Please read this casting call carefully and only apply if you meet the role requirements and can fully commit to the production dates.
About the production
Tobacco Factory Theatres are casting for their upcoming in-house production of Rapunzel: A Hairy Tale, written by Sharon Clark (Raucous, RSC, Akram Khan) and directed by Tom Brennan (The Wardrobe Ensemble, Almeida, National Theatre, Northwall).
This spellbinding and inventive production will be a playful take on a beloved Brothers Grimm fairytale.
In a secluded tower deep within the forest, Rapunzel charts stars and planets and dreams of a world beyond her walls. When an unexpected visitor climbs through her window and into her strange little world, he brings color, chaos, and the thrill of the unknown. Soon, Rapunzel must make a choice between keeping herself safe or exploring freedom.
This heartwarming production tells a story about growing up, venturing out, and discovering your own voice – all wrapped up in an unforgettable adventure (with plenty of extraordinary hair).
We are aiming to primarily cast the production with local actors via open call and invited auditions. Please only apply to this open call if you are within 25 miles of Bristol. If we do not successfully cast all our actors from the local area, we will extend our search. If you are not local but are interested in applying, please do not submit your interest at this stage but do keep an eye on our social media for casting updates.
This is a professional production with a weekly wage of £610 plus holiday pay. You will be working under an ITC contract.
Key Production dates:
· Rehearsals will take place in Bristol from Monday 27 October 2025; 10am – 6pm in Bristol.
· Production week will take place in the week commencing Monday 24 November 2025, Tobacco Factory Theatres, Bristol.
· Preview performances will begin on Thursday 27 November 2025, Tobacco Factory Theatres, Bristol.
· Opening performance is Wednesday 3 December 2025, Tobacco Factory Theatres, Bristol.
· The production will then run until Saturday 17 January 2026, Tobacco Factory Theatres, Bristol.
Role descriptions:
· Rapunzel (F identifying) – Intense, funny, playful, moody, direct, loving, brave (20-40 age range)
· Benito (M identifying) – Funny, kind-hearted, nervous, excitable, good (20-40 age range)
· Serafina (F identifying) – Bold, strong, secretive, loyal, loving, torn (35 – 70 age range)
· Donatella (F identifying) – Fashionable, scary, elegant, insecure (35 – 70 age range)
· Chorus (M/F identifying) – Flamboyant, charismatic, brave, intense (20-60 age range)
Please note we are particularly interested in high level actor musicians (Grade 8 equivalent and above) with a strong physical sense. Very good technical ability to play and improvise with an instrument (or many) and sing. Experience of ensemble work and multi-rolling is also useful, as all roles above will also be required to undertake this as part of the production.
Audition Process:
If you are longlisted for audition, you will be invited to send a self-tape in which we will ask for; an extract of a monologue/scene from a play, a song of your choice and a short extract of playing an instrument.
Once shortlisted you will be invited to a workshop-style audition, with movement and music, followed by some short exercises with the text. Script work will take place in small groups/individually. We will give the script in advance for familiarisation purposes but there is no expectation to learn or prepare anything in advance. We will provide space for you to warm up before the audition. These workshops will be held throughout July- September in a range of locations around Bristol.
There may be the need to run callback auditions post workshop. these will take place on various dates also around the city.
Equal Opportunities
Our vision is to build an inclusive creative community rooted in our home in South Bristol.
We want everyone who attends Tobacco Factory Theatres to feel equally welcome, respected and valued.
Whilst we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, we encourage applications from people whose identities or backgrounds are under-represented in the arts and cultural sector, especially those who face barriers to opportunities, people from working class backgrounds, people from the LGBTQIA+ community, and particularly people from Black, Asian, traveller, mixed heritage or other global majority backgrounds.
Please feel free to contact Pippa (via email below) for an informal conversation regarding any access requirements related to the role or application process.
How to apply
If you have read through the dates and role description carefully and are interested in applying, please send an email as follows;
· Please add the following subject line to your email: RAPUNZEL OPEN CALL: Name of the role you’re applying for.
· Include your acting CV (via spotlight link or attachment)
· Include a recent, clear photo of yourself
· Confirmation you are Bristol based
· Let us know the instruments you play and to what level.
· And include details on your singing ability and range. Please send your application to artists@tobaccofactorytheatres.com by Thursday 19th June 2025
It always helps if performers are specific about the role they are interested in, so do take the time to think about those which resonate with you the strongest, rather than listing all of them.
If you have already expressed an interest in being considered for casting please resend your application with the required subject line, so that we know which role you want to audition for.
There will be at least two people reviewing each application.
We will be seeing in the region of 100 local actors for these roles. It is highly likely that we will not be able to accommodate all applications. If we don’t invite you for an audition then please be assured that this is no reflection on you or your talent, and it will not stand in the way of us seeing you for future opportunities.
Posted on 05 June 2025
