to find young actors to star as Coraline in the world premiere of Coraline – A Musical

Are you ready to open the door to a new adventure? Leeds Playhouse is searching for young actors to play the lead in the world premiere of 
Coraline – A Musical

The Playhouse is working with leading casting directors Keston & Keston, who led the Playhouse’s search for Oliver Twist, Artful Dodger and young company for its hit musical Oliver!, which played to packed audiences over the 2023 festive season. Young people who meet the casting criteria (see details below) for Coraline – A Musical will be asked to supply a self-tape. The closing date for applications is 30 June 2024.

Candidates must be 9-13 years old at date of audition and live within approximately an hour’s commute from Leeds or Manchester. This is a paid role, and the Playhouse welcomes female and female-identifying young people and with additional access requirements.

Casting Directors Keston & Keston said:“We’re looking for committed and enthusiastic young people to be part of the company for this exciting world premiere. We are seeking young people with excellent singing, acting and movement skills but no experience is necessary to apply. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds including communities typically underrepresented in main stage productions. As always, the call-out and casting process will have a strong focus on inclusivity.”

Leeds Playhouse Artistic Director James Brining, who will be directing the production, said: “Coraline is a curious, brave and resourceful young person. She is an unlikely but inspiring hero whose curiosity about the world matches her courage to face her biggest fears.

“I’m really excited to meet young people from all over the region. Working on this kind of project is a joyful and exciting experience and I’m confident that Coraline – A Musical will match similar productions I’ve worked on at Leeds Playhouse, like Oliver!, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and The Wizard of Oz. We welcome young people from all communities to audition and encourage everyone who is interested and fits the brief to apply even if you don’t have previous acting experience.”

INFORMATION

Role: Coraline

About: We are casting female and female-identifying young people to play the lead role of Coraline in Coraline – A Musical. Coraline is a quirky, brave, imaginative and gutsy young girl who learns to confront her fears and overcome huge challenges. The team are looking for exceptional singer/actors with confident movement skills. We welcome and encourage applications from young people of all backgrounds including young people with additional access requirements.

Age: 9-13 years old (at date of audition)

Height: Any

Availability: February 2025 – July 2025 (young performers will rehearse and perform in Leeds – there are also UK tour venues including Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh)

Location: We are looking for children from the North of England who live within a 1-hour commute from Leeds or Manchester.

To apply: please click here to register.

All young people who match the casting criteria will be emailed and invited to submit a self-tape within 1 month of application. The closing date for applications is 30 June 2024.

Where and when are auditions happening?: Auditions are happening via self-tape for first round auditions. Recalls will take place in September and those shortlisted will be contacted via email.

Does my child need experience?: No. Children don’t need any experience to apply or audition. We strongly encourage applications from newcomers and children from all backgrounds. We are looking for young people who can act, sing and join in movement/dance scenes with the company.

Parents/Guardians will be provided with dates on offer but will be required to accompany and drop children off at the theatre for rehearsals, matinee and evening performances. Children will be looked after by licensed chaperones at all times in the theatre.

Will my child receive a payment for being in the production?: Yes – there will be a payment for both rehearsals, performances and travel expenses which will be discussed during the casting process at the offer stage.

If you have any other questions regarding the production, please email children’s casting directors Keston & Keston on info@kestonandkeston.com

Listings information

All dates are on sale now unless otherwise indicated. 

• A Leeds Playhouse, Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh, Birmingham Rep and HOME production Coraline – A Musical
• Based on the novel by Neil Gaiman
• Book by Zinnie Harris
• Music & Lyrics by Louis Barabbas
• Leeds Playhouse’s Courtyard Theatre
• Age guide 9+
• Fri 11 April 2025 – Sun 11 May 2025
• Press night Thu 17 April 2025, 7.45pm
• Box office 0113 213 7700. Book online leedsplayhouse.org.uk