Link to Gracie website

Sibling actors and former soccer players Elisabeth and Andrew Shue are using an unconventional method to seek out the young female star of their latest project. The Shues have opened up the auditions for their coming-of-age film, “Gracie,” nationwide.

“The search for the girl is sort of a paramount thing,” Andrew told The Associated Press Thursday. “We want everybody to be talking about it, trying to come up with that special girl.”

Inspired by Elisabeth’s life, “Gracie” is about a New Jersey girl in the late 1970s playing soccer on an all-boys team. The Shues are searching for a young female player to provide “outstanding emotional range.” Much like Elisabeth, the title character is motivated by the death of her star soccer-playing brother. Elisabeth and Andrew’s brother, William, died in an accident on a family vacation when Elisabeth was 25.

“The inspiration for the film came from what it means to lose somebody you love,” said Elisabeth, now 41. “In our case, it was once enough time from the devastation of losing our brother had passed. There was a gift he gave us, which was to follow your dreams and not waste time.”

“It’s really become kind of a family project,” said Andrew.

Both Shues will play small roles in the movie. Andrew, 38, will star as Gracie’s coach while Elisabeth will play either Gracie’s mother or an older version of Gracie, who appears at the end of the film. Their brother John will be involved in the business aspects of the movie, while Elisabeth’s husband, Davis Guggenheim, will direct.

“I think growing up gives you a little more courage to take on projects and make them yours instead of waiting for the phone to ring,” said Elisabeth.

“Gracie” is scheduled to begin production this summer in New Jersey. Potential Gracies are encouraged to visit the Web site and submit an audition tape. They’ve already received nearly 1,000 applicants. source