Beyond the Dark Productions - ‘The Road of Shadows’ - Season 2 | Original audio drama
Project Overview
Beyond the Dark Productions is a studio based in Brisbane, Australia, run solely by founder Mark R. Healy. Current projects include The Strata, a sci-fi audio drama released in 2021 and The Road of Shadows, a mystery and suspense audio drama released in 2023. In all, these productions have reached Number 1 in over fifty countries in their category on Apple Podcasts and received critical acclaim for their compelling narratives and high production values.
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***Payment Structure for Characters - Per Season (10 Episodes) - in USD***
Supporting (2,500 - 5,000 words) : $100
Supporting (1,000 - 2,500 words) : $50
Minor (less than 1000 words): $25 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Synopsis: It's 1984, and Daniel Knox is on the run. He's spent his entire life evading mysterious creatures that are disguised as everyday people - the ones he calls 'Shadows'. Preying on humans in secret, the Shadows are an enigma even to Daniel. But he knows one thing for sure - the Shadows' true nature can't be seen by anyone but him. As he seeks refuge in a remote mountain community, Daniel crosses paths with a traveller who is investigating the disappearance of her sister in the same town. Gradually, the secrets begin to unravel - and for Daniel - life will never be the same again.
Disclaimer / Content Warning: This project contains horror, profanity and some portrayals of violence (gunplay, body horror, blood).
Rules for auditioning
1. A quality recording. I can't use poor audio no matter how great your performance might be.
2. Commitment to deadlines.
3. Willingness to take direction and provide pickups if necessary.
4. You must be 18 years or older to audition
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Word count: 1000
Role: Supporting
Payment: $50 flat rate
Vasella is a high ranking member of the ‘Vespeerin’, a mysterious group of creatures referred to as ‘Shadows’ by the protagonists of the story. She is proud and righteous and carries herself with an air of dignity. There is a certain wisdom and surety in her voice. She is calm and chooses her words deliberately, and is somewhat condescending toward humans, who she sees as nothing more than playthings to be manipulated for her own ends.
As one of the oldest of the Vespeerin, Vasella has earned the title of Emissary, and in this capacity she has embarked on a mission to broker a truce with a group of enemies. This is a grave and serious task, one that Vasella knows may result in her own death.
Like all Shadows she is cruel and manipulative and gives little value to human life. However, she knows that sometimes a more conciliatory approach can be useful, and when necessary, Vasella will adopt a respectful tone in order to secure the desired outcome.
- english
- female adult
- british
(Telling a mortal about the grandeur of the life she has lived. Passionate, tinged with sorrow and even a little contempt for her audience. Pronunciation of Vespeerin - ves-peer-EEN) “It’s been close to a thousand years since I awoke to this life. A thousand years since I first lifted my face to the heavens and watched the stars turn above. I still remember feeling the earth between my toes and the scent of fear on the wind as I pursued my first kill. Warm blood spilling down my throat. In the years since I’ve seen and done more than someone like you could ever imagine. I’ve experienced it all - hunger and thirst, lust, hatred... and at times, yes… even fear. I’ve seen entire kingdoms rise and fall in the blink of an eye. But that is all behind me now. My time is ending. I suppose the darkness comes for all of us, eventually - even we Vespeerin.”
(Under her breath, uttering an incantation; fervent, with a note of desperation as she realises her life may be in danger) “Monarch. I submit myself to thee, and all those who have come before. Take my soul swiftly to your bosom, and grant me a place at your side until the heavens and earth are one.”
(Voice hardening as negotiations begin to fail and her adversary makes fun of her) "Jest with me at your own peril. After tonight, the Kin will offer no further proposals. Negotiations will come to an end.”
Word count: 1000
Role: Supporting
Payment: $50 flat rate
Drageesa is an important member of the ‘Vespeerin’, a mysterious group of creatures referred to as ‘Shadows’ by the protagonists of the story. She is arrogant, self-important, and carries herself with an air of superiority.
Drageesa enjoys a position of great power within the Kin, second only to Mother, the enigmatic ruler of the Shadows. Rarely seen in public, Drageesa is often considered to be an almost mythical figure amongst the Shadows.
Her loyalty is first and foremost to the Kin and there is nothing she won’t do to protect her brothers and sisters. Condescending, haughty and manipulative, Drageesa is able to intimidate humans and Shadows alike. She almost always gets her way.
- english
- female adult
(Remonstrates with another of the Vespeerin who has brought shame to the Kin) “Don’t pretend that what happened there is the only transgression you’ve committed. Take a look around at these very ruins in which we stand. The fire that destroyed this place was a result of your own doing, was it not?”
(Accusatory, confronting another Shadow about careless mistakes that have endangered the secrecy of the Shadows) “You destroyed the hospital when the townsfolk became suspicious about the disappearances here - the litany of malpractice. And all because you could not control your appetites. Your greed and stupidity brought unwanted attention, didn’t they? You endangered the holy secrets of your brothers and sisters. Your Mother.”
(Unflinching and lacking compassion when told by another Shadow that he has lost the strength to overcome a looming threat; delivering an ultimatum) “Then I suggest you find it. Because if you fail, your name will be cursed. Your memory will be despised by the Kin for eternity. Do you understand? Find your strength, James. That’s the only advice I can give. Find it or perish.”
Word count: 200
Role:Minor
Payment: $25 flat rate
Harry Langer is an amiable motel owner in the small town of Mosquito Falls. He is friendly and approachable and likes to make sure his guests feel welcome.
- english
- male adult
(Greeting some newcomers who have asked to see a town map) “A town map? Sure thing. There’s quite a lot of history in Mosquito Falls, y’know. Did you come out this way especially to visit some of our landmarks, or just passing through?”
(Making a small joke after the newcomers advise him they won’t be staying in town long) “Well, be careful! This town gets its hooks into people real fast. You might find yourself falling in love with the place and end up not wanting to leave.”
(Offering some helpful suggestions) “There are some nice woodlands right out the back here if you feel the need to unwind and get in touch with nature. Just let me know and I’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.”
Word count: 500
Role:Minor
Payment: $25 flat rate
Fran Delaney is the sheriff of a small, sleepy town called Mosquito Falls. Fran is diligent and dedicated but somewhat inexperienced with serious crime, as nothing much ever happens in the area. She is amiable and approachable most times, but doesn’t tolerate fools. She can be hard as nails when crossed.
- english
- female child
(Recounting the story of an incident in the woods. Responds when asked if anyone was heard screaming at the time) “Like a banshee. A couple of the residents here thought for sure that someone was being murdered back there, but uh... it didn’t turn out to be anything of the sort.”
(Talking to a colleague, weary after a long night; ready to go home; responding when asked if she knows what’s going on) “I don’t know, Mike, but I can tell you one thing - I’m putting this one to bed. I understand that you’ve got skin in the game here, but as far as the Mosquito Falls P.D. is concerned, there’s nothing else to investigate.”
(Parting words to a colleague who is searching for a killer; voice is hard edged and gritty) “Hey, Mike... one other thing. If it really was these two who took down your boy - well... I hope you nail ‘em to the goddamn wall.”
Word count: 620
Role:Minor
Payment: $25 flat rate
Tony Lodge is a plumber in the small town of Clifford Springs. A former addict, Tony has been through some tough times of late and owes a great deal to the local physician, Doctor Shilling, who helped him become sober again.
Tony is somewhat nervous and edgy and lacks self-confidence. Although most would consider him to be good-hearted, he is easily manipulated and could be coerced into doing the wrong thing by anyone who knew how to push the right buttons.
- male adult
(Fearful and desperate, defensive as he is threatened by someone who is demanding answers from him) “I’m... I’m just a plumber from here in Clifford Springs. I was just doing what he said...”
(Regretful and ashamed as he tries to explain his past) “I had a little ‘problem’ a while back. Developed some nasty habits. They were, uh... causing grief in my life. The whole situation turned bad. It’s like I was starting to self-destruct. I went to see Doc Shilling and he helped me find the ‘right path’ again, I suppose you could say. Kept it on the low down, too. No one else knew. He told me that he’d keep my secret as long as I was willing to help him out in return, if he ever called upon me. And, well... it seems that day finally came.”
(Trying to explain how Doctor Shilling sounded strange and unlike himself during their last phone call) “Uh... it’s hard to explain. Sometimes when he spoke it sounded just like Doc, but then other times he would kinda drift... almost like some other guy had snatched the phone out of his hand and was talking over the top of him. At first I thought he was sick or something, but by the end I didn’t know exactly what to make of it.”
Word count: 260
Role:Minor
Payment: $25 flat rate
Mindy is a waitress in the small town of Clifford Springs. Working in the local diner, Mindy is friendly and approachable and takes great pride in making patrons feel at home. She is an active member of the local community and loves life in the country.
- english
- female adult
(Welcoming people who have just sat down at a booth) “Welcome to Frankie’s Diner. My name’s Mindy. You two all set to order?”
(Responding to a question from a patron about meeting the local doctor) “You’ve got awful timing, hun. One of my regulars - Sammy - told me this morning that he went by the clinic earlier and the doc wasn’t there. Taking a few days’ vacation apparently. Unlucky, because Doc Shilling is a known workaholic. Practically lives twenty-four seven at that clinic. Most days of the year, that’s where you’ll find him.”
(Returning to a table with a tray of food; trying to find space to put it down amongst the clutter) “Here you go. One BLT, one coffee. Would you mind moving that aside for me, hun?”
Word count: 200
Role:Minor
Payment: $25 flat rate
Tanya is a receptionist working at the local doctor’s clinic in the small town of Clifford Springs. She is conscientious and dedicated, efficient, and very good at her job. Tanya takes pride in keeping things organised and her desk is exceedingly neat and orderly, with everything she needs at her fingertips.
- english
- female adult
(Welcoming people who have arrived at the front desk) “Good afternoon. Welcome to Clifford Clinic. How can I help you today?”
(Trying to be helpful when a patient tells her they would like to see a doctor as soon as possible) “Oh, in that case I can book you in with Doctor Jones later this afternoon. If you’d like to take a seat I can try and squeeze you in somewhere.”
(Trying to be persuasive when the patient insists on seeing a doctor who isn’t available) “Are you sure you wouldn’t like to see Doctor Jones? She’s really very good. If you need some advice on an issue you’re having, I’m sure she could help.
Word count: 60
Role: Minor
Payment: $25 flat rate
The Nurse works at a hospital in the small town of Clifford Springs. Although she is good natured, today she is busy and doesn’t have a lot of time for chit chat, so her manner is somewhat brusque.
- english
- female adult
(Greeting someone who has arrived at the hospital) “What can I do for you?”
(Advising someone that the doctor they are looking for does not work at the hospital) “Doctor Shilling doesn’t work here. He has his own private clinic in town.”
(Admitting she doesn't know the doctor, but trying to be helpful) “Well, I don’t know him too well myself. Maybe our custodian knows him. He’s been around longer than me.” (raises her voice to call over the custodian) ‘Hey, Kevin! Can you come over here for a second?” (Kevin approaches and she goes on in a more moderate tone) “This guy is asking about Doctor Shilling. Do you know him?”
Word count: 600
Role: Minor
Payment: $25 flat rate
Kevin works as a custodian at a hospital in the small town of Clifford Springs. He is good natured and always tries to be friendly and helpful. He has been employed for many years at the hospital and takes pride in his work.
- english
- male senior
(Talking about how the old hospital was abandoned after a fire) “There was a fire over at the old hospital. It was located on the other side of town. Half the damn place burned to the ground. There was talk of repairing it for a while, but eventually they just decided to start fresh over here. Probably a good thing, in the end. This new hospital is a lot nicer than the old one. I should know - I’m one of the few who worked in both!”
(Somewhat regretful as he talks about the old hospital) “Like I said, no one talks about it much. Bad memories over there. I think most people would prefer to forget it ever existed. All the signposts got taken down, too.”
(Asked about what happened at the old hospital; finds his memory is failing him; somewhat confused and perplexed) “Well, stuff like...” (ponders, confounded) “Y’know, now that I think of it, I can’t remember exactly what happened. Not specifically. Isn’t that strange? Guess I’m just getting old.” (chuckles) “Anyway, things have been better since we all shifted over to the new hospital.”
Word count: 50
Role: Minor
Payment: $25 flat rate
Waitress works in the small town of Mosquito Falls. Employed at the local diner, Waitress is friendly and approachable and takes great pride in making patrons feel at home. She loves watching football, meeting new people, and dreams of one day opening her own restaurant in Mosquito Falls.
- english
- female adult
(Greeting newcomers to the diner) “Morning, folks. How you doin’ today? There’s a couple of spare stools right here, if you’d like to take a seat.”
(Responding to a patron asking if they can sit at a particular table) “Sure, darlin’. As long as you don’t mind me taking a moment to clean it off.”
(Engaging in a conversation with a patron) “Okay, take a seat. What can I get you?” (Then, after receiving a response) “Sure thing, hun.”
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