Could you be a Who?

21 May 2026

Leeds Playhouse invites young actors to audition for the children’s ensemble – and the key role of Cindy Lou Who – in The Grinch

Leeds Playhouse is looking for Whos – and it could be you! It has launched an open casting call, inviting young actors to submit a video self-tape for the children’s ensemble – including the lead role of Cindy Lou Who – for its magical new staging of Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, opening in its Quarry Theatre in November.

The Playhouse is working with leading casting directors Keston & Keston, who supported the Playhouse’s search for Oliver and Dodger as part of Oliver! and Charlie Bucket as part of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical.

All young people who meet the casting criteria and register by 1 June will be considered by the creative team. This is a paid role, and Leeds Playhouse welcomes young people of all genders to audition. Full details are available below.

Leeds Playhouse Artistic Director Tom Wright, who will be directing the production, said: “The Grinch is a wonderfully imaginative and joyful story that audiences of all ages know and love. At its heart is a mischievous outsider who discovers the power of kindness, community and connection.

“We’re excited to be auditioning young performers of all genders from across the region, both for the children’s ensemble and for the role of Cindy Lou Who – the youngest member of the central Who family. Cindy Lou is a child with a genuine heart of gold: full of wonder, empathy and curiosity, she’s the one person who sees the possibility for goodness in the Grinch and has the courage to express it.

“Taking part in a production like this can be an exciting and confidence-building experience, and it’s always inspiring to see young performers bring a story like this to life on our stage. Leeds Playhouse welcomes young people from all communities to audition, and we encourage anyone who fits the brief to apply, whether they have previous acting experience.”

Casting Directors Keston & Keston said: “We’re delighted to be returning to the Leeds Playhouse to cast Cindy Lou and the wider children’s ensemble cast. We’re looking for talented, committed and passionate young performers for Leeds Playhouse’s Quarry festive production, The Grinch. We’re looking for young people with very strong singing, acting and dance or movement skills. No previous experience is required to audition and we strongly encourage applicants from typically underrepresented backgrounds including disabled artists to apply.”

INFORMATION

About: We welcome applications from all girls who meet the age range, including trans girls and non-binary children who are comfortable being considered for a female role.

Age: 7–10 years old (children must be 7 by 5 October 2026 to apply)

Height: Must be under 4ft 2in

Availability: Children must be fully available from 5 October 2026 – 16 January 2027. Children cast will share the role throughout the period. This role will involve time off school, and young people must be prepared to be licenced in order to participate

Location: Children must live within approximately 1 hour of Leeds to be considered and to live at home throughout the production.

Apply: Please video audition by 1 June with children’s Casting Directors Keston & Keston at their website: www.kestonandkestoncasting.com. Click ‘Audition’ – you will be asked to fill in your child’s details and the video audition will ask children to sing any musical theatre song or Christmas song of their choice (no longer than 1 minute).

About: We are casting teams of boys and girls to perform in the children’s ensemble

Age: 9–12 years old (children must be 9 by 5 October 2026 to apply)

Height: under 4 ft 10in

Other: Children must have unchanged voices for these roles
Apply: Please video audition by 1 June with children’s Casting Directors Keston & Keston at their website: www.kestonandkestoncasting.com. Click ‘Audition’ – you will be asked to fill in your child’s details and the video audition will ask children to sing any musical theatre song or Christmas song of their choice (no longer than 1 minute).

The team will be in touch with anyone they are able to bring in to meet the team. Due to casting criteria and skills required, the team will be unable to provide feedback where they are unable to progress young people further in the process.

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

Availability: Children must be fully available from 5 October 2026-16 January 2027. Children cast will share the role throughout the period. This role will involve time off school, and young people must be prepared to be licensed in order to participate.

Video Audition: Please submit your video audition by 1 June via Children’s Casting Directors.

Go to www.kestonandkestoncasting.com Click the “Audition” button and complete your child’s details and video audition. The audition video will ask you to include the child singing either:

a musical theatre song or a Christmas song of their choice
any dance/movement you’d like to share with the team (optional)

The video should be no longer than 1 minute.

Where and when are auditions happening?

All young people are invited to video self-tape via the website. There will then be various recall workshop sessions and young people shortlisted will be invited to meet. For any queries, please email info@kestonandkeston.com

How do I register my young person’s interest for an audition?

Go to the children’s casting directors’ website: https://bit.ly/TheGrinchChildenCasting to tape for the project.

Will my child receive a payment for being in the production?

There will be a payment for performances and rehearsals and an expenses payment for travel which will be discussed with parents/guardians during the final casting process.