What's This All About Anyways?
This Casting Call is for the audiobook format of A Call to Salem's Travelers, a fantasy adventure book series that is currently has one pilot novel under it's belt. The story centers around two young Native American boys who go on a grand journey to save their older sister, but in the process get roped into saving the world from an evil tyrannical king.
The purpose of this Casting Call is to assemble the cast for the audiobook early on so we can work to perfect every character to their best potential. In addition to that, if we meet our quota of sales for the pilot novel we would like to work on turning that into an audiobook as well.
Unlike most audiobooks that have a boring narrator, A Call to Salem's Travelers will feature unique voices for all of the characters to read their dialogue! This makes for a more immersive experience while also allowing for the readers/listeners to create a better image of the character in their head.
Requirements
Since we plan for this to eventually turn into a paid project that will go on some sort of audiobook service and once it becomes paid it will be funded by the book sales and partially from our own pockets, please make sure your microphone is of good quality and is able to pick up your audio without any ancillary background noise.
Secondly, we have poured a lot of love into these characters and have given them a lot of depth. One of the most important things about this audiobook is that the characters sound realistic and the reader is able to create a visual from the audio alone.
Lastly, the #1 most important thing about this project is dedication. We want to be able to produce an audiobook form for each installment of the series and in order to do so, we need a strong cast that's committed to their roles.
The Payment Debacle
As stated before, this project will begin as an unpaid project. However if the series gains enough traction to warrant the production of a audiobook, we would love to start paying the cast for going along with our silly shenanigans. Cast would be paid royalties based on audiobook sales as well as a base payment for simply being in the audiobook. Payment would likely be done via PayPal and distributed based on how significant the role is and based on number of appearances. That being said, we don't want to get too ahead of ourselves so for now this project is unpaid until further notice.
Closing Tidbits
1. Don't be afraid to audition for multiple parts! We'd love to see your range and we might even have our own ideas for where you'd fit!
2. Please include your Discord and Email Address in your audition so we can reach out to you if need be. We will be using Discord for the most part to communicate with the cast as well as distribute scripts, organize rehearsals, announce stuff, etc...
4. There is no number 3.
Lastly! This project has a special place in our hearts, we've been working on it for a good part of a decade (Yeah, it's been a long process.)
We hope you find this project interesting and we encourage you to audition even if you don't think you'd fit any of the characters listed. The colourful and expansive cast of A Call to Salem's Travelers is never ending, so it's highly possible we can find something just right for you! If you know anyone interested in picking up a gig, send them our way! We would love to hear from anyone and everyone possible.
We have almost the entire cast together! All that remains is Zharmani, the Phoenix Goddess of the Flame. We're looking for an adult female Hispanic VA! So if you or someone you know night be interested, give her a shot!
Signed,
-Tox
Hey all!
Although we've got a massive amount of great submissions, we're still looking for voices to fill some of the crucial supporting cast. Because of this, we'll be extending the deadline to the end of April. By the way, we're still accepting auditions for all characters!
Signed,
Tox
Hey all!
I made some significant changes to Max's audition info to steer people in the right direction when trying to capture his voice. If you have already submitted for Max and wish to submit a second attempt, you're more than welcome to!
-Signed,
Tox.
Hey all!
After reviewing the current auditions for Dr. Blake Kenos, I've added a little bit to his description to help describe how he should sound. If you have already submitted for Dr. Kenos and would like to give it another shot, by all means!
Signed,
Tox.
Marcial is a 14 year old native boy, he is a very optimistic and chipper individual who always tries to make light of a bad situation. He is considered the "Leader" of the Travelers, he's the one with the map after all. While he is the happy-go-lucky one, there are moments where he falls into a deep sadness from missing his sister, Tallulah. Marcial is extremely determined and dedicated to his journey but isn't afraid to have a little fun along the way.
"This girl came through selling potions!! She gave it to me for free because I called her pretty."
"What's wrong with wanting to staying on my toes? A small quest couldn’t hurt after all of this stuff with the king."
"Get up! And put some clothes on! We have a quest! A priest from the temple came this morning and said Father needs to see us immediately!!"
Emi'o is a 14 year old native boy and the twin brother of Marcial Lurreko. He is rather snarky and temperamental, occasionally having outbursts of anger on those with low amounts of common sense. Despite his age, he's fairly mouthy and has a tendency to be very bossy. Despite his habitual arguments with his twin brother, Emi'o holds his family closest to his heart. Missing their sister just as much if not more than his brother, he puts on the bossy and angry facade to hide his sadness.
"They better let us in, after all that trouble we went through getting here!"
"The harvest is a bust! Nothing is growing except for these stupid beetroots!"
"We just got done with a one-week mission and you're already looking for another?"
Percival Virkyvre (AKA Percy, Purrcival, or Purrcy) is a magic housecat with the ability to shapeshift into a "Champion" (Chosen One of the Gods). He is a very absentminded yet upbeat individual who has a tendency to forget where he even is. Despite his appearance Percival could be categorized as the "comic relief" of the Travelers, bringing a certain kind of cat-like humor to the table. He regularly displays an attention span so short you couldn't measure it with a ruler, and will often get side tracked by his own feline interests or by order of his resident Gods.
"It's a lot bigger than it used to be. There’s so much going on, so many people. Why is there so much smoke? What is that? Why does that thing have wheels?"
"Hey, put me down! Do you know who I am??"
"Cool trick! Wanna see mine? (Beat) I guess not. But you don't have a choice!"
Dr. Blake Kenos Ph.D is a 28 year old man with a doctorate in Natural Medicine. Due to his history and wealthy familial background, Dr. Kenos is a very proper man who has grown to be somber and gloomy after witnessing the deaths of his wife and daughter. He often finds himself citing his expansive medical knowledge whether it be to prove someone wrong or to keep the twins safe and healthy. His voice is very low and quiet, almost reminiscent of Robert Pattinson's portrayal of Batman. Although Dr. Kenos has seen and experienced many tragedies, he begins to grow and cheer up after realizing the Travelers have become like a "second family".
"We should get going though, boys. Staring at the television for too long is bad for your eyesight."
"Mhm, impressive. It would be a shame if your liver imploded before you turned 60."
"I should be dead... I should be at peace with my love and my little angel. But I'm not. *It's* keeping me alive. *It* needs me alive." (Emphasis on *It's* and *It*)
Maximillan "Max" Draconite is a 33 year old estranged Underworld Prince. He is a very suave yet surly individual who is able to get what he wants via his silver tongue. Despite this excellent talent of persuasion, Max has been shown to be a very unhinged and sometimes goofy individual.
It's important to know this because of the many facets to Max's character. He has moments where he switches his tone at the drop of a dime. It should be noted that Max has the capability to be very serious, smooth, angry, and unhinged.
Although the surly side of him used to be a side that he would hide, he puts it on full display now that he has nothing to lose. This is amplified tenfold due to the extreme amount of anger and sadness Max harbors after being framed for the death of his sister, the Underworld Queen.
Vocally, it should be noted that Max has fairly smooth and deep voice. This pairs well with his moments of smoothness as well as his times of anger.
(Angry Pleading) "Do the lives of man mean nothing to the gods?! Zharmani!! I beg for your help!!" (*Zharmani pronounced Tzar-Mon(as in Pokemon)-E(Like monEY))
(Smooth Talking)"You give me magic. The strongest magic you have, and I use it to stop my brother and destroy the Underworld once and for all. You can even kill me after!"
(Angry) "I think an introduction would be nice, don’t ya think?"
Michelangelo "Michael" Draconite is the 33 year old twin brother of Max Draconite and the new King of the Underworld. He is a very evil and cynical man who is very determined to complete his grand mission to take back the surface world for the Underworld people. Michael is the kind of villain that keeps all of his cards to himself, only revealing his tricks when needed. Although he is often quiet, his voice should be very powerful. He sees everyone else as lesser beings, just pawns in his grasp. Despite this, he has a softer side when speaking to his two assistants Sirena and Jason.
"My name is King Michael Draconite... Your power is mine."
"Well, you surely don't take over a kingdom by being sweet"
"With my agenda, I can offer you all the riches you could ever want. It means nothing to me. What I'm after is something much more valuable."
Jason Rosalie is a 22 year old feminine man with a passion for acting and villainy. Once part of a very wealthy family, he is the last one standing after a deadly plague wiped them out. Jason harbors a hefty amount of hatred in his heart towards a certain doctor who never showed up to treat them. He is very flamboyant and expressive, having an almost feminine voice. Jason is a very good liar and is able to use his tricks/charms to get what he wants. It is noted that Jason is also very loyal to Michael, being one of his head assistants. One could even imply that he is in love with the King.
"I'd do anything to please you, my King. Even if I lose every limb on my body..."
"Your family? Your family?! I sat helpless and hopeless as I watched my family rot away. It was horrible... We all lay helpless for days, weeks... You were supposed to help us! You were supposed to make us feel better! But you never came..."
"Some are born great, others have greatness handed to them. I will do whatever it takes to achieve greatness and show the world who I am."
Sirena Pawn is a 43 year old empress and a head assistant to the King. She is a very tyrannical ruler, although she has a sweet and friendly facade to hide her crimes. Due to some unfortunate circumstances in her youth, Sirena is very physically slow and defenseless. She is very loyal to the King and is often regarded as his direct 2nd in command with how close the two are. Despite all of her riches and fame, she is a hopeless romantic. It is implied that her and the king have some sort of intimate relationship.
Side note! Unlike the other characters where an accent is optional, Sirena must have an Egyptian Arabic accent. For reference, see the video linked below that displays what we're aiming for.
"Oh Michael, darling... you have no idea how much I love when you say that."
"I wasn't always this rich. I was once a very poor girl... But then I found the Djinn's Lantern. I wished to be the richest woman on Salem. But it came at a cost..."
"You storm into *my* empire, demanding *my* soldiers to fight your battles? Darling, you must think I'm a fool if you thought I would accept your request." (Emphasis on *my*)
Professor Devon Caustica is a 55 year old college chemistry professor and part time mad scientist. He is very proper and professional and prefers to get the job done as soon as possible. Unlike his lab assistant, Devon is a very all work and no play kind of gentleman. It is often noted that he is on the cusp of being insane, embarking on a plethora of crazy experiments. Despite all this, Devon isn't evil in the slightest. He's only working for the King because his lab assistant dragged him into her mess and because the King promised them unimaginable wealth.
"This is insane... Even for me. Sonya, are you sure we can do this...?"
"I don't *want* to be the bad guy! But... Evil pays and I'll never turn down that kind of money."
"Take a deep breath, Devon... It's only the grossest thing you've ever seen in your entire 55 years of life..."
Sonya Ami is a 26 year old morticians apprentice and part time mad scientist under the guidance of Devon Caustica. Unlike her mentor, she is very unprofessional and likes to goof off during experiments. Sonya is noted to be crazier than her mentor, dabbling in kinds of mad science that Devon wouldn't even dream of. It should be noted that she should sound very unhinged and laid back.
"Your Highness, with all due respect... Replicating that kind of magic without the source is near impossible..."
"Relax, Boss. It can't be that difficult to make, can it?"
"You have no idea what I'm capable of! Rise, my creations, rise!!"
Samantha Brand is a 15 year old girl who serves as the King's personal bodyguard and leader of the royal guard. She is a very tragic character who was forcefully appointed into her position after the death of her grandfather, ths former head guard. Samantha wants nothing but to be freed from the King's rule and to be liberated from her cursed armor. She is a very deep and emotional character who is very vocal about her feelings behind closed doors, however in front of her Highness is very quiet and obedient. Samantha should sound helpless and tortured, as she has been through one of the most hellish experiences imaginable.
"Please... Stay back... I don't want to hurt you..."
"I don't want to be a knight! I just want to go back to being a normal girl..."
"Your Highness... Doesn't that sound a little brutal...?"
Father Sol Kampoen is an elderly man who served as the leader of the Phoenixes of Heaven, a popular adventurers guild amongst magic users. He is the head priest of the Temple of Zharmani, being her chosen Champion, as well as a long time member of the Magic Council of Salem. While Sol is mostly well mannered, he can be very nasty and hateful towards those of demon heritage. One could describe Sol as having a very powerful and bold voice, one that can preach to the masses.
In addition, Sol could be described as a tall and broad Caucasian man with white hair. It can be noted that he is always seen wearing his traditional religious robes.
"Go on then, *demon*, just what is your brother planning?" (Angry emphasis on *demon*)
"Take this letter and go. I want you to depart as soon as possible."
"Fritz, get that wife of yours under control."
Tallulah Lurreko is a 20 year old native girl and the eldest sister of Marcial and Emi'o. She has been noted as a very responsible and loving sister, caring for her younger brothers when their grandfather could not. Despite this, Tallulah is an avid adventurer and a member of the Magic Council of Salem which causes her to be away for long periods of time. She should sound very caring, supportive, and sweet.
In addition, Tallulah can be described as a very fair and beautiful native American girl. She has long flowy hair and wears a tribal outfit similar to her brothers.
"You boys are the best little brothers I could ever ask for!"
"Remember! The only way to know where you are is to know where you've been!"
"Be careful out there, and be cautious of the dangers that lurk in the darkness..." (Emotional, these are words from the last letter she wrote to her little brothers.)
Tor J'dinson is a large middle aged man who formerly held a spot on the Magic Council of Salem. He has since been excommunicated due to reckless and irresponsible behavior. Tor is the main antagonist of the pilot novel and serves as a foil to Percival (The Cat). He is a very jealous and angry man who lets his emotions get the best of him. Tor's voice should sound very powerful, bold, angry, and jealous at times. However, there are moments where he feels pathetic for his failures in which he should sound sad and disappointed.
Additionally, Tor is a very big bellied individual with long ginger hair that covers one of his blue eyes. He has a ginger beard with a white streak in it. Tor's outfit and design is very inspired by the Norse & God of War Ragnarok interpretations of Thor, The God of Thunder.
"Those damn kids beat me again... Just face it, Tor... You'll never be a Champion."
"My entire life... I've lived in your shadow. Your tiny little insignificant cat-shaped shadow!! No longer will I settle for second best!!"
"Still in that silly form, Virkyvre? Have you not yet noticed the futility of your efforts?" (Virkyvre pronounced Veer-Kai-brrrr)
Matilda Vogel is a middle aged woman who serves as the Prime Minister of Aerovale, the floating Island Nation, as well as a part time member of the Magic Council of Salem. She has been noted as a very demanding woman, a fitting personality trait for a world leader. Matilda has also displayed traits of absentmindedness, showing that she's not exactly the sharpest crayon in the box. It is important with Matilda's voice to remain confident in anything she says, even if she's wrong.
Additionally, she could be described as a short beautiful blond woman in a blue pinstripe suit cluttered with military medals and ribbons.
*Laughter* "How dangerous could a bunch of animals and cave dwellers be?"
"That's insane! I've never heard of any beast that can cast spells."
"I'm afraid your charms won't work on me, Mr. Draconite. I'm happily married."
Nikolas DuBois is an elderly man who serves as the leader of the Frost Guard, an arctic guild of adventurers. He has a very bold and deep voice to go along with his bold appearance. Nikolas is one of the older members of the Magic Council of Salem, because of this he is very stuck in his ways. He should sound very powerful.
Additionally, Nikolas is an older black gentleman with long braided snow white hair and a snow white beard. Intentionally, his design is a parody of Santa Claus.
"By the order of the Frost Guard, I hereby banish you to the frosted seas!"
"They assaulted a councilman. That kind of crime is punishable by death!"
"I can't let you do this, Sol. I may be a fundamentalist but you've gone mad!"
Zharmani is an ageless female who serves as the Goddess of the fire element. She is a very elegant woman who holds lots of authority in her voice. Zharmani is a very smooth talker, much like Max. Despite this, she is very hateful towards demons because of a past feud. Zharmani has a slight hispanic accent and always speaks with a fiery purpose.
Additionally, Zharmani is a very beautiful woman made up of glowing orange flames. She has many bird-like features and wears a long beautiful dress.
"Have patience, Sol. I can assure you this demon is just a pawn in my grander scheme."
"For you to speak so harshly, I expect a worthy reason to call upon my presence. Speak, *demon*... What do you want from me?" (Angry emphasis on *demon*)
"I can bestow upon you a curse, the strongest curse we've ever created... But it comes with a price."
Erebus is an ageless male entity who serves as the God of the shadow element. Due to the other gods and the Magic Council of Salem outlawing the shadow element, he has felt like an outsider. Because of this, Erebus is a very spiteful and maniacal individual. Over all, he has a very gravely and deep British voice that could send chills down one's back. The idea for what Erebus should sound like is very inspired by the MCU's voice for Khonshu in Moon Knight (Examples linked below)
https://youtu.be/OxrbEGgM6es?si=w2kw9mVnMNUnunq_
Additional, Erebus is a tall and lanky shadowy figure with a long sharp beak. He wears a puffy feather coat and generally dresses like a mob boss. However, he is often just seen as a floating head.
"All who serves me arrive in the Raven's Well after death, Dr. Kenos."
"You seem lost, young man. Take my hand and let me guide you through my realm of darkness..."
"Hmm... You have quite the interesting story, young man. I'm afraid I must bestow upon you a curse... A wicked curse so that you may atone for your sins..."
Xothol is an ageless male entity that serves as one of the Gods of the Electricity Element, he is the God of Thunder. Xothol is a very loud and very fun-loving individual. He is the husband of the other Electricity deity, Shangocijo. In contrast to his wife's strict and all-business attitude, Xothol is pretty laid back. Despite this, he and his wife have a strict leash on their Champion (Percival). Xothol has a very fatherly essence when it comes to taking care of Percival, seeing him like a son. In terms of voice and tone, he has a voice similar to Maui from the Disney Pixar film "Moana".
Additionally, Xothol is a very large man who wears very tropical Mayan attire. He is meant to resemble a coconut, having rough brown skin and leaf-like hair that is braided into a bun.
"C'mon man, why do you have so many questions?"
"Shango, let the kid live a little. Be glad that he's making friends! He's almost a hundred and twenty years old!"
"Welcome to our Oasis, little man! We brought you here 'cuz you did a pretty brave and noble thing down there. Acts like that deserve to be rewarded, and we have just the opportunity for you!"
Shangocijo is an ageless female entity that serves as one of the Gods of the Electricity Element, she is the Goddess of Lightning. Shangocijo is the wife of Xothol, the other Electricity deity. Unlike her husband, she is very strict and likes to get the job done. Her voice is very powerful and stern, taking the more authoritative position when it comes to ruling over their element. Shangocijo does have a soft spot for her husband however, allowing his fun bubbly antics. She has a very motherly attitude towards their Champion, Percival, and is constantly trying to keep him out of trouble.
Additionally, Shangocijo is a beautiful woman made of tropical plants and flowers. She has long braided hair made from vines and a dress made from large flowers and leaves.
"Careful, Percival. Violent Thunder is a dangerous weapon..."
"You saw how he acted down there! He was oblivious to all the chaos around him! XoXo, we can't keep letting him behave like this." (The X in XoXo pronounced like a Z)
"XoXo, he's adorable... We must keep him! A brave little warrior... I shall name you... Percival" (Again, the X in XoXo pronounced like a Z)
Edward "Clockwork" Calean is an elderly man and head of the Magic Council of Salem. He is a very mysterious yet respected individual partly due to his status as an immortal and his magic ability to see the future. Edward speaks only when necessary and is regarded as the wisest member of the council. He has a British accent and speaks with purpose and wisdom. Edward has very little emotion in his voice and speaks in a very cold and dry tone. Everything he says should sound prophetic. Despite that, he will occasionally be shown in flashbacks speaking with lots of life in his voice. Being able to sound older and younger would be ideal for this role.
The voice of Edward Calean also serves as the narrator for the entire story, however the narrator voice is slightly different, being a bit more lively.
Additionally, Edward is an older white gentleman with dull blonde hair. He is often seen wearing an old tattered cloak over his formal suit.
"Let them be... They will be integral to what the future holds..."
"I'm sorry, Sol. I'm afraid I can't let you do that. Fate has ordained that these young men complete their journey. I won't let anything step in their way."
"Your sister... She reminds me of my daughter. Oh how she would smile... My daughter is not around anymore, young man. But I know she is always with me."
Aldous Noble is a middle aged businessman and CEO of the magic shop franchise Noble's Novelties. He is a witty and snarky individual who is overall very put together. It should also be noted that he is an excellent businessman who has a way with his words. Aldous is a very well mannered individual, though he has a bit of a sarcastic side. Despite all of this, Aldous is a proud father who works hard for his daughter, Lisa. It is noted that he is very proud of her and her business that she's created, and understands that she won't always want to run the business when she's older. Because of his old-timey salesman inspiration, Aldous has a trans-atlantic sounding accent (Think like Alastor from Hazbin Hotel!).
Additionally, due to his occupation as a businessman Aldous is almost always seen wearing a suit. He is a natural brunette and has blue eyes unlike his daughter who has most of her mother's looks.
"C'mon Nick, they're good kids!"
"Wait a second... You're Lisa's friend, aren't you? Marshall, was it? Marcial! Yes! My apologies. Young man, you must have a heart of gold to have my daughter talking about you nonstop!"
"What'll it be, gentlemen? I've got bottomless bags, spell books of any kind, potions galore, you name it!"
