Best place to begin is what this project is, then project is majorly a Light Novel series! Currently being published on Patreon and soon other sites that do that kind of thing!
This project will be long term aswell! you will be the voices of the characters!
the project is also focused on animation voice acting aswell!
https://www.patreon.com/EmbracingHope
In a world where magical and non-magical beings coexist after a historic alliance, magical folk have the right to choose to pursue magic after high school and young Benjamin, a bright yet inexperienced cat wizard, arrives at the prestigious Astral Grove Academy. Hidden within a gothic castle carved into a mountain, this academy was once a secret haven during the Great War. Here, Benjamin hopes to master his fledgling magic and find his place in a society still adjusting to newfound harmony.
Struggling with self-acceptance and the ability to fly a broom, Benjamin’s journey is shaped by the friendships and rivalries he encounters. He quickly bonds with a diverse group of fellow students, each with unique talents and backgrounds. Among them are Karen, a bratty but talented forest witch; Yui, a gentle protection witch obsessed with charms and gems; and Satomi, a disciplined light witch burdened by her prestigious family's expectations.
Benjamin's life takes a mysterious turn when he meets Kinn, a cold and enigmatic wolf with a dark magical talent and a troubled past. Kinn's arrival at the academy under a scholarship, following a mysterious incident at home, has made him a subject of rumors and judgment. Despite Kinn's distant demeanor, Benjamin senses a kindred spirit and begins to unravel the layers of Kinn's guarded heart.
As Benjamin and his friends delve deeper into their magical studies, they uncover secrets about the academy, their families, and themselves. Under the stern guidance of the headmaster, a friendly panda with a hidden agenda, they learn to harness their powers using magical conduits like crystals and enchanted objects.
Amidst the rigorous training and hidden dangers, a developing love story between Benjamin and Kinn emerges, highlighting themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and the transformative power of friendship and love. As they face challenges from within and outside the academy, Benjamin and his friends must learn to embrace their true selves and the hope that binds them together.
"Embracing Hope" is a heartwarming tale of magic, friendship, and the journey towards self-acceptance, set against the backdrop of a richly imagined world where the past and present intertwine to shape the future.
Hiya everyone!
So So very sorry with the delay on sorting through everyones submissions! recently having moved house and upgrading pc and etc has made hard to find time to sit down and get these finalists out! so this weekend i'll be sorting the rest of the submissions and contacting those shortlisted with questions and such!
Again thank you so much for your patience !
Hiya Everyone!
Just updating you all to remind you today is the last day for submissions! make sure to get them in! if you have any trouble or need extension please message me! otherwise i'll be going through and shortlisting the final candidates soon and then letting everyone know who was shortlisted!
Thank you everyone for submitting also! it's been a joy hearing you all and your takes on the characters!
Hiya Everyone!
An update for those following us here we are open for some more roles! this time faculty members to join the cast! these will be mainly for our trailer and appearances here and there in the comic dubs and other things! so feel free to re-apply if you want to go for any of these roles!
We have more roles incoming such as students, enemies, creatures and such possibly coming soon! but these are the main ones i think we need to do at the moment!
Soooo uh hey everyone!
This has been so unexpected…I was maybe expecting max like 50 people to be interested in this project and uh I’ve been pretty blown away in the 3 days it’s been up.. like legit thank you everyone for so much interest and love!!
So! With that in mind I have decided that we’ll be closing auditions Friday 15th of March! (US time) so that myself and our other team members have ample time to comb over the auditions over the weekend and narrow down our shortlist!
(However if you need longer to submit because of time restrictions and such Sunday will be the final deadline after confirming with me!)
Our team is so very tiny and we wanna keep everything manageable! But honestly I’ve been so blown away with listening some of the auditions! I can’t wait get into shortlisting and finding our cast!
As for the project we are on patreon and other sites (still setting up some) but if you wanna keep following we would love that! There are still a few books and characters to fill in the coming future so there will always be openings aswell!
But to reconfirm what I said earlier
Audition deadline: 15th of March (US time)
Extension Deadline: 17th of March! (After confirming with me!)
Again myself and my small team of two others are so ever grateful for your interest, support and love for my little book! I hope we can all work together in the future 💖😭
Like listen, when i made this page super late at night i DIDNT expect people to find it let alone audition oh my word.
thank you all who have messaged with support or love for the project QwQ
i was only ever expecting maybe 10 people to be interested in it or even less to get over 30 in a night is crazy!
thanks for all the love! i can't wait to see what everyone has done with the characters and i know I'm gonna have a very busy few weeks :'D
Benjamin Higeki: (Main Protagonist) (MAY REQUIRE SINGING SCENES IN THE FUTURE!)
Benjamin is grey feline with his natural talent being musical focused, thus he can control items and object, use soundwaves and all sorts with music and song, he is attending the academy where his parents went to, they are on the high council or magical order. Benjamin did not want to attend this wizarding school for fear of not making any friends or not living up to his parents legacy, but forced to go anyway he was sent to the seaside town where the magical castle stands atop a cliff overlooking the town.
Benji as some people call him is a playful character who often ends up being a clutz and often tells white lies for good reason but ends up trapped in them, he likes comfy clothes and wearing a size or two bigger than him, his wand is a violin scroll/neck crafted by a wandmaker for him and he hangs little charms at the end, his holster is the typical side hip variation.
Benjamin is the main character of Embracing Hope and you will follow his journey though his school life where he discovers secrets and lies, but not even those around him he can trust.
Feel free to checkout these images to get a better sense of the character!
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RMYDxYcavd1UqLvDW6ewLAWShZIJWEG2
“I think we are missing an ingredient, it’s not a dark green like the book”
**Gosh this place is so big.. its so hard to imagine anyone finding their way around here**
“Why did you come and save me? After everything…”
Karen is natural talent forest witch, she often was lead into the forest by creatures and cultivated plants to use for potions or cooking, she doesn't mind getting cut by the scrubs and branches but often just puts a band aid on and continues on her trek! She is a spaniel girl with a bratty temper, often barking and yapping at those who get on her nerves, she comes from a lower wizarding family, barely managing to get into the academy, once in she is determined to become a powerful witch and make her family's name one that people remember.. for good or for worse. She end up in all sorts of trouble but will always talk her way out of any punishment in the end.
Karen uses the thigh holster variant attached to a hip belt where she can store potions, herbs, plants and other items she has collected throughout her foraging. Her natural talent being nature related means she can talk to any plant or animal better than most others, control plants easily and also grow things faster. Her wand being a flower bud that opens and blooms when in use, giving it the effect of pollen whenever she casts spells, Her hat has her own little forest growing on it for quick easy access to essential items.
Feel free to checkout these images to get a better sense of the character!
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RMYDxYcavd1UqLvDW6ewLAWShZIJWEG2
“I’m Karen, nice to meet ya!”
“Hot huh? His name is Kinn Oshiro. They say he’s from this great mage family… all the perks you know? I know a lot of other females would die to be his girlfriend. Sadly he doesn’t pay them any attention I guess he is more focused on studies and potions.”
“Oh please, your crying over some pathectic feelings? Trust me you wont need them once you realise how no one will ever be there for you, it’s kill or be killed in this world."
Satomi, born into a wealthy family of class and elitism, Satomi is one of may children from the noble family that also serves on the high council, her family was one of the witches and wizards that founded the academy that all her past generations have attended, thus she is always put into the spotlight and compared to her past brothers and sisters. Satomi's natural talent is light magic, stars, sun anything with a light she can control, create or harness. Satomi is a doe who often hates being compared to her family, people always act so nicely or go easy on her in fear of what might happen if they hurt her.
Satomi uses a arm holster for her wand, being a more neater way to holster it and make her look more tidy, arm holsters are often more for show then usage. Satomi has intricate Asian hair styles with her family using lots of jewels for holding her hair up and purple being her go to colour.
Satomi has pent up anger and often is seen on the practice range letting out all her frustration and anger onto the dummies or targets, trying to keep the side of her hidden from other students and teachers, though she will go berserk if she gets the chance often going above and beyond the safety limits in duels or classes to get a reaction out of people but often gets praised for her power which only makes her angrier. Satomi is caring, kind and calm, she will think out any plans or clever solutions to problems being the student representative for her year she has to be a leader and be holding the upmost standard to school rules and magical laws.
Feel free to checkout these images to get a better sense of the character!
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RMYDxYcavd1UqLvDW6ewLAWShZIJWEG2
“oh please call me Satomi, I insist, but I must be heading off to introduction classes so please, talk to me later if needed.”nk would fit*
“Just because I come from a big family doesn’t mean it’s easy for me to master magic. Besides, if famous families are something you are spiteful of, you might want to check right under the so-called skilled nose you have.”
“You did this? I have an exam tomorrow that I have been preparing a whole week for…well I will hold them off as long as I can, but head to the mountains quickly. It will be harder for them to track you! NOW GO!”
Kinn is from a noble wolf family in the heart of one of the magical cities that they run, he was sent to this school after a incident at home and was brought on a scholarship where he has to try extra hard to pass exams and keep the principal happy by doing any tasks asked of him. Kinn is a loving wolf who is often misunderstood and grows tired of being bugged about things or being judged before anyone talks to him, he is very popular with the girls but never had a girlfriend. Often he is leering or gazing at students and gets into fights, his natural talent is unknown, people are curious but he's never told anyone his talent... perhaps the incident that sent him here had something to do with it.
Kinn uses a classic chest holster for his wand, finds it easier to carry and equip, he enjoys most meats and is often slopping with his uniform/appearance as he has often not cared anymore about what people think.
Feel free to checkout these images to get a better sense of the character!
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RMYDxYcavd1UqLvDW6ewLAWShZIJWEG2
“Mrs. Fukushima…you are requested. Mr. Hellibore has had some issues that require your expertise; a student has turned into an object of some weight…. again.”
“You guys forgot the pixie scales…but there are no more, so.”
“It’s easier to just distance myself and keep low…not let anyone use me even more."
Yui is a natural talent protection witch, she often is seen crafting charms and protection seals for her friends and family, hanging them around her dorm and her hat. Yui is a sweet gentle soul who mothers people, she will do anything to protect her friends, she has a very warm comforting presence about her that makes anyone feel calm, not to mention all the incents she carries often making her smell amazing. Yui attends the magical academy with everyone as a regular student, she doesn't have many friends as some find her rather weird for her obsession with charms and gems, but she doesnt think much of it since her heart is warm and open to anyone and she cant see the bad in any person.
Yui uses an accessory holster for her wand, rather than having it on her she keeps the wand on her bag, she finds it easier when tending to people or getting stuff from her bag to also grab her wand, and she will never forget it if its on her bag, her wand has a Amethyst crystal to channel her strongest magic being protection. Yuis bag is full lots of little gems and pouches of protection. her hat also has some flowers she uses for her spells.
Feel free to checkout these images to get a better sense of the character!
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RMYDxYcavd1UqLvDW6ewLAWShZIJWEG2
“Sorry, my name is Yui, looks like we are both in the same class. I overheard you before and thought maybe we could walk together.”
“I just think he’s cute and you saw him yesterday, just running around with his broom, over and over. He’s determined and I like that in a guy.”
“GO WHILE I CAN STILL HOLD HER!”
Mrs Cackle
Mrs Cackle is one of the oldest faculty at Astral Grove Academy, she serves as head of faculty and organizes a lot of the curriculum at the magical academy, she's wise and stern also, not afraid to give comebacks to students who test her (in a innocent sounding way).
Being an Owl she may be 100 or so years old but her age never shows it, she has seen her fair share of battles and fought hard to establish herself at the academy and Astral Grove itself.
She teaches a lot of practical magic and magical theory, often wanting students to learn the written works and understand what is happening rather than thinking things will work because 'magic' she wants pupils of every year to harness and survive in the world that has been accepting of them.
Her natural talent is magical creatures, she can talk to and summon all sorts of magical creatures that hide away from the normal world or summon help when needed, she knows how to balance everything and makes sure the world works with these invisible creatures.
Oh interesting! I see a confidence potion, both of you did a good job adjusting a potion under pressure which is something you all need to know when in emergencies.
Correct this is what a natural talent is, a magic you excel in, one you are stronger than others, you may be able to summon a glass of water but a natural talent wizard or witch could summon a bathtub of water.
Benjamin, your parents were the bravest students I have ever met. They wanted to do good and help people, something we faculty members failed to do back then…so let us help you repay our debt to them.
Mrs Fukushima
"Magic is MIND and BODY" - Mrs Fukushima
Fukushima is the resident physical witch, she's in charge of physical magic, and training, witches and wizards need to learn lots of things from stamina, mind strength and body strength. She makes sure these witches and wizards can hand running broom starts, be able to ride in broom saddles for hours on end, able to hold a spell for more than a few seconds if needed, able to hang on to brooms when falling etc etc.
Mrs Fukushima is the coach type of faculty member you expect at any school, she just is in charge of more... intense training. Often seen with a whistle on her body, she is coaching and using any and everything as an example of how it could have gone if things weren't up to standard.
The academy as an Oval (Field i think other people call it..?) where she can be seen helping students fly, run and keep stances up for spells, casting is one thing but handling magic is another and she will not let any wizard or witch fail because they don't know how to handle certain magic.
The cheetah is one of the fastest witches you'll find in the air and on the ground, often first on the scene for any accidents and helping residents around the town below the castle, she is solid in her resolute and makes sure to not rely on magic and that is one lesson she will drill into her pupils be it fresh or old, magic will not save you.
First Years! I am your teacher Mrs. Fukushima. I handle magical athletics and assessments. Today is the first of many that you will sit in my class, and by the time you leave this school, I will make sure you can hold a spell longer than you ever thought.
Oh shut it fat man, I always hated how you were so jolly and nice. I knew underneath there was a beast. I have waited a long time for this.
Alright class, today we are going to be doing broomstick athletics. Every witch and wizard can’t rely on their magic and their ability to fly.
Mr Helibore
Another faculty member at Astral Grove Academy, he focuses on magical mathematics, problem and more complex magic which require alot of prep or patterns etc, stuff every witch and wizard should know for more intense magic and often alot of information is in his classes and lectures.
Alot of the students groan at the sound of his name or the thought of going to his lectures, often some being very boring things like drawing summoning circles for an hour kind of classes, he knows how important it is to master and wants to make sure the students here understand that in the future they will need to know this and have to do it from memory alot of the time.
he also teaches potions along side other staff here and there but often some.. issues keep happening hence why he is a last resort sometimes, but being one of the senior professors at the academy he's treated with respected.. reluctantly sometimes.
Being a Hare he is often speaking too quickly sometimes and is often all over the board and having a more condescending tone towards students, his ears will catch any chit chat during his lectures and isn't scared to deal out punishments
Settle down students… we have a big lesson today, magical physical interactions or MPI for short. What does that mean students?
Crystals like these need runes to activate, so they are often always fixed to staffs or brooms, something where you can carve runes into for quick and easy use.
Mr. Higeki and Ms. Omie are you two done talking? We have a short amount of class time, save the gossip for lunch please
Headmaster Gon
Headmaster of Astral Grove Academy this panda bear may seem like he is warm, welcoming and jolly.
He watches over the students and faculty here with eagle eyes, he manages alot of things from ceremonies and relationship with the town nearby, he wants to make sure the academy keeps its long history going for years to come after taking over from the previous headmaster, he was a past student and wears that with a pride no one can match.
He knows the Ins and Outs of the academy, secrets and hidden areas that average students might know about and often giving life lessons to students who might be in need of it.
Gon also has had a troubled past with some history with one of the stories villain's and also keeping another characters dark secret..
This character does has some more.. breaking moments where he turns colder and more serious which is breaking that jolly bear persona sometimes.
Welcome new students! This Academy has been under this great mountain for over 300 years and has had many fellow witches and wizards like you come to learn the art of magic and learn to control their gifts.
Higeki... that name holds some meaning around here. Your parents were one of the first mages to successfully master combination magic or 'love magic', combining their powers and their abilities through love, using it to fight our greatest enemies and the Arch Witch.
Hmm, I would have thought they would have tried to make contact with him already…no matter, time will reveal them. Keep an eye on him. If he does anything unusual, please report it immediately,
The Arch Witch..
The main antagonist of the series, the big bad lady.
The Arch Witch is hunting down the main cast from exile using her loyal forces on the other side, she is collecting the destroyed crystal shards in hopes to repair the diamond that cause her great power, the one that was destroyed by the main characters parents.
backstory summary: She was a student at Astral Grove, she was hellbent on discovering and harnessing combination magic or 'love magic' being so rarely done she experimented on magical couples using a Agarthan crystal as a conduit that filled with the pain, misery and darkness of the magic being used for, creating a cursed relic that gave the user immense power, this she weilded without mercy upon on the non magical folk who opressed her, for magical kind who had to stay hidden and revenge on those who killed her own kind.
This caused magical and non magical folk to clash in a great war, eventually both sides saw the Witches greed and unending madness and teamed up to capture her and banish her, destorying her power.. so they thought.
The Arch Witch has been biding her time, using the dark magic to keep herself sustained while she waited for her crystal to returned to her so she can wage a new war upon both magical and non magical folk. she has pent up rage, anger and hate towards everyone not loyal to her.
DO YOU TAKE ME FOR A FOOL GON? MY DIAMOND WAS FOUND AND YOU DIDN’T HAVE THE NERVE TO TELL ME?
When I assigned you to this Academy, I entrusted you to stay close and watch that wretched child of theirs, for the moment he opened that seal, so I could claim what is MINE!
Tsk Tsk, is that any way to greet your friend? Seems little Benjamin escaped with a friend of his own, little does he know what real danger he is in. But what would you both know about keeping friends close and enemies closer? Right? Nyaahah~
Hiya!
I know this site is mainly for voice acting but wanted to put the role out there for any singer/songwriters who are interested in writing songs for a musical tone for our characters here at Embracing Hope!
Songs would all have to be original obviously, music will be created around the song as long as we have a general direction/beat to work with!
How it would work is we'll have you come on board for song writing for the characters, be it for stand alone pieces or working it with the story! these are very important and we are looking for someone who is passionate about what they do!
this is a PAID gig and would be charged at an agreed upon rate! be it song, hour or other!
*Say something you think would fit*
