LAPLAND - Principal performers, Christmas 2026
LaplandUK Principal Performer Auditions 2026
LaplandUK is returning to Pineapple Dance Studios to hold auditions for the 2026 season, and we are looking for talented performers to help bring the magic of Lapland to life.
LaplandUK opened its doors 19 years ago with a simple ambition: to bring the magical world of Father Christmas to life through immersive storytelling, theatrical performance and unforgettable family moments.
After our 2025 season, the first year to welcome over 100,000 families across two completely sold-out locations, selling over 400,000 tickets, this year is set to be our most ambitious season yet, as we continue to share the wonder of Lapland with families from across the world.
Putting families at the heart of the story, the 4–5 hour immersive experience invites guests to step inside an ancient Elven civilisation, exploring a richly imagined world of storytelling that blends the cinematic scale of a film set with the intimacy and magic of live theatre.
We are seeking strong performers with excellent character skills, physical awareness, and the natural ability to connect with audiences of all ages. Successful applicants will join a large cast portraying a variety of characters across the Lapland experience.
Auditions will take place at Pineapple Studios and will consist of movement, improvisation, and character-based script work. Performers should come prepared to collaborate, take direction and demonstrate strong ensemble skills.
LaplandUK is committed to inclusive casting and welcomes performers of all backgrounds. Please see the details below for audition dates, requirements and how to register.
Audition Details
London Dates:
16 – 17th April 2026
20 - 24th April 2026
27th April - 1st May 2026
Audition Location: Pineapple Dance Studios | 7 Langley St, London WC2H 9JA
Manchester Dates:
5 - 8th May 2026
11 - 15th May 2026
Audition Location: Royal Exchange Theatre, Saint Ann's Square, Manchester M2 7DH
Please note, regardless of whether you audition in London or Manchester, you will be considered for a Principal Role at either of our 2026 locations.
Production Dates
Lapland London:
Rehearsals, Tech & Dress: September – October 2026 (exact dates TBC)
Opening Day: 7th November 2026
End of Contract: 24th December 2026
Lapland Manchester:
Rehearsals, Tech & Dress: September – October 2026 (exact dates TBC)
Opening Day: 7th November 2026
End of Contract: 24th December 2026
Contract Details
Principal Performer Hourly Pay: £20.00 + Monthly Subsidy
- Rehearsal Day Rate: £160 (8 hours)
- Technical Rehearsal Day Rate: £180 (9 hours)
- Minimum Live Show Day Rate: £240 (12-12.5 hours)
- Principal Performer Weekly Subsidy: £300 (Paid Monthly in Addition to Hourly Pay)
The weekly subsidy is payable from the commencement of the contract and is paid each week for the duration of the contract. It is not conditional upon work being performed in any given week.
All of the above fees will be treated as taxable income.
Working Structure & Performer Wellbeing
Rehearsal days are 8 hours, including a 1-hour lunch break.
Technical rehearsals and dress runs are 9 hours, including a 1-hour lunch break.
While the live show day spans 12-12.5 hours, active performance time is carefully structured to prioritise wellbeing and performance consistency.
The live show day operates on a consistent 1 hour on / 1 hour off rotation for Scripted Characters (2 shows on, 2 shows off). Roaming Characters follow a similar rotation, creating a balanced rhythm that allows for meaningful recovery time between performance blocks. This ensures substantial paid downtime throughout the day.
Included, performers receive:
- 1 hour paid costume and preparation time at the start of the day
- 30 minutes paid costume, wig and makeup removal at the end of the day
- All breaks fully paid
- One on-site meal provided per shift
- Unlimited tea and coffee throughout your shift
- 20% discount in Lapland retail shops on selected dates
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at show@lapland.group
If you would like to be audition, please click below and fill out the application form:
www.laplanduk.avature.net/careersmarketplace
Source: https://laplanduk.avature.net/careersmarketplace













