Makers of Star Wars Episode 7 put out a casting call for the UK and Ireland

WANT to be the next Han Solo or Princess Leia? Star Wars directors are hosting open casting calls this month. All you need to do is jump on a plane.

Best. Audition. Notice. Ever.

Disney has announced a casting call in the UK and Ireland for two lead parts in the new Star Wars film, episode seven, to be directed by JJ Abrams.

The "meet and greet with casting directors" for an unnamed Disney film, which the BBC has reported is the new instalment in the Star Wars franchise, kicks off in Bristol this weekend, before taking in Glasgow and Manchester the following weekend and Dublin and London the weekend after that.

The producers are looking for a male aged 19-23 and a female aged 17-18.

The female role is described as street smart and strong.

"Always a survivor, never a victim, she remains hopeful that she can move away from this harsh existence to a better life. She is always thinking what she can do to move ahead," the casting call notice states.

The male character has grown up without a father's influence, according to the casting note.

"Without the model of being a man, he doesn't have the strongest sense of himself. Despite this he is smart, capable and shows courage when needed."

Natalie Portman as Senator Padme Amidala in Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith.

The characters are called "Rachel" and "Thomas" on the casting sheet but it is understood that these are unlikely to be the names of the characters in the completed film.

The casting call was announced via the Twitter account @UKopencall and can also be found on this Facebook page.

Aspiring stars have been told they do not need to prepare anything for the casting call as it is just a meet and greet with casting directors. They have been requested to bring along a portrait photo, which does not need to be professionally shot.

The Star Wars franchise has a mixed history of casting little-known actors in lead roles.

Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford were not big names before Star Wars premiered in 1977, but Natalie Portman and Hayden Christensen had several movie credits to their names at the time they appeared in the prequel trilogy.

The seventh Star Wars film - as yet untitled - is expected to be released in 2015.

###