Nightshade Academy | Episodic Audio Experience | Weekly YouTube Episodes
Project Overview
Hello everyone! This casting call is for a YouTube audio show titled Nightshade Academy, which is sourced from the first book in Mel Torrefranca's Belladonna trilogy. The story follows Yahshi Konya, a boy selected to join an elite academy where teenagers compete to serve the empire as researchers, doctors, and commanders. Only 20 students are selected for the academy, and only 5 will graduate as highly-respected and very well-paid Belladonna guardians.
The martial arts audio show is part narration, part full-cast drama. There will be background music and sound effects incorporated. We are currently casting for Season 1: Corruption, which contains a total of 22 episodes. Each episode will be posted weekly on Mel Torrefranca's YouTube channel beginning in January of 2023.
For the main roles, we're paying between US$15-50 per project. All payments are made through PayPal. All voice actors will be credited on Mel Torrefranca's website for their role in the audio show. Each website credit will include the voice actor's photo, biography, and social media profiles. Voice actors will also be listed in the ending credits of each episode they participate in.
DEADLINES AND AUDITIONS
The audition deadline is October 22, 2022. There are currently no plans to extend this deadline. We will notify actors who have been casted by November 15 and will send script to voice actors by December 1. We need to receive all lines back from voice actors by January 1, 2023. This is a hard deadline. If you are unable to record between December 1 and December 31, please do not audition.
For the main roles, we're looking for passionate voice over artists who are committed to sticking with us for paid work in future seasons. We are currently planning to produce Season 2 in 2023. Assuming the show performs well, we plan to produce a total of 6 seasons.
WHAT WE ASK OF YOU
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First and foremost, have fun! This is a new style of storytelling that hits a happy medium between a full-cast audiobook and a classic radio show. Our goal is to offer a new storytelling experience to the younger generation. We're looking forward to have a fun time collaborating with individuals who are excited to work on something innovative and new! -
Our team will communicate with you through Discord and email. If you are unfamiliar with Discord, you can still audition, but we would strongly prefer Discord participation so you can meet with and interact with other voice actors and team members in the audio show. -
Please submit clean recordings on prosumer mics with no air conditioners or fans in the background. We don't mind performing noise reduction on your files, but too much clean-up reduces the quality of your voice. Do not add any effects to your lines—leave that to our audio team. -
Feel free to cut your lines to your best/favorite takes. Three is the gold standard. If you would like to give us more, that's okay, too. However, please remove the takes that you wouldn't want to be featured in the show. -
Please submit your recordings as one .wav file to our email address, which will be provided to you after casting. If a file is too large to submit via email, we prefer to use WeTransfer. -
We do occasionally ask for line re-dos, but we do this sparingly and only after great consideration. We realize your time is valuable, and we won't ask for anything we can't work around in edits.
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LEAD ROLE IN SEASON 2+ (PAID)
The story throughout Season 1 and Season 2 is told from Yahshi Konya's perspective. He is around 13-15 years old. He's a people-pleaser and struggles to see his own value without recognition from others. The academy pushes him to question his own morality, as some of the assignments go against everything his father raised him to believe.
In an episode of Season 1, Yahshi sings a few lines from the Belladonna theme song What We Are. Professional singing experience is not necessary for this role, but if you're uncomfortable with singing, that's something to keep in mind.
Morning, Father. Nearly sold out already?
You think this is all because of luck? You think I got selected because I was lucky, that I didn’t deserve it, and now you think I’m lucky to have made it this far? I’m a hard worker, Quax. If anyone’s the lucky one here, it’s you, because for two full years, you’ve had everything handed to you.
I killed the bunny, Pin. I had the power to save it, but it died in my hands.
LEAD ROLE IN SEASON 2+ (PAID)
Pinto Dempsey is best friends with Yahshi Konya and Vell Patura. He is competitive and perfectionistic to a fault and often has trouble opening up to his friends. He is usually upbeat and energetic, but sometimes his temper gets the better of him.
Are you seeing this? My napkin has thin golden lines embroidered into it. They’re so small you can hardly see them, but they’re there.
I don’t know who killed my family. My anger has no outlet, so I create my own from the lies I tell myself. I’ve been so desperate for justice I can never serve that I imagine enemies where they don’t exist...I’m sorry for what I said.
Worthless, flimsy thing. I hate this coat.
LEAD ROLE IN SEASON 2+ (PAID)
Vell Patura is the only girl selected for Belladonna Guardian Academy. She is mysterious, calm, and has a passion for science.
They’re not looking for star students. They’re looking for well-intended criminals.
Belladonna. The plant has beautiful flowers, but every part is deadly—roots, leaves, petals, berries. With enough extracted poison on a blade, even a small cut is fatal.
No, you need to drink all of it. Don’t take the antiserum either. It’s self-sabotage. Makes you throw up the poison before your body learns to tolerate it. That’s a quick path to getting filtered.
SUPPORTING ROLE IN SEASON 2+ (PAID)
Quax Avarium is Yahshi Konya's best-friend-turned-enemy. He is extremely driven, charismatic, and can achieve anything he puts his mind to.
No, no. I was studying. At first. Then I realized I really wasn’t in the mood to read, but I was very much in the mood to build the best hiding spot in the history of Sitra, which is probably a nonexistent standard, but I digress...Hurry up and get in. She’s stopped counting.
Don’t you understand that tomorrow is the most important day of my life? I’ve been preparing for nearly two years, and you’ve hardly been there. You won’t even listen to me over a two-minute walk. I really wanted to leave on good terms with my best friend, because after tomorrow, I don’t know when I’ll see you again.
Keep lying to yourself. If you really think a small guy like you could make it to the final five, you’re delusional.
SUPPORTING/LEAD ROLE IN SEASON 2+ (PAID)
Commander Roz is a strict yet welcoming academy instructor. He sees himself in Yahshi Konya and has a slight favoritism toward him.
This meeting will take no more than ten minutes. I’m going to explain why the two of you were selected and go over what we would expect of you as academy trainees. At the end of this meeting, you will choose whether to sign the contract, or pass on the opportunity. If you choose to sign it, you will leave for Belladonna Guardian Academy immediately.
Allow me to explain the rules of your first filtration. There are two ways to win a match. You can force your opponent to tap out through force—or, alternatively, you can push your opponent outside of the green zone. If you’re unresponsive, it’s an automatic loss. If the match lasts longer than ten minutes, it’s a draw.
I confirmed my choice to select you, because when I saw you punch Quax in the courtyard that day, you had a fire within you. And I like you, Yahshi. I do. Only five trainees will graduate from the program, and I truly want you to be one of them. But to earn your spot in the final five, you need to light that match again. Can you do that for me?
SUPPORTING ROLE IN FUTURE SEASONS
Quax Avarium's older sister. She is known as The Belladonna Prodigy, but Yahshi fears her due to her violent tendencies.
[angry] You can’t win.
[strict] It’s Commander to you. [pause, then chuckles] I’m kidding. Relax.
Do well today, and perhaps you can join my unit officially.
POTENTIAL APPEARANCE IN FUTURE SEASONS
Doctor Blimmery is the most friendly and charismatic instructor at the academy.
Doctor Blimmery, Guardian Blimmery, Blim Blim—whatever you’d like to call me’s just fine!
Today’s a big milestone, kids. As per academy tradition, two weeks marks the start of tolerance training.
You kids know the drill. You fail this test, we send you home....You have five minutes to kill a rabbit.
POTENTIAL APPEARANCE IN FUTURE SEASONS
Professor Embre is twenty-eight, making her the youngest instructor at the academy.
My name is Professor Embre, and I will be your Research instructor during your time here.
The war may be over, but we can’t let our guards down. If we’d been prepared better, we could have stopped the Eastern raiders and put an end to the war sooner. We could have saved countless lives. That’s why the Research Division is more crucial now than ever—to prevent history from repeating itself. No family should ever endure the Eastern raids again.
Today we’re testing your restraint. Guardians face challenges that require quick yet thoughtful solutions. To make the right moves under pressure, it’s crucial to resist emotional interference.
SUPPORTING ROLE IN FUTURE SEASONS
Keiyo Pickett is one of Quax Avarium's close friends at the academy. He's always looking to have fun and often makes slightly-offensive jokes.
I’m Keiyo Pickett. Of Miranda, if you couldn’t tell.
Maybe someone stole it. Just to hear you say that you lost your marbles.
Have fun out there, Vell. And I know you’re a badass, but remember, the poison vials are not for recreational use.
SUPPORTING ROLE IN FUTURE SEASONS
Sunna Rickabee is one of the most compassionate characters at the academy. He struggles with the demands of their instructors and finds himself despising the program over time.
Whoa. You okay?
Do you ever wonder if you’d be happier back home?
I’m sorry, Yahshi. We all know it’s either you or Quax.
SUPPORTING ROLE IN FUTURE SEASONS
Dice Bayin is a suspicious student at the academy. His personality is unpredictable.
There you go. Would you like me to show you again?
[in response to Yahshi's question] Because the sky weeps with us.
This is the only time I’m going to say this, so listen closely...You’re not safe here, Yahshi. You need to get filtered for your own sake. Do you understand me?
SUPPORTING ROLE IN SEASON 2
Yahshi Konya's wise and humble older father. But he also carries a dark secret.
Everyone's in a good mood today. Optimism does wonders for business.
You don’t need to prove how capable you are. The people who matter will discover your value when the timing is right. Now goodness, where did I put the teacups?
Let me tell you a secret, Son. I don't want Quax to get selected either. On one hand, he's a talented boy. There's no doubt he has what it takes to succeed in the program. On the other hand, these guardians are not paid handsomely for nothing. They make sacrifices we could hardly imagine—infrequent visits to their hometowns, busy schedules outside of their control, no opportunity to start a family of their own. The guardian lifestyle suits someone like Cal. As for her brother, I'm afraid it may be against his nature. But regardless of how you and I feel, there’s no denying that Quax wants this. He’s been training for nearly two years, and all of Sitra is expecting him to step on that stage tomorrow. I'm sure he's feeling an immense pressure, and right now, he needs a real friend.
Chima has a one-time appearance, but he plays a large role in the Prologue (Episode 0). He bullies Yahshi Konya and Quax Avarium in the woods during a game of hide and seek.
Shut it, Easterner. You stay out of this, because the moment you piss me off, your life will never be the same.
Alright, deal. But in exchange, why don’t you tell me one good reason why you deserve to live? Huh? It’s not like you’ve got anything going for yourself. Your big sister’s a freak, your best friend’s a pint-sized Easterner, and you spend your free time building forts like a six-year-old.
If you wanna live so bad, then tell me one reason why I shouldn’t bury you in the grave you dug up for yourself! You have ten seconds!
Looking for a bold and memorable voice. Something cruel and intimidating would be great.
Belladonna? You really are as talented as they claim.
If I thought my daughter was in danger here, I would have hired a Belladonna guardian with at least twenty years of experience. Yet I chose you. Why?
I’m sure you’ve realized that not every Belladonna guardian understands what it means to kill. But you do. You have something special, and I want you to use it to help my daughter.
Principal Bain appears in two episodes. He is head of education in Sitra, Yahshi's hometown.
What happened today was dishonorable to our community.
Quax Avarium is our top student of selection age this season. I would consider it a miracle if the academy guardians passed on a golden opportunity like him tomorrow.
Welcome to the biannual Selection Ceremony! It's an honor to see so many faces this season!
Limbo Brackle is Ceylon Brackle's twin brother. He stays in the program longer than his brother, but he gets cut from the program after protesting an order to kill a rabbit.
Shut it, Keiyo!
[Keiyo is pronounced as K.O.]
I’m filtered? For what? Not killing the bunny with a smile on my face? I’m filtered for showing even an ounce of empathy? This rabbit isn’t a traitor to the Vakoi Empire, is it? It’s not like it’s a spy for the Underground, right? It’s just a bunny, Professor.
If this is what it means to be a guardian, I want no part of it.
Ceylon has 1-2 lines. He is Limbo Brackle's twin brother.
I’m Ceylon...Should we try those?
A widowed woman who frequently purchases bread from Martu Konya. One-time appearance in the first episode of Season 1.
You remembered.
You’re of selection age, aren’t you?
How exciting. Happy Selection Week.
An unnamed Belladonna guardian with one appearance.
“Come on out,”
“Careful, now. Vaultsickness. Gets the best of us.”
“Please wait in the common room for the remaining trainees to arrive.”
Cal Avarium's team member makes a short appearance in the last episode of Season 1.
My intuition never lies.
Whoa, I remember my first day.
A suspected criminal fights for his life in his one-time appearance.
Please, you have to let me see her first. You have to tell her to come home immediately, ma’am. I have to see her personally.
Son, listen to me, okay? Fight hard for me. Never forget where you’ve come from.
Do you ever stop and ask yourself why you’re doing this? Just once, think for yourself. Think with your own mind.
A young boy panics as he's separated from his father. One-time appearance in the final episode of Season 1.
Father, what’s going on?
No! Let me stay with him!
An old woman who makes a single appearance in the last episode of Season 1.
Look at you. A baby Nightshade. What a pity.
“Another chance? What do you mean by that, Commander?”
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