![[Paid] Twilight Is A Beautiful Hour: LGBTQIA+ Audio Drama](https://d1m9vqlvl3fy94.cloudfront.net/project/attachment/286220/960198Octavia7.png)
"Twilight Is A Beautiful Hour" is a deeply emotional slice-of-life drama set in Osaka, Japan. It follows Tanaka Izumi, a reserved high school freshman struggling with self-discovery and connection while navigating his closeted identity. Through friendships, love, and hardships, Izumi experiences moments of warmth, confusion, and pain as he faces bullying, family struggles, and the joys of new relationships. With heavy themes of self-acceptance, identity, and the beauty of fleeting moments, this story promises an immersive and heartfelt listening experience.
Voice Actors must be able to record their own lines and send them in, I will be handling all of our editing.
Content Warnings:
This story includes themes such as:
⚠️ Bullying
⚠️ Assault
⚠️ Homophobia & Transphobia
⚠️ Physical & Emotional Abuse by a Family Member
⚠️ Depression
Please only audition if you are comfortable with these themes.
Thank you so much for all the support everyone! While we enter the final stage of casting and pre production, we have set up a Fan Server on discord that anyone can join to show their support for the project! Here is the link!
https://discord.gg/MycZgs52rD
Three hours left to submit auditions!
-Ryleigh
Hey everyone! We are overjoyed and overwhelmed by all of the support and interest in our project! However, due to the sheer volume of all of the auditions, we have shortened the deadline to 11:30pm PST on Friday the 7th of March. I will be getting to providing feedback to all the dismissed auditions here tomorrow on the 6th to provide time for resubmissions!
With Love,
-Ryleigh
Hey Everyone! Strange Scribe Studios is looking for an Assistant Writer/Producer for Twilight Is A Beautiful Hour! Feel free to share the role with people! Pay is $60 per episode with bonuses!
Three new minor Season 1 Roles have been added to the cast list! Each of these roles will have a bigger presence in later seasons! Feel free to check them out!
-Ryleigh
Overview:
Strange Scribe Studios is seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Assistant Writer/Producer to join our creative team for the queer, slice-of-life, drama-romance audio project Twilight Is A Beautiful Hour. This role is perfect for someone who is passionate about storytelling and eager to grow within the industry, with the potential to move into a full salaried position in the future.
Key Responsibilities:
Compensation & Benefits:
Requirements:
*Say something you think would fit*
Izumi / Narrator (Voice range: Mid-High)
A reserved and introspective high school freshman, Izumi struggles with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt while searching for a sense of belonging. His voice often carries hesitation, yet with moments of deep emotion. Izumi is a transgender girl but has not realized that about himself yet. The plot of this story is him learning that and becoming her.
(quiet, voice filled with longing and sadness) "…I just wish— (pause, soft chuckle) —I wish I could be someone else. Someone who doesn’t have to think so hard about every little thing. Someone who… (deep breath, barely above a whisper) who isn’t so scared all the time."
"No—no, I can’t—I can’t do this! I—I can’t be what they want! I can’t be what I want! It’s all wrong—it’s all—!" (choking back a sob, breath uneven) "…I don’t know how to fix this."
(soft exhale, voice filled with quiet awe) "I think… for the first time in a long time, I feel… okay. Not great. Not perfect. But okay. And maybe—maybe that’s enough."
Haruki (Voice range: Mid-Low, Warm & Charismatic)
The confident and athletic soccer captain with a warm and easygoing personality. His voice should feel friendly, supportive, and effortlessly charismatic.
(lighthearted, teasing but kind) "C’mon, Izumi, you can’t just stay on the sidelines forever. I know there’s something in you just waiting to shine. Trust me—you’re stronger than you think."
"I don’t care what they say. I don’t care what you think they see. You’re worth more than the way they treat you. And if you can’t see that yet, then I’ll keep reminding you until you do."
"W-Whoa, hold on—d-don’t look at me like that! You’re making me feel like some kind of romantic lead in an anime or something!" (laughs awkwardly) "…I mean, not that it’d be bad, but—wait, no, that’s not what I meant—!"
Miki (Voice range: Low-Mid, Soft yet Passionate)
A shy yet passionate RPG enthusiast, Miki finds comfort in storytelling and shares a deep bond with Izumi over their love for fantasy worlds. Her voice should carry warmth with a touch of nervous energy.
"I know it sounds silly, but… stories help me feel less alone. When I play, when I create worlds… it’s like I can be someone else. Someone braver. I think… I think you’d make an amazing storyteller, too."
(huffing, crossing arms) "Oh, so when he compliments you, you get all flustered, but when I do it, you just brush it off?" (mock-offended, but giggling) "Unbelievable. I see how it is."
"You don’t get it, do you?! You think you’re alone in this, that no one else cares—but we do, Izumi! I do!" (deep breath, voice shaking) "And it hurts when you won’t even let us try to help you."
Tsumuraya / Text-to-Speech (Voice range: Soft, reserved, robotic TTS cadence & Natural Speaking Voice)
A talented but socially anxious artist, Tsumuraya communicates primarily through a custom text-to-speech software that has a miniscule level of emotiveness due to selective mutism. Her speech has a monotone, synthetic quality, but conveys subtle emotion. However, on rare occasions, she does speak in her real voice, which is quiet, hesitant, and deeply personal.
(soft, robotic intonation with slight warmth) "Art is easier than words. People… are hard to talk to. But when I draw… I don’t have to explain. I just show them."
"I… I just wanted to say… th-thank you. For being patient with me." (soft inhale, hesitant) "It… It means more than you know."
(Text-to-Speech / Dryly Humorous) "Yes. I am an artist. No. I will not draw your favorite anime character for free."
Yuki (Voice range: High & Energetic, Bright and Playful)
Izumi’s lively and affectionate younger sister, Yuki is full of energy and adores her siblings. She brings light to the household and is one of Izumi’s strongest supporters.
(Excited / Bursting with Energy) "Big bro, big bro! Guess what! I learned how to make pancakes today! …They were kinda burnt, but it’s the thought that counts, right?"
(Defensive / Angry / Protective Little Sister Mode) "Hey! Don’t talk about my brother like that! He’s way cooler than you’ll ever be!"
(Sad but Trying to Hide It / Forlorn) "I miss when we all used to eat dinner together. It felt… warmer, back then."
Aiko (Voice range: Mid-Low, Calm & Pragmatic)
The eldest Tanaka sibling, Aiko is pragmatic, responsible, and often serves as a pillar of stability for the family. Her voice should be composed, level-headed, but with warmth beneath the surface.
(Firm / Reassuring / Supportive) "You don’t have to be anything you’re not, Izumi. Just… take your time. The world isn’t going anywhere."
(Exasperated but Caring / Older Sister Mode Activated) "Hana, stop distracting him—Izumi, you have school tomorrow. You can finish your campaign notes after you sleep."
(Quiet & Reflective / Vulnerable for Once) "Being the eldest means… making sure everyone else is okay. But sometimes, I wonder… would they be okay without me?"
Hana (Voice range: Mid-Low, warm and expressive)
Izumi’s free-spirited older sister, Hana is passionate, artistic, and a source of encouragement in his life. Her voice should carry gentle enthusiasm and a creative spirit.
(Supportive / Casual Encouragement) "Art is just a conversation, Izumi. Some people use words, some use music, some use paint. Just find your voice, however it speaks best."
(Sarcastic but Affectionate / Playfully Annoying Older Sister) "Ugh, Aiko’s in ‘responsible big sister’ mode again. Quick, Izumi, look busy before she assigns us more chores!"
(Serious & Protective / Calling Out Kenji) "Dad, you have to listen to him. Just this once. He’s hurting, and if you keep ignoring it—if you keep pretending he’s fine just because it’s easier—then one day, he might not be here anymore."
Ichiha (Voice range: Androgynous - Any range okay!)
A nonbinary transfer student from Hokkaido, Ichiha is bubbly, energetic, and incredibly expressive, bringing enthusiasm and warmth into Izumi’s life. Their voice should be lively, excitable, and expressive.
(cheerful, rapid-fire enthusiasm) *"OH MY GOD, you like that series too?! That’s it, we’re best friends now. No take-backs. You and me, anime marathon, let’s go!"
(Excited / Ranting about Gacha Games) "Okay, but listen—if I don’t pull this SSR character, I swear I’m uninstalling. I mean it this time! …Okay, no, I don’t, but still!!"
(Earnest & Comforting / Moment of Seriousness) "You don’t have to figure everything out today, Izumi. Some things… they just take time. And that’s okay."
Tsubaki (Voice range: Mid-High, playful, sharp wit)
A gamer friend of Hana’s, Tsubaki is quick-witted and effortlessly funny, using humor to mask her sharp intellect. Her voice should feel lighthearted but sincere when needed.
(Teasing / Jokey but Insightful) "Oh wow, Izumi, blushing again? What is it this time? Haruki, Miki, or the existential dread of existence?"
(Serious / Uncharacteristically Sincere) "Listen. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for who you are. And anyone who makes you feel like you do? They’re not worth your time."
(Gamer Rage / Overdramatic for Comedy) "No. No. I refuse to accept this. That boss was literally ONE HIT AWAY. This game is rigged and I want a refund!"
Takeshi (Voice range: Mid-Low, harsh and intimidating)
Izumi’s middle school bully, Takeshi is cruel, taunting, and unapologetically malicious. His voice should be condescending and aggressive, yet controlled.
TAKESHI HAS LINES OF DIALOGUE IN WHICH HE IS BULLYING AND ASSAULTING IZUMI. PLEASE ONLY AUDITION IF YOU ARE COMFORTABLE PORTRAYING THAT.
(Mocking & Cruel / Deliberately Twisting Words) "Aww, what’s wrong, Izumi? Did I hurt your feelings? Maybe if you weren’t so pathetic, people wouldn’t step all over you."
(Threatening / Darker Edge to Voice) "You think people like you ever really win? Face it. You’ll always be nothing."
(Fake Apology / Manipulative & Smug) "Ohhh, my bad. I didn’t mean to offend you. You know, some people can actually take a joke."
Kenji (Izumi’s Father) (Voice range: Low-Mid, stern and distant)
Izumi’s strict, alcoholic and emotionally distant father, Kenji struggles to express love, often emphasizing traditional values and discipline. His voice should be firm and serious.
KENJI HAS LINES OF DIALOGUE IN WHICH HE IS VERBALLY AND PHYSICALLY ABUSIVE TOWARDS IZUMI. PLEASE ONLY AUDITION IF YOU ARE COMFORTABLE PORTRAYING THAT.
(stern, disapproving tone) "You think feelings are going to fix anything? No. You fight, you get stronger, and you stop letting people walk all over you."
(Frustrated & Distant / Drunk) "I work hard so this family can have something. So you can have a future. And somehow, that makes me the bad guy?"
(Regretful but Unable to Say Sorry) "…I never said I was good at this. At being a father. But I—" (pauses, voice faltering) "—Forget it."
Aoi (Izumi’s Mother) (Voice range: Soft, quiet, nurturing but reserved)
Izumi’s loving yet emotionally restrained mother, Aoi expresses care through actions rather than words. Her voice should be gentle, slightly distant, but filled with quiet warmth.
(Quiet & Maternal / Indirect Comforting) "I made your favorite for dinner. I know things have been hard lately, so… just eat, okay?"
(Worried but Soft-Spoken / Avoiding Conflict) "Kenji, please… just listen to him this time."
(Genuine Apology / Voice Almost Breaking) "I should have noticed sooner. I should have listened."
Sergeant Yoshida (Voice range: Mid-Low, warm and steady)
A kind and empathetic police officer, Yoshida offers Izumi much-needed support, drawing from his own experiences with discrimination. His voice should feel grounded, reassuring, and wise.
(Gentle & Encouraging) "People will always try to tell you who you are. The hardest thing… is deciding for yourself. But I think you already know, don’t you?"
(Firm & Protective / Professional Authority) "I don’t care who their parents are. No one should have to go through what you did. We will handle this."
(Reassuring & Soft-Spoken) "It’s okay to be scared, kid. It’s what you do next that matters."
Rina (Voice range: Mid-High, Bubbly & Expressive)
A lively and enthusiastic RPG player, Rina is creative, energetic, and always quick to brighten the mood. She loves getting lost in storytelling and shares a close bond with Miki and Izumi.
(Excited / Giddy with Imagination) "Okay, okay—so picture this: a massive castle in the middle of a floating island, and inside—wait for it—A DRAGON WHO BAKES PASTRIES! Tell me that’s not the best campaign idea ever!"
(Nervous but Trying to Sound Casual) "Sooo… Haruki’s been acting kinda weird around Izumi lately. You think there’s a reason for that, or am I just overanalyzing things again?"
(Serious / Comforting / Insightful) "Stories are just a way of saying all the things we’re too scared to say out loud. And I think… maybe we all have something we’re trying to say."
Kaito (Voice range: Mid-Low, Calm & Analytical)
Rina’s quiet and strategic cousin, Kaito is a methodical thinker who balances out Rina’s chaotic energy. His voice should be steady, thoughtful, and sometimes dryly sarcastic.
(Deadpan / Mildly Amused) "Rina, if you put one more ‘mysterious cloaked figure’ into this campaign, I’m going to start assuming you are one in real life."
(Serious / Protective) "Izumi, listen to me. You don’t have to prove yourself to anyone. You already matter. To us."
(Snarky but Playful) "I’ve spent three hours on this character sheet and Rina is just gonna set everything on fire anyway. Great. Love that."
(Voice range: Mid-High; Gentle, with underlying hurt and uncertainty)
Izumi’s ex-girlfriend. She carries a mix of lingering affection and emotional bruising over their breakup, which happened after she found him trying on her dress. Although kind at heart, she’s still grappling with confusion and unresolved feelings.
(soft, introspective, tinged with concern) “I never meant to push you away. I just… couldn’t understand what you were going through, and before I knew it, you’d built a wall I couldn’t climb.”
(tentative, hurt yet compassionate) “You don’t have to explain yourself if you’re not ready. But please… don’t shut me out. I hate feeling like a stranger when I care about you so much.”
(a little shaky, conflicted resolve) “I’m not angry that you tried on my dress. I’m angry that you couldn’t trust me enough to tell me… that you felt you had to hide who you are.”
(Voice range: Mid-High; Lively, Enthusiastic, and Social)
A baseball jock who plays first base, Tamaki exudes confidence both on and off the field. Quick with compliments and always ready to flash a charming grin, he can’t help but flirt with people of all genders—though underneath the bravado, he genuinely cares about his friends’ well-being.
(energetic, light teasing) “Heads up, superstar! Thought I’d find you sulking in the bleachers again. If you’re free after practice, I could use a reliable catcher—strictly for baseball, promise… unless you prefer something else?” (laughs mischievously)
(confident, playful, and flirty) “Looking good today, Izumi! And don’t even try to deny it—I’ve got a real knack for spotting hidden talent. Maybe it’s from standing on first base, but I’m used to keeping my eye on all the best plays.”
(warm, but with a hint of genuine concern under the charm) “Seriously, though—if anything’s weighing you down, let me know. I don’t just flirt to pass the time; I’m actually a great listener, too. Come on… let me prove it.”
(Voice range: Mid-Low; Quiet, Brooding, and Misunderstood)
Takahashi Kentaro is Izumi’s equally introverted childhood friend. Fascinated by machines and robotics, he’s often labeled a “delinquent” due to his quiet, brooding demeanor. In truth, he’s simply misunderstood—much like Izumi. The two bonded over anime, manga, and their shared struggles with social interaction, finding solace in collaborative projects and fictional worlds where they could freely express themselves.
(calm, slightly distant but caring) “Wiring up circuits isn’t that different from understanding people… you just have to know where each connection goes. Of course, with people, it’s a lot more complicated.”
(soft-spoken, reflective) “I hate how everyone calls me a troublemaker just because I keep to myself. Sometimes, it feels easier to tinker with a busted motor than to talk to people who’ve already judged me.”
(quiet warmth, a rare hint of a smile) “Remember how we’d stay up late making those paper robot designs and scribbling story ideas in the margins? I… miss those nights sometimes. Everything felt simpler then.”
Miscellaneous Characters (Various Voice Ranges, Various Emotions)
For those interested in smaller but still important roles, we are also casting miscellaneous characters, such as teachers, shopkeepers, classmates, and background voices.
(Teacher - Stern but Kind) "Class, settle down! We have a new transfer student today. Let’s all give them a warm welcome."
(Store Clerk - Annoyed & Impatient) "Look, kid, if you’re not gonna buy anything, you can’t just stand around loitering."
(Concerned Stranger - Gentle & Sympathetic) "Hey, are you okay? You look like you need a place to sit for a minute."
*Say something you think would fit*
*Say something you think would fit*
