The Lunar Chronicles: The Audio Drama (NEW ROLES!)
Project Overview
Hi there!
Welcome to the casting call for The Lunar Chronicles: The Audio Drama. Please read the entire description before submitting your audition.
Overview-
This project is an audio drama adaptation of the bestselling book series The Lunar Chronicles. The novels adapt classic fairytales into sci-fi thrillers with a dash of political drama. With this project, we plan to adapt the series into four seasons of an audio drama podcast, each season focusing on one novel in the series. Our current focus, however, is to adapt the first novel into six half-hour episodes. We are currently casting for leading, supporting, and featured roles. This project is unpaid, as this is fan work, and we do not plan to gain anything financially.
Synopsis-
Linh Cinder, a gifted mechanic and cyborg, is mistreated by her stepmother and society due to her cybernetic enhancements. After Prince Kai, heir to the Eastern Commonwealth, requests her help with his android, she becomes intertwined in political intrigue involving the royal family and a potential war. With the help of an unlikely ally, Cinder discovers her own mysterious origins and a destiny that could change the fate of the entire planet. Meanwhile, Levana, the tyrannical queen of a lunar colony-turned-kingdom, pressures Kai to negotiate a deal that will allow her to gain power over Earth. Kai, desperate to avoid discussions with Queen Levana, searches for the missing Princess Selene, the only person who could usurp the Lunar throne.
Audition Guidelines-
As this is an unpaid project, we understand that many people auditioning may not have professional voiceover setups. All we ask of our auditioners is that they have clean recordings free of background noise. If you use a USB or XLR Mic + interface, please tell us in your submission and specify what devices and DAW you use in your recordings. We ask that anyone auditioning for a lead role (Kai, Levana, and Iko) be 18+ and 16+ for all other roles. Submissions will close on January 14th at 11:30 PM PST. Please feel free to audition for as many characters as you would like, and remember that the age range posted is the age of the character, not the actor. Record 1-2 takes for each line in an "A A B B" format if possible. Include your Discord handle or an email where we can reach you in your submission for casting notification purposes.
Recording Process
Our most important scenes will be recorded live via Discord voice calls in sessions up to two hours in length. These sessions will be based on the availability of the actors and creative team. The other scenes will be recorded by the actors on their own time using notes from the creative team. We will only request one retape for a line if necessary and will try to provide the scene partner’s recordings whenever possible.
Thank you for reading all of this! We're looking forward to hearing your auditions.
(Art credits to Wires and Nerve, Meldrix, Lostie815)
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Despite being an android, Iko's emotions almost perfectly depict those of a human due to a faulty personality chip. Iko has a heart of mechanized gold and is extremely happy, sweet, and chipper. She is interested in fashion, specifically beauty, and constantly daydreams about having a humanoid body so she can wear the finery Cinder’s stepsisters wear.
We encourage BIPOC actors to apply for this role. Thank you.
Gender: Female
Accent: General American
Age: Early 20s
Role Size: Lead
- english
- female young adult
- female teen
- female adult
- american
Context for Line 1- Iko is trying to sneak into an event at the New Beijing palace. She needs the clothes that another Android is wearing: "I want you to know that I hold nothing against you. I understand that it isn’t your fault your programmer had so little imagination. In another life, we could have been sisters, and I feel it’s important to acknowledge that. But as it stands, I’m a part of an important mission right now, and I cannot be swayed from my goal by my sympathy for androids who are less advanced than me."
Context for Line 2- Iko is arriving at Cinder’s mechanic booth with her new cyborg foot: "Cinder! It’s Iko! I’ve got your new foot! It’s a huge improvement over the old one, lightly used, and the wiring looks compatible. Plus, drumroll, please… I was able to get the dealer down to just 600 univs!"
Despite being the prince (and eventual emperor) of the Eastern Commonwealth, Kai approaches most things in his life with youthful naivety and optimism. Although betrothed to Queen Levana, a ruthless royal from an enemy nation, he still secretly holds out hope that Levana’s presumed-to-be-deceased niece will reappear to reclaim the throne. Much to his advisor’s annoyance, Kai often copes with difficult situations using sarcasm, even when it may be inappropriate. Despite the occasional bout of sarcasm, he always puts the needs of his citizens before his own and has a heart of gold.
- english
- male young adult
- male teen
- american
Context for Line 1- Kai is talking with his Wedding Planner for his wedding with Queen Levana. He is not looking forward to it by any means: "Scallops, lobster… No, I have no preference. Whatever Levana wants. (Beat.) As for my vows, delete anything that has to do with love, respect, or joy; and I’ll sign on the dotted line. (Beat.) She wants me to write my own vows? Please, anything but that. "
Context for Line 2- Kai’s father just died and Queen Levana sent him a video message saying she will be coming to his palace the next day. The message ends, and Kai expresses his anger to his advisor: "She wants to come here? Now? It hasn’t even been fifteen minutes! (Beat.) She thinks I’m weak. She’s going to try to persuade me to accept the marriage alliance now, while everything is in chaos. Can’t we tell her no? Tell her she’s not welcome here?"
Context for Line 3- Kai has entered a meeting with various ambassadors regarding his alliance with Levana. He tries to crack a joke but realizes it isn’t quite an appropriate time: "Now, is that the relationship with the dominatrix queen who threatens war every time she doesn’t get her way? (Beat.) I apologize. That was inappropriate. (Beat.) My father was firm in his decision to avoid such an alliance, and I believe his reasons are as applicable today as before his passing. I must consider what is best for my country."
Levana’s original intention was to rule Luna, her kingdom, better than her sister did. However, she slowly became corrupted by power and vanity as the years passed. She rules her citizens with an iron fist, ordering executions and horrific punishments for the slightest transgression. Using her Glamour, an ability that allows her to control people’s thoughts and actions, she manipulates everybody around her into doing her bidding. Despite acting sweet and demure in public, when in private, she can go from saccharine to enraged at the drop of a hat.
Gender: Female
Accent: British (Open to RP or London accent)
Age: Mid-30s
Role Size: Lead
- english
- female adult
- british
- british (london)
Context for Line 1- A video revealing a horrific secret Levana has been hiding for decades is released by Cinder. Levana, defeated, speaks to Cinder in her throne room: "It was perfect. Emperor Kaito would have announced our engagement at the ball, but, no—you had to be there. Back from the dead to haunt me. And you come here, and you ask my people to hate me, and you show that... that horrid video and fill their head with your lies."
Context for Line 2- Levana has just learned that Cinder has escaped prison after Kai had promised she'd stay in his custody: "One more patronizing comment and I will have you slice off and nail your tongue to the palace gate. You let her escape! My prisoner! (Beat.) Aimery, silence him."
Context for Line 3- Levana has just arrived in the Eastern Commonwealth and is greeting Prince Kai. (Pronunciation Note: Rikan is pronounced Ree-Kin): "Your Highness, it is my greatest honor to be thus welcomed. Might I again offer my sincerest condolences on the loss of your father, the great Emperor Rikan. However, I look forward to the Eastern Commonwealth’s famed hospitality."
Dr. Erland is the head plague specialist for the Eastern Commonwealth. Despite his high intelligence, he’s an eccentric man who sometimes seems not completely there mentally. He's kind and sympathetic but sometimes lacks tact when focused on his experiments.
Role Size: Supporting
- english
- male adult
- american
- male senior
Context for Line 1- Dr. Erland has just entered Cinder’s exam room at the Letumosis (plague) lab. She awakens with a start, and Erland goes up to her: "There, there, you’re alright. I apologize; the anesthetic dosage must’ve been a bit too high. I’m Dr. Dmitri Erland, the head researcher here at the Royal Letumosis Labs. Pleased to make your acquaintance, Miss Linh."
Context for Line 2- Dr. Erland is explaining to Cinder why she may be immune to the plague- something that has never occurred before: "It is possible that there is something in your DNA that predisposes your immune system to fight off this particular disease. Or perhaps you were introduced to Letumosis in a very small amount sometime in your past, building an immunity to it that you utilize today. Do you recall anything in your childhood that could be connected to this?"
Still traumatized by the death of her husband, Adri takes it out on the person she most blames- Cinder, her ward. Cold, callous, and hateful, Adri wants Cinder gone at any cost- even if it means sending her to a lethal plague testing facility. However, she dotes on her biological daughters, Peony and Pearl, hoping they’ll marry into affluent families and restore her family’s wealth.
Gender: Female
Accent: General American
Age: 40s
Role Size: Supporting
- english
- female adult
- american
Context for Line 1- Peony, Adri’s daughter, has died from the plague. She blames Cinder for her death. Cinder, who is a cyborg and not seen as human by society, has no tear ducts due to an accident that left her orphaned. This leaves her physically unable to cry: "Don’t just stand there, pretending to understand my pain. You aren’t even human. (Beat) No, Cinder. Humans cry. (beat.) Go ahead. Shed a tear for your little sister. If you’re as upset as you claim you are, then you should be able to cry."
Context for Line 2- Pearl and Peony, Adri’s daughters, are getting their dresses tailored for the upcoming ball: "Add more lace for Pearl’s gown. And lower the neckline for Peony. I know she’s fourteen, but I don’t want her to look like an old woman."
Torin is Prince Kai’s advisor. He usually carries a very diplomatic and serious demeanor and scolds Kai when he jokes around and thinks optimistically. Despite that, he cares about Kai and wants to help him in all ways he can.
Gender: Male
Accent: General American
Age: 50s
Role Size: Supporting
- english
- barney
- female adult
Context for Line 1- Kai asks Torin to sit with him before his coronation. Torin tries to cheer him up in a fatherly way: "Of course, Your Highness. (Beat.) You know, you look just like your father did when he was coronated? I wasn't his advisor at that point- I'm not *that* old, but I remember seeing it on the newsfeeds. He looked so strong and proud... just like you do now."
Context for Line 2- Kai brings up the idea that Princess Selene, the daughter of Queen Levana’s sister, who is presumed to be dead, could usurp the throne from Levana: "Kai, the entire bloodline, every last one of them, have been greedy, violent, and corrupted by their own power. It's in their blood. Believe me when I say that Princess Selene would be no better, even if she were alive. If Queen Levana were to find out you were considering this, it would destroy our chance at procuring a treaty. We shouldn’t even be talking about this here- it’s dangerous."
Peony is the endearing little sister of Cinder. She’s obsessed with boys (specifically Prince Kai), tabloids, and fashion in that order. Cinder and Iko are her best friends, and she loves them more than anything, even wanting to run away from New Beijing with them.
Gender: Female
Accent: General American
Age: Early–teens
Role Size: Supporting
- english
- american
- female child
Context for Line 1- Cinder has just agreed to fix Prince Kai’s android. Peony hears about this and starts fantasizing about what may happen between him and Cinder: "And you’re going to wear your cutest cargo pants, and the prince will be all like ‘Hey,’ and you’ll be like ‘Hi’ and then you’ll hand him the android in the sexiest way possible, and he’ll ask you out to the ball!"
Context for Line 2- Peony has just realized she has a dark welt on her hand, a sign of the first stage of Letumosis, a plague that is 100% lethal. "It has to be a shadow, right? (Beat.) I can't have the plague. I’m going to go to the ball. I'm meeting the Prince. I don't want to die. I don’t want to die. I don’t want to die. I don’t want to- (She begins to hyperventilate.)"
Pearl exemplifies the ugly stepsister trope ten-fold. Vain and haughty, she takes every opportunity she can to bully and abuse Cinder, her adopted sister. Pearl looks forward to finding an eligible bachelor at the ball, though she secretly hopes to catch Prince Kai’s eye.
Gender: Female
Accent: General American
Age: Late-teens
Role Size: Featured
- english
- female teen
- american
- female young adult
Context for Line 1- Prince Kai sent Cinder a package containing a letter confessing his love and a pair of silk gloves: "This is so embarrassing. The prince actually likes you? Not in a million years. (Beat.) Aww, the prince gave little Cinder her first clean pair of gloves. (beat.) He doesn’t know you’re a cyborg, does he? What did you think was going to happen? (Giggling) Did you think the prince would fall in love and dance with you at the ball in your pretty new gloves? He wouldn’t have given you a passing glance if he knew the truth."
Jacin, a cold and obedient guard for Levana, exhibits a softer side with Princess Winter, showing protectiveness and love towards his love interest. He can be cold and sarcastic, but supports her through her Lunar Sickness, a type of psychosis disorder. He is the only one who is able to calm her during these moments, holding her, and comforting her. Jacin has little patience for nonsense and often fronts as stoic and cruel.
- english
- male young adult
- british (london)
Context for Line 1- When tasked by Queen Levana to murder Princess Winter, Jacin hatches a plan to get her and a captured member of Cinder’s team, Scarlet, out of the palace. He hurriedly explains the plan to Scarlet, who will act as a caretaker for Winter. You need to find Artemisia Port E, Bay 22. Repeat it. (Beat.) Repeat it. (Beat.) Try not to do anything stupid. If you’re tempted to leave Luna, fight it. You’ll just draw attention. Act like you’re going to pick up a delivery in RM-9. That’s where your boyfriend grew up, understand?
Context for Line 2- Winter has just tricked her other guards to leave her room by saying there was an assassin in the palace so she can talk to Jacin one-on-one. I’m sorry, Highness. I’m on duty. I shouldn’t even be in here, and you know that. (Beat.) I’m glad to be your guard now. I would do anything for you. If you did have an assassin under your bed, I would take that bullet without a second thought, without anyone having to manipulate me. But when I’m on duty, that’s all I can be. Your guard. Not your friend.
Context for Line 3- Jacin tries to calm Winter down while she’s having a hallucination (which happens frequently). Princess- what is it? Princess?! Tell me what you see. (Beat.) Take a breath. It’s all in your head, Princess. You know that. Say it now. (Beat.) Are the walls bleeding? (Beat.) That’s right. They’re not. You’re all right. It will pass. Just keep breathing.
Sybil acts as Queen Levana’s second-in-command. She’s equally as sadistic and manipulative as her Queen, often riling Prince Kai up just for fun. Despite her psychopathic nature, she is always sleek and elegant and cares deeply about appearances.
Gender: Female
Accent: Received Pronunciation
Age: Late 20s-30s
Role Size: Featured
- english
- female adult
- british
- british (london)
Context for Line 1- Sybil has run into Prince Kai in the palace hallway. She speaks with him regarding her mistress’s (not very reasonable) demands. She makes sure to mention how his father, who is quite literally on his deathbed, is not accepting those demands: "I speak, of course, of the alliance discussions my mistress, Her Majesty Queen Levana, has been engaged in with Emperor Rikan. We are most eager for an agreement that will suit Luna and the Commonwealth, but he has yet to meet her sensible demands. (Beat.) Very well, we will continue this conversation when you're in a less… emotional state. I shall retire to my chambers. Long live the emperor."
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