THE GREATEST SHOWMAN Issues Open Casting Call for Child Stars Ahead of 2026 Stage Premiere

Roll up, budding Barnums: the stage version of The Greatest Showman is officially on the hunt for young talent. Producers have launched a nationwide casting search for children to join the world-premiere musical, set to debut in spring 2026.

Roles up for grabs

Specialist children’s casting agency Keston and Keston is seeking exceptional performers to play:

• Young Barnum – the boy who will one day dream up his fantastical circus

• Young Charity / Caroline – the young versions of Barnum’s future wife and eldest daughter

• Helen – Barnum’s spirited younger daughter

Applicants must demonstrate strong singing, acting and movement skills. Full submission details, including self-tape requirements and in-person audition dates, are available via the official casting portal: kestonandkestoncasting.com.

Star-studded creative team

The musical reunites Oscar-winning songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land, Dear Evan Hansen), who have penned new material to sit alongside film favourites “A Million Dreams,” “Come Alive,” “Rewrite the Stars,” the show-stopping “This Is Me” and more.

• Book: Tim Federle (High School Musical: The Musical: The Series)

• Director / Choreographer: Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon, Mean Girls)

Further adult casting—including the coveted roles originated on-screen by Hugh Jackman, Zendaya, Zac Efron and Keala Settle—will be announced in the coming months.

From silver screen to centre stage

Released in 2017, the film became a global sensation, its soundtrack topping charts for months and racking up billions of streams. The forthcoming stage adaptation aims to capture that same spectacle live, blending circus artistry, big-band choreography and anthemic pop into an all-new theatrical experience.

How to audition

Parents and guardians of interested performers should prepare recent headshots, a résumé and a video showcasing vocal range and personality. Age, height and vocal-type guidelines differ by role, so candidates should review the breakdown carefully before submitting.

With the countdown now ticking toward opening night, producers say they’re searching for children “who can dream big and sing even bigger.” If that sounds like someone you know, this could be the moment when their “million dreams” finally come alive.