We are looking to cast the parts of Young Cassie & Young Connie for our 2022 production of Kate Mosse’s, The Taxidermist’s Daughter, directed by Róisín McBrinn in the Festival Theatre.

YOUNG CASSIE

A lively, caring, intelligent young woman who is subjected to a terrible attack including a sexual assault. We are looking for two 18 or 19 year old performers with a playing age of 15-16 to share the role. We see Young Cassie in flashbacks; some of which will be performed live, and some will be pre-recorded. The pre-recorded material will include one shot of a man’s hands on her neck (carefully supervised by a Fight & Intimacy Director), but there will be no other re-enactment of violence either live or pre-recorded.

Actor's age: 18-19

Ethnicity: White

Playing age: 15-16

Height: Up to 5’6

This role will be paid equity minimum.

YOUNG CONNIE

A bright, spirited child. The taxidermist’s daughter of the title. She has an unconventional but happy upbringing, until the night of the attack on Cassie when she also has a life-changing accident and loses her memory. We are looking for two 12 to 14 year old young performers with a playing age of 12 to share the role. We see Young Connie in flashbacks; some of which will be performed live, and some will be pre-recorded. Young Connie witnesses some of the violence against Cassie, but is not involved herself.

Actor's age: 12-14

Ethnicity: Mixed Race (Black and White)

Playing age: 12

Height: Up to 5’6

This role will be paid £20 per rehearsal session and £35 per show.

Please only submit actors who live within 25 miles of Chichester Festival Theatre (PO19 6AP).

Anyone who is interested will need to attend an initial workshop/audition on Saturday 5 March 2022 - please email leap@cft.org.uk for more information or to confirm a place.

The commitment will involve some afternoon and evening rehearsals in the weeks beginning 28 March and 4 April (schedule to be confirmed), and then for all performances from 8 – 30 April 2022. The majority of performances are in the evening at 7.30pm, Monday to Saturday, plus a midweek and Saturday matinee at 2.30pm.

All rehearsals and performances will take place at Chichester Festival Theatre.