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Quick answer: the Lion King auditions are on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, in New York. Disney Theatrical Productions holds an EPA at Pearl Studios from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. It seeks Equity actors who sing for the Broadway and national touring casts. Bring a brief R&B or rock song, sheet music and your Equity card.
Both productions are running now. See the casting page for the Broadway and touring casts and our New York castings.
Lion King auditions: the roles
The listing asks everyone to move well. For example, here are the adult roles, with the ages and voices it describes:
- Scar: late 20s to early 40s, a character singer.
- Mufasa: mid 30s to mid 40s, with a rich baritone.
- Rafiki: late 20s to mid 40s, with a South African style belt.
- Adult Simba: late teens to late 20s, 5’8″ to 6’2″, a high baritone.
- Adult Nala: late teens to late 20s, with a pop belt.
- Timon, Pumbaa and Zazu: late 20s to mid 40s, character singers (Zazu starts in the early 30s).
- Shenzi, Banzai and Ed: the hyena trio, mid 20s to late 30s, with rock and roll voices.
Young Simba and Young Nala are also listed, ages 9 to 12.
Lion King auditions: date, place and what to bring
The EPA runs on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, and lunch is from 1:30 to 2:30. It is at Pearl Studios, 500 8th Ave, New York (holding room: Studio 1212). First, prepare a brief standard R&B or rock song that shows your voice and range. However, do not sing music from The Lion King. Bring sheet music, because a pianist is provided. Also bring a picture and resume, stapled together, and your Equity membership card.
It is paid, because the listing gives weekly minimums for Broadway and for the tour.
What an EPA means
Actors’ Equity Association is the U.S. union for professional stage actors and stage managers. Because the listing calls this call an EPA, EPA procedures are in effect, and it promises an Equity Monitor. However, it does not say whether non-members will be seen, so do not count on it.
How to apply to the Lion King auditions
The listing shows no online submission and no deadline. Instead, you attend in person on the date above. For details, the official notice is on Playbill.
Another Lion King call in Florida
Separately, Walt Disney World holds an open call for vocalists for Festival of the Lion King on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Disney Animal Kingdom Rehearsal Facility in Orlando. It also seeks four roles: Kiume, Nakawa, Zawadi and Kibibi. Prepare 16 bars, but first create or update your Disney Performer Profile at DisneyAuditions.com. See its Playbill listing and our casting page.
How to approach it
First, choose the song, since the notice wants range. Our guide to auditions in New York covers the city side. Also check any call against our note on how to spot a fake casting call.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sing a song from the show?
Avoid it. The listing says not to sing music from The Lion King.
Is there a deadline to apply?
The listing gives none. You show up on November 18 instead.
Is there another Lion King call?
Yes, an open call for Festival of the Lion King vocalists on November 10, 2026, in Orlando.
Reviewed on November 5, 2026.
Books to go deeper
-
The Power of the Actor
Ivana Chubbuck Ivana Chubbuck's 12 steps for breaking down a scene, built for film and TV. Great prep for auditions. See it on Amazon -
Secrets of Screen Acting
Patrick Tucker Practical rules for the camera: how the frame changes your performance, where to look and how to hit your marks. See it on Amazon -
Sanford Meisner on Acting
Sanford Meisner Sanford Meisner's course, class by class: repetition, really listening to your partner and acting on impulse. See it on Amazon
Each book takes you to Buscalibre or Amazon, depending on your country. Some of these are affiliate links: if you buy through them, Casting and Acting may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, Casting and Acting earns from qualifying purchases.
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