Casting Broadway Paddington: Onstage Performer Role
Author: Jim Carnahan Casting
Published: 13 Jul 2026
Publication Type: Announcement
Table of Contents:
Synopsis - Definition - Introduction - Main - FAQ's - Insights, Updates - Related Content
Synopsis: This information details an open casting call from a New York based casting office for the upcoming Broadway production of Paddington, which is searching for a performer to play the Paddington Onstage Performer. The role is open to anyone 18 and over who stands 4 feet tall (122cm) or under, is not gender specific, and requires no singing, though performers do learn the full script and lines. What makes this call especially worth reading is its unusually thoughtful and accessible approach - applicants are invited to submit access riders or accommodation requests, and reasonable accommodations will be considered throughout the audition and employment process, which is meaningful for performers of short stature, seniors, and people with disabilities who often face barriers in professional theater. The listing is also refreshingly patient, noting the production is not only seeking immediately available talent but plans to meet suitable candidates over several months through a supportive workshop audition covering basic choreography, acting, movement, and suit performance, with pay set at no less than US Equity minimum.*
At a Glance
- 1 - The Paddington Onstage Performer role has a strict height requirement of 4 feet (122cm) and under, and singing is not part of the job.
- 2 - The creative team includes director Luke Sheppard, music and lyrics by Tom Fletcher, and a book by Jessica Swale, produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, STUDIOCANAL, and Eliza Lumley Productions on behalf of Universal Music UK.
- 3 - Key production dates are set with a first rehearsal on or about January 25, 2027, first preview on or about March 30, 2027, and opening night on or about April 18, 2027.
- Topic Definition: Onstage Performer
An onstage performer is a professional actor who appears live in front of an audience during a theatrical production, delivering scripted lines, movement, and physical characterization in real time. In the case of a title character like Paddington, the role also involves suit performance, where the actor works inside a costume or puppet-style suit to bring the character to life through choreography, gesture, and timing rather than facial expression alone. Unlike screen acting, an onstage performer sustains a complete performance from start to finish each night, making stamina, precision, and consistency essential parts of the craft.
Introduction
We are a New York based casting office that works on Broadway, Off-Broadway, National Tours, international theatre productions, TV and Film. We are casting the upcoming Broadway production of Paddington and seeking a performer to play the Paddington Onstage Performer.
Main Content
Seeking Performers
- 18+ Legal
- Height: 4 feet tall (4'0"/122cm) and under
- Performers must be comfortable with / have experience in / be open to acting in a scripted live theatrical performance
- No singing is required, but all Paddington Onstage Performers are required to learn the script/lines.
- The role is not gender-specific
Access Information
Applicants are encouraged to submit any access riders or accommodation requests. Reasonable accommodations will be considered throughout the audition and employment process.
Availability
In anticipation of opportunities for this role lasting for the foreseeable future, we are not exclusively looking to meet people who are immediately available. Any meetings in the next few months will involve a thoughtful process to include plenty of time to meet anyone who is suitable and interested, answer any questions they may have, and get to know them in depth, along with a traditional, workshop audition process.
This will include:
- Basic choreography
- Acting, and movement work
- Suit performance
Salary information available on request. Rates are at least US Equity Minimum.
Production Info:
- Producer: Sonia Friedman Productions, STUDIOCANAL, Eliza Lumley Productions on behalf of Universal Music UK
- Director: Luke Sheppard
- Music and Lyrics: Tom Fletcher
- Book: Jessica Swale
- Musical Supervisor, Orchestrations and Arrangements: Matthew Brind
- Choreographer: Ellen Kane
- Music Director: Haley Bennett
- Casting Director: Jim Carnahan, CSA, Jason Thinger, CSA
- Associate Casting Director: Rachael Jimenez, CSA
- Paddington Casting Consultant: Annabelle Davi
Production Dates
- First Rehearsal: o/a January 25, 2027
- First Preview: o/a March 30, 2027
- Opening Night: o/a April 18, 2027
For more information regarding the role, please read this interview with one of our current Paddington onstage performers, who created the role.
To submit, please reach out to paddingtoncasting@gmail.com for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
NOTE: Researched FAQ's by Disabled World (DW)
What experience does a Paddington Onstage Performer need
Performers should be comfortable with, have experience in, or be open to acting in a scripted live theatrical performance, and they are required to learn the script and lines even though no singing is involved.
How do I submit for the Paddington onstage role
You can submit by reaching out to the casting office at paddingtoncasting@gmail.com to request more information about the role and the application process.
Is the Paddington Onstage Performer a paid role
Yes, the position is paid at rates of at least US Equity minimum, and full salary information is available on request from the casting office.
What happens during the Paddington audition process
The workshop audition process includes basic choreography, acting and movement work, and suit performance, and it is designed to give candidates time to ask questions and get to know the team in depth.
Where will the Broadway production of Paddington be based
The production is cast through a New York based casting office that works on Broadway, Off-Broadway, national tours, international theatre, TV, and film, placing this Paddington staging within the New York Broadway scene.
Insights, Analysis, and Developments
Editorial Note: The Paddington casting notice stands out in an industry that has not always made room for performers of short stature, and the office deserves recognition for building accessibility into the process from the very first meeting rather than treating it as an afterthought - between the generous timeline, the disclosed Equity minimum pay, and the open invitation for accommodation requests, this call reflects a model of inclusive hiring that other productions would do well to study, and interested performers can request full details and salary information directly by email.** Editorial additions by Ian C. Langtree.