NEWS

Leeds Playhouse seek young stars as they launch an open casting for Coraline – A Musical

Leeds Playhouse is working with leading casting directors Keston & Keston to find young stars to play the lead role in Coraline – A Musical which opens in 2025

Candidates who will be asked to supply a self-tape must be 9-13 years old at the 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. The closing date for applications is 30th June 2024.

“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,”  says Leeds Playhouse Artistic Director James Brining, who will be directing the production.  

“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 for applicants.

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.   

All young people who match the casting criteria will be emailed and invited to submit a self-tape within 1 month of application.  

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.

To apply: please click here to register.

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

Coraline – A Musical plays Leeds Playhouse’s Courtyard Theatre from Friday 11th April – Sunday 11th May 2025 with an age guide 9+. Box office 0113 213 7700 or online www.leedsplayhouse.org.uk

Then touring – all dates are on sale now unless otherwise indicated. 

HOME

Thursday 15th May 2025 – Saturday 7th June 2025

Box office 0161 200 1500. Book online www.homemcr.org

Birmingham Rep

Thursday 12th June 2025 – Sunday 22nd June 2025

Box office 0121 236 4455. Book online www.birmingham-rep.co.uk

Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh

Thursday 26th June 2025 – Saturday 19th July 2025

Box office 0131 248 4848. Book online www.lyceum.org.uk

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