Elisa Higgins, dressed up as a Sith character from Star Wars, poses for a portrait at Comic Con in New York, October 12, 2013. New York Comic Con at the Javits Center expects to attract more than 120,000 fans to the four-day event that ends on Sunday, a steep rise from the first edition of the con, in 2006, which drew 33,000 people. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri

"Star Wars Episode VII" is now holding open auditions in the U.S. with an added twist of accepting online applications. Casting directors will also visit several cities in the U.S., including Chicago, Illinois (IL) and Nashville, Tennessee (TN).

According to Cast It Talent's Web site, Open Casting Call 2013, Disney is looking for an actor and actress to play the role of Thomas and Rachel. Those who hope to be part of this feature Disney film can submit video submissions of their auditions for the two roles here. Or, they can also go in person for the meet and greet with casting directors.

STEPS TO SUBMIT ONLINE: (Nationwide Search For Lead Roles For A Feature Disney Film)


1. Choose a role - Select RACHEL or THOMAS

2. Record your video following the instructions included on the Web site - You will be asked to enter your email address and they will send you the taping instructions and/or sides.

3. Compress your video to the appropriate settings - (For Mac users, For Windows users)

4. Select one of the following to submit:

  • I'm New to Cast It Talent - click here (You will be asked to create a basic profile, Upload photo, resume, video, provide Representation Info) Click on Submit For Role tab after filling out the necessary information.

  • I'm a Cast It Talent Member - You will be asked to Login by Entering your email and password on the fields provided.

For those who want to go the traditional route of auditioning, you can visit any of the In Person Meet and Greet Places in Minnesota (MN), Missouri (MO), Illinois (IL), Michigan (MI), Texas (TX) and Tennessee (TN) from Nov. 7-24, 2013.

THE IN PERSON MEET & GREET SCHEDULE:

  1. November 7, 2013 (3pm - 8pm)

    Ramada - Minneapolis Airport Mall
    2300 E. American Blvd.
    Bloomington, MN 55425

  2. November 10, 2013 (12pm - 5pm)
    Sheraton - St. Louis City Center Hotel
    400 S. 14th St.
    St. Louis, MO 63103
  3. November 14, 2013 (3pm - 8pm)
    Park West Theatre
    322 W. Armitage Ave.
    Chicago, IL 60614
  4. November 17, 2013 (12pm - 5pm)
    Somerset Inn
    2601 W. Big Beaver Rd.
    Troy, MI 48084
  5. November 22, 2013 (3pm - 8pm)
    Hilton - Austin
    500 E. 4th St.
    Austin, TX 78701
  6. November 24, 2013 (12pm - 5pm)
    Sheraton - Nashville Downtown
    623 Union St.
    Nashville, TN 37219

Casting Director Maryellen Aviano will be there at the In Person Meet & Greet. Aviano is credited for casting actors in several notable films including "The Avengers," "Captain America: The Winter Soldier," "Man Of Steel," "Transformers 1-4", "Oz The Great And Powerful," "Inception," "Django Unchained" and "Hangover Part III." Aviano and her casting team will oversee the open auditions.

While Disney is not actually advertising the open auditions as a casting call for "Star Wars Episode VII," according to Entertainment Weekly (EW), Lucasfilm has reportedly confirmed that it is true.

"A rep for LucasFilm confirmed to EW that the casting notice is legit and is for Star Wars," wrote Erin Strecker in the Popwatch section of Entertainment Weekly.

However, "Star Wars Episode VII" director and co-writer J.J. Abrams will not be on hand to witness the open auditions in the U.S. as well as the online applications. But, he will be informed immediately should a potential actor or actress meet the criteria that the casting directors released.

CHECK OUT STAR WARS RELATED NEWS:

Star Wars Episode VII Open Auditions In Bristol Draws Hundreds Of Wannabees