OUTSIDERS - "Darkest days, yet to come" | Audio Drama
Project Overview
"Urgent assistance is required!"
Sword and Shield answer a distress call from the Earth colony 'Intrepid'.
The year is 4035 and all is not well in the colony.
Just as peace is close at hand, something stirs beneath the surface with the goal of driving humanity back into a violent war with their old enemy.
Disappearances, violent crime, murder - all on the rise.
Whatever is doing this, it's winning.
Can Sword and Shield solve the mystery and save mankind from certain eradication?
OUTSIDERS is a small independent Science Fiction audio drama series following two mysterious agents - Sword and Shield - as they battle against unnatural forces to protect humanity's past, present and future. All the while, telling very human stories through a sci-fi lens.
This casting call is open to all. Professional audio quality will not be expected of you, however, a clear microphone with little no to background noise would be preferable.
Actors taking lead roles must also be able to provide a photograph of their face so that their character may appear on the final cover artwork.
You may submit multiple takes of each line in your audition tape, however, please keep to a maximum of four takes per line.
More information about this production and casting call can be found here.
(Explainer video linked above is the release trailer for the first OUTSIDERS story "They Move in Shadows" which released last year.)
I look forward to hearing from you!
~ Nathan Clark BA, MA (Writer, Director & Producer)
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Latest Updates
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The submission window for OUTSIDERS - "Darkest days, yet to come" has now closed. I want to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who's submitted an audition. I never expected a response on this scale, but it has been absolutely incredible to hear these auditions as they came in and there is an absolute wealth of talent to cast from. Over the next few days I will be further reviewing and shortlisting submissions and will reach out privately to successful applicants to formally offer the desired roles. Thank you once again. Keep your eyes peeled for a message!
The dedicated and stalwart leader of the Earth colony ‘Intrepid’. Having joined the military in her 20s, she’s dedicated her life to service in the hopes of bettering the human race. The recent pressure of re-escalation to total war has added a great deal of stress for her to deal with, though she does her best to hide it from her subordinates (not always successfully).
She is wise and cunning and has suspected the Professor for some time now, but can’t take action without concrete proof, something which furthers her stress and frustration.
Perpetually exhausted, yet not willing to rest until the job is done, Commodore Aegeus is a thoroughly decent human being enamoured with a sense of duty and burning desire for peace between both mankind and Ulgari.
[Speaking over a tannoy] (Passionate address, lovingly) This is the voice of the Commodore. The time is a quarter past ten, and we are now entering the night shift of the day. Late workers, I salute you. Thank you for keeping our colony running during these hours. Party goers, I wish I was with you. The night is young, my friends. Enjoy it while it lasts. Students studying late, I respect you. Your hard work and dedication will be rewarded. And to all the rest of you, I have disturbed you for long enough. Sweet dreams, and to all of you, good night.
[Receiving frustrating news which abruptly ends her down time] (Frustrated, aggrieved, disgruntled) What?! It's 4 hours ahead of schedule. Haven't they got any respect for organisation? [She sighs] (Under her breath) If I leave now, I might just get there ten minutes late. (Aloud) Don't let anyone out of that bay until I get there. I have questions I want answered.
[This line should hold considerable weight as the dramatic end to an important scene.]
(Quietly, immensely upset, verge of tears) I know.
(Quickly transition to shouting, angry, vengeful, yet still immensely upset) I know! But it doesn't matter what it was. What matters is what people saw. They saw an old enemy of mankind assassinate a speaker advocating for peace. It doesn't matter what the real Ulgari want anymore. Those people, out there, they'll want revenge. They'll want to get their own back - an eye for an eye. Don't you see? This will be the spark that reignites the old flames, sends us spiralling backwards into a war that we have no hopes of winning. This could well mean the end of mankind itself!
The villain of the piece & a tired and beaten old man, the professor is intelligent and cunning beyond even his own years. His technical prowess has earned him incredibly high status within the academic world and grants him the capacity to understand and construct complex mechanical devices.
The professor lost his wife and son in the war with the Ulgari, which ended 20 years ago. He has never forgiven the alien aggressors for what happened and carries a grudge to this day.
Underneath his gentle and doting facade lies a sinister, vengeful man fully intent on the destruction of the Ulgari at all costs - even if the loss of human life is incalculable.
Driven by his lust for vengeance, he is borderline insane, losing more and more of himself and his humanity in his long quest for revenge.
[Welcoming a visitor to his home] (Welcoming, warmly, heartily) Not at all, my boy. Not at all. During any hours in which I am in-somnolent, my doors are always open to those with a spirited mind.
Oh for pity's sake, man. I bid thee welcome, so be welcomed. Enjoy the comforts of this old man's home. Besides, I'd just put the kettle on when you knocked.(Sombre, mournful) He doesn't understand... Of course he doesn't. They never do understand. He's lucky. I hope he never has to.
(Hateful, snarling, starting quietly then slowly developing into yelling) Hatred. Hatred is what drives me. And, frankly, I couldn't care less about any other person or their tribulations. Everything I loved was stolen from me by those disgusting vespid creatures and I will not rest until I have the head of my son's killer firmly seated above the mantel and if, in the process, I happen to make more people that think like I do - who hate like I do... I think that good.
A young student working closely with the professor for his eclectic library and knowledge.
This ill-fated individual comes across as genuine and heartfelt, trying to be close and affable with the professor, but is secretly spying on him for the commodore, reporting on his mood and attitude, which causes the meeting of an untimely end.
(Passionately) It's the tactility, I say. Books have that... That magic in the binding. Data streams and the internet just can't recreate it. It's utterly unique.
(Apologetically) I'm sorry, Professor. I didn't mean to... Intrude... Look, it's getting late and I've got the books, so I reckon I'll get out of your hair for tonight. Sorry, again.
[Talking to someone on a phone] (Terrified) Oh my god. Hayley, can you hear me? The shadows, they're real! ... Get away? I can't... (In realisation) I can't move. Hayley, something's stopping me, I can't move. Oh no. Stay back. Whatever you are! Don't you- No! (Creely's words trail off into a bloodcurdling scream which echoes throughout the streets.)
An OUTSIDER, like Sword & Shield, Spear is far more bubbly and energetic compared to the aforementioned pair. In fact, she could be described as entirely hyperactive.
Clearly a close friend of Shield, Spear also displays an intense yet unreciprocated fondness of Sword, much to his embarrassment and fluster.
*This character, while only having a cameo appearance in this story, is currently planned to appear in more major appearances during potential future OUTSIDERS releases. It would be ideal if the person cast in this role was open to return in future instalments.
(Warmly, humorously) Ooh, good! Thanks for clearing that up for me. It was a nightmare trying to get 'Mr Velvet' to even think about dust, let alone go near a place like that.
(Teasingly) Oh, I know it isn't protocol, but I know how fond you are of not wasting time, so I thought I'd cut out the middle man. Besides, we keep missing each other back there, so I had to come see you myself somehow. (She sighs) We never get a chance to spend time together anymore, do we, Sword?
(Loafing around, bubbly) Well, I'd better be getting back to it. I'll catch up with you later. (Specifically addressing Sword, flirtatiously) And I'll definitely be finding you when you get a spare minute. Ciao!
Professor Rächen’s colleague, Magnus is a slightly bumbling man. A rather less decorated and accomplished scientist, he often looks to Rächen for guidance and council.
Magnus is also incredibly moral and is horrified by Rächen’s developments and turns on his old friend, which causes his unfortunate demise.
(Slightly breathless, friendly) Sorry for the late intrusion, old chum, but I'd rather like to pick your brains about an experiment I've got lined up for the morning.
(In shock, horrified) Oh my god! Eric... You, you... Do you know what this machine is? You've gone quite mad, old boy. There's a reason the scientific council on Earth banned these devices, Eric. Don't you remember Bernstein's propaganda machine? It was amoral.
[After being shot in the back, he coughs, splutters and takes deep, strained breaths.] (Confused, softly) Eric? [He lets out one final, strained yelp of pain before collapsing.]
The commodore’s dependable right hand, the sergeant is a minor character that helps to oversee much of the running of the Intrepid as well as serving as Aegeus’ personal assistant.
The sergeant is dutiful and hard working, much like the commodore that they admire.
(Reporting in, dutiful) Ma'am, the Earth senator's shuttle is approaching. ETA to docking is about 6 minutes. I'm sorry,Ma'am. I don't know why they're so early.
(Reporting in, relieved) There you are, Ma'am. I've been trying to reach you for ages! The Ulgari delegates have arrived. They docked about an hour ago. I couldn't just hold them down there, so I had to let them go. They'll be en route to you.
The constable is much like the classic, reliable town ‘bobby’.
An earnest member of the colony patrol, the constable is dedicated if a little dimwitted.
(Dutiful, snide) Not so fast, sonny. You've been making a lot of noise, y'see - creates a disturbance. Public nuisance we call that. Now, I think you'd better come along with us and you can spend the night in the drunk tank, alright?
[Has been running] (Breathless) Sorry, Chief. This one insisted upon seeing someone in authority.
The aged and wise Earth senator is an old friend of the commodore’s.
He’s lived his life in politics, dedicated to serving humanity’s best interests. He comes to the Intrepid to act as a delegate to negotiate for peace with the Ulgari, which makes him a prime target, and a problem for the professor to deal with.
*This character’s only appearance in Part 3 is limited to dialogue recorded for episode 2 which will be reused during the recap section at the beginning of the episode. As no new dialogue for this character will be recorded for Part 3, his appearance in that episode will be treated as a CAMEO role instead of SUPPORTING.
[Meeting an old friend after a long time apart] (Warmly, in good spirits) My dear, Hayley! I know, I know. It's a surprise, isn't it? Unfortunately, Senator Logan was unable to make the journey. Poor fellow came down rather poorly and they wouldn't let him through quarantine, so they called for me instead, as a last resort. All the same, I'm rather glad to be called out again.
(Serious, sombre, concerned) Well, you already know the peace conference is going ahead, after all, you're hosting it. To tell you the truth, things are shaky on Earth. Very shaky. It's for the good of both races, though. Much was lost, for both sides and both races must come to accept the others' point of view... It wasn't malice that drove them to attack us, and it mustn't be malice that prevents us from working together with them now.
[Speaking to a large crowd from a stage] (Voice slightly raised) My dear citizens, people of the republic of the colonies of Earth. As you are well aware, 20 years ago we fought a war. A bloody war, in which there were no victors. Only losers. A terrible time, for all involved. It has been a great many years since the war ended, but tensions have been high ever since. Today is a historic day! Today marks the beginning of a series of talks and discussions, where we shall reach out our hand to take the appendage of those who we fought so long ago. To move on from the past, and help grow towards a brighter future for all of us. A future where we stand shoulder to shoulder as equals, as those who have lost something, and those working hard towards a better tomorrow.
The chief of the colony patrol, a dutiful public servant with some prior knowledge of OUTSIDERS. Upon meeting Sword, the chief is well aware of how serious the situation aboard the Intrepid is. The chief is rather wary and has a looming sense of deep concern.
*Due to the limited appearance of this character in Part 3, they are treated as a CAMEO role instead of SUPPORTING for that episode.
[Having a tiring conversation that they are quickly growing weary of.] Oh boy... Just about everybody on my watch, sir, has reported sightings of the shadows. (Sarcastically) Let me guess, you want to tell me that you've found one too?
[Same tiring conversation.] (At wit's end) For pity's sake. Unless you are wanting to deal with the military, yes. I am in command. How much higher do you want to take this?
(Frustrated, in despair) Oh boy, you really are behind aren't you. Looks like you've got some catching up to do... Alright, let me fill you in.
The leader of the Ulgari delegation, Bordon is an honest and seemingly very polite creature who speaks with a deep, booming voice and presents their intentions clearly. Bordon, and the rest of the Ulgari delegation, has come to the Intrepid to make peace. They have no intentions of hostility and want the best for both their own race and humanity. Bordon appears to have been a warrior long ago, but is now firmly retired into a more peaceful life.
[Trying to make a good first impression.] (Eloquently) Commodore Aegeus, the Ulgari delegation greets you in this tender time of collaboration.
(Politely) My apologies. I am- (Bordon says their name in their native tongue, which to human ears, would seem to just be insect-like clicks and whirs.) But that may be difficult for you to pronounce. I am told, in your tongue, I am Command Chieftain Bordon.
(Politely) Our thanks. We are well, though we are anxious to meet with the Earth senator so that we may introduce ourselves formally before the talk of treaty begins.