Book One: Curse of the Grove

Book One: Curse of the Grove

Project Overview

⚠️THIS PROJECT IS UNPAID. It depends on the outcome of the project, which means you get paid ONLY if we earn money from the project! The revenue will be split accordingly and in agreement that will be reached if there is profit. ⚠️

This is an audiobook that will be posted on TikTok and/or YouTube.

It's going to consist out of 7 books, each with two or three chapters and around 15 episodes per book. Running time per episode is around 10-20 minutes.

"Book One: Curse of the Grove" story:

In a cast-off village surrounded by a thick, sinister forest, lives Yule - a young man with dreams of exploration and later, liberation of his people. He is plagued by voices of old and foreign, and all his roads seem to be taking him to the very heart of the flora: a special Tree, a prison to a soul and a body and it's shadows.
Yule's soul connects with the Tree, leading to his... demise?

This is just a short summary of the story, but there's a lot more stuff in the actual book/script itself. People who get the roles will be able to read the episodes before they get released.

And of course, if this project succeeds, leaking information about it will not be tolerated.

A good quality mic would be perfect but isn't a requirement.

NOTICE: In the character descriptions, we have mentioned the regions from which our characters are from, and which cultures they're inspired by, that you will get more information about later on with the rest of the story. Since we ourselves can only do so much, it would mean a lot to us if someone from these countries and cultures could help us bring the story to life in the most meaningful, impactful way. Your opinion on character design, world building and even small details would mean a lot.

If you have any more questions DM on Discord: 0glyph

Latest Updates

  • All Roles Assigned

    Hello everyone! My partner and I have officially chosen who got the roles for the characters, beside Agura for now!
    For everyone who has auditioned for the side characters, the scripts for the episodes are being edited, so we can assign multiple people to different roles. It will mostly be 1-liners, so we will reach out to anyone who is interested.
    Everyone has done so well, as we have already mentioned, and we took a lot of feedback from a lot of different people outside of the project so we could really narrow our choices down to one.
    To everyone who did not get a role, as mentioned previously, there will be many more books to come to this project in the future (we hope soon), so everyone who wants to try again, will have a lot more chances with more characters that we'll introduce. If anyone is interested in this project outside of voice acting, be it in writing, designing traditionally or digitally, etc. you can reach out to me or my partner on discord (0glyph and theirukadoll) to join us.
    Thank you again for enjoying and contributing to our project, we appreciate you all and all of the love you've given us, and this book.
    Stay happy and healthy, till the next casting call! <3

  • Expanded Casting Call: New Tab

    Hey all! Just wanted to let you know, since this casting call tab is having visibility issues, we have made a new one consisting of all new characters and roles that we need. The submissions on this one AND the new tab will be taken into consideration once we approach the deadline, so you DO NOT need to repost your submissions there, but in case you feel the need to, you're more than welcome to. Here's the link to the new tab: Book One: Curse of the Grove (Extended Cast) | Casting Call Club
    Good luck!

  • Expanded Casting Call

    Hey everyone!

    Since our first casting call about a year ago, we have received a tremendous amount of love and support, and we'd like to thank you for following us. After a mid-production hiatus, we have picked up where we left off and have completed the first book and expanded the story onto new characters that you can see below, as well as new animators, musicians, artists, writers and editors who can help us bring the story to life.
    From today, for the next month and a half, auditions for the roles of the characters and roles listed above will be open while we continue to work on a story remaster that will be available to all that pass the auditions. We're truly thankful to all of you and wish you all the luck in this round of the casting call and hope to see you on the other side!

    Stay happy and healthy!

  • All roles assigned

    Hello everyone! Albeit late, my partner and I have officially chosen who got the roles for the characters! I'm sorry for the wait, since I came down with a fever and my partner got sick, but we're feeling better now, and now this casting call can come to an end.
    For everyone who has auditioned for the side characters, the scripts for the episodes are being edited, so we can assign multiple people to different roles. It will mostly be 1-liners, so we will reach out to anyone who is interested.
    Another reason why it took so long, was that everyone has done so well, as we have already mentioned, and we took a lot of feedback from a lot of different people outside of the project so we could really narrow our choices down to one.
    To everyone who did not get a role, as mentioned previously, there will be many more books to come to this project in the future (we hope soon), so everyone who wants to try again, will have a lot more chances with more characters that we'll introduce. If anyone is interested in this project outside of voice acting, be it in writing, designing traditionally or digitally, etc. you can reach out to me or my partner on discord (0glyph and theirukadoll) to join us.
    Thank you again for enjoying and contributing to our project, we appreciate you all and all of the love you've given us, and this book.
    Stay happy and healthy, till the next casting call! <3

  • End of the Casting Call

    Hi everyone! I hope you're doing well! As you know, the auditions are, as of today, officially closed.

    We have already listened to a number of auditions, and honestly, we never expected to get these many auditions, as well as this much love and interest in our project! We are counting over a hundred submissions on multiple social media platforms, so, we will need our time to carefully dissect and choose who will get the roles, and by extension, we would like to ask you to keep patient as in the next few days (3-5) we will announce the people who got the roles.

    There's not a lot of characters in this book, compared to other instalments on this project. All of you have done amazingly and given us a tough time deciding, so, regardless of the outcome, we would like to invite everyone who is interested in furthering this project, be it writing, designing or voice acting to join our servers, so don't be afraid to reach out to me or my partner (0glyph and theirukadoll) any time on discord. There will be many more characters and books to come, so stay tuned for the next casting call that we hope will come soon!

    Stay happy and healthy and thank you again very much!

Project Roles: Agura Katsumi Balam Side character A Side character B Side characters/Villagers Artist Animator Musician Video Editor Writer Audio Engineer Narrator Yami/Aria Yule Terran
Agura
Voice Actor Voice Actor
Agura
closed
Unpaid
cast offsite

Agura is a 21-year-old scientist and archeologist from the Koexam tribe of the southern region Aeshu. She is a tall woman, with an athletic build. She grew up in a big family until she got an offer to move to Houfu na ‘ki region to work, when she was 20.


Her voice is rich, warm and deep. She often speak calmly, but can be often suave or sarcastic, and she doesn't break easily under pressure. She is straight to the point, but not cutthroat or heartless. She feels deeply and moves through the world as if she's trying to conceal her own steps.

Her character is from a region inspired by tribes and countries from southern Africa, so accents are welcome. It would be preferred if you could do a convincing child impression, as we will explore the backstory of this character in later works.

Language:
  • english
Voice description:
  • animation/character
  • audiobook
  • female young adult
  • female adult
  • visual novel

  • (mildly annoyed, talking back) It’s a given. That’s why we’re here, isn't it? How come an oak tree thrives in such conditions? It’s the only one of its kind...

  • (cautious voice) We’ve been studying it, but it reacts… emotionally. We’re trying to replicate that, safely this time.

  • (voice gradually getting louder, starting low, distressed) But I’ve missed it too. Missed my mother. My siblings. The place that raised me. Even the way it smells at night. (she laughs weakly) Isn’t that stupid? I’m terrified to go back and yet… I’ve wanted to for so long.

Save This Role Hear all 1 Apply / Audition
Katsumi
Voice Actor Voice Actor
Katsumi
closed
Unpaid
Role assigned to: Izel

Katsumi is a 24-year-old, coming from the capital of the Houfu na ‘ki region. A guy with long black hair, lean build, and of average height. He works as a researcher in the Capital Institute of Innovation and works alongside Agura as her mentor.


His voice is cool, medium pitch and sort of calming as he speaks very evenly. He's not a stickler for rules, but he believes in a protocol and doesn't like venturing into danger and odd spaces, which much to his dismay isn't possible.

He is from a region inspired by a mixture of imperial Japan on one side (which he is from), and southern/south-east Asia (Phillipines, Myanmar, and similar), so accents are welcome.

Voice description:
  • adult
  • audiobook
  • male young adult
  • animation/character
  • male adult
  • visual novel

  • (uncertain, final) I don’t think we can afford to delve that deep this fast. Take a sample or two, I’ll meet you on the surface.

  • (stern, sort of bitter, emphasize on *) Houfu na ‘ki has been stripped of so many resources; native settlements have been abandoned. So many people died coming here for answers of this Heretic’s doing. I will fight for them*, and that means I will fight with you*.

  • (harsh voice, snapping) Heretic, look at yourself! You’re hurting because you’re scared she won’t make it.

Save This Role Hear all 2 Apply / Audition
Balam
Voice Actor Voice Actor
Balam
closed
Unpaid
cast offsite

--Cast off-site--

Balam is a 20-year-old, coming from Eridur Town in the Raish region. He works as a merchant, a traveler, and is a good friend of Agura's. 


His voice is medium-low pitch, but as he is a very bright and positive person, his voice sounds a bit higher pitched. He's always there with a joke, trying to lighten the mood, but he also has his stubborn, sort of immature moments. 


He's from a region inspired by a mix of ancient Sumer and Indian peoples. Accents are welcome.

Language:
  • english
Voice description:
  • male adult
  • adult
  • animation/character
  • male young adult
  • visual novel
  • audiobook

  • (triumphantly) Ta-da! Made it. Only minor turbulence. And maybe a slight detour through the wrong valley.

  • (muttering, commenting on a situation) Yeah, because that’s comforting.

  • (bittersweet, exhausted) Yeah. Feels strange to go back to the place that tried to kill me. Or maybe it didn’t, but the storm sure did.

Save This Role Hear all 2 Apply / Audition
Side character A
Voice Actor Voice Actor
Side character A
closed
Unpaid
cast offsite

--Cast off-site--

This character has a short cameo in Book One, and a more important role in Book Two. 

This character is from the same region as Agura, so accents are welcome. He is a man in his late 40s to early 50s.

For now, it's only a few lines for Book One, and open auditions will be held when his time comes.

Language:
  • english
Voice description:
  • male adult
  • visual novel
  • adult
  • audiobook
  • male senior
  • animation/character

  • (concerned) Agura… is that you?

  • (bitter, melancholic) You left me, me and my heart, to die.

  • Feel free to improvise!

Save This Role Hear all 1 Apply / Audition
Side character B
Voice Actor Voice Actor
Side character B
closed
Unpaid
cast offsite

--Cast off-site--

This character has a short cameo in Book One, and a more important role in Book Three. 

This character is from the same region as Balam, so accents are welcome. They are an androgynous teen/young adult so anyone can audition.

For now, it's only a few lines for Book One, and open auditions will be held when their time comes. 

Language:
  • english
Voice description:
  • audiobook
  • androgynous
  • animation/character
  • visual novel

  • (calling out) Hey slowpoke!

  • (curious, slightly whimsical) So... Where were you? Why didn’t you listen to me?

  • (tone even, slightly condescending) You joke so you don’t have to feel it, don’t you? Tell another joke, Balam. Maybe it’ll drown out the noise.

Save This Role Hear all 0 Apply / Audition
Side characters/Villagers
Voice Actor Voice Actor
Side characters/Villagers
closed
Unpaid
cast offsite

These are side characters that will appear during the story. 

Any age, gender, accent and range!

Language:
  • english
Voice description:
  • androgynous
  • animation/character

  • [this first line is said by an elder in the village] If the forest has chosen you, Yule, then perhaps you’re meant to lead us. To guide us through this.

  • The path to the north is filled with danger. There are many monsters that have taken our people and drove them insane. We’re content and safe here. We got everything we need.

  • *Say something you think will fit* [any age, gender]

Save This Role Hear all 16 Apply / Audition
Artist
Artist Artist
Artist
closed
Unpaid
cast offsite

If you audition for this role, please submit your portfolio or some of your art. You would be making covert art, character art and scenes needed for the videos. 

  • *Say something you think would fit*

Save This Role Hear all 0 Apply / Audition
Animator
Animator Animator
Animator
closed
Unpaid
cast offsite

If you audition for this role, please submit your portfolio or some of your art. You would be making covert art, character art and scenes needed for the videos. 

  • *Say something you think would fit*

Save This Role Hear all 0 Apply / Audition
Musician
Musician Musician
Musician
closed
Unpaid
cast offsite

If you audition for this role, please submit your portfolio or some of your art. You would be making soundtracks for the videos, cinematics and other things needed.

  • *Say something you think would fit*

Save This Role Hear all 0 Apply / Audition
Video Editor
Video Editor Video Editor
Video Editor
closed
Unpaid
cast offsite

If you audition for this role, please submit your portfolio. You would be editing the videos for this audiobook that will be posted on social media.

  • *Say something you think would fit*

Save This Role Hear all 0 Apply / Audition
Writer
Writer Writer
Writer
closed
Unpaid
cast offsite

If you audition for this role, please submit your portfolio or some of your art. You would be helping me and my partner in editing and writing old and new episodes and chapters, and similar. Please contact me on discord, so you can receive a test writing document as part of your audition, along with some of your previous work.

  • *Say something you think would fit*

Save This Role Hear all 0 Apply / Audition
Audio Engineer
Audio Engineer Audio Engineer
Audio Engineer
closed
Unpaid
cast offsite

If you audition for this role, please submit your portfolio or some of your art. You would be editing, recording and mixing audio clips for the videos, cinematics and other things needed.

  • *Say something you think would fit*

Save This Role Hear all 0 Apply / Audition
Narrator
Voice Actor Voice Actor
Narrator
closed
Deferred: Agreed Amount
Role assigned to: nadabutj

The narrator should have a calm and understandable voice, the gender doesnt matter so anyone can audition!

Language:
  • english
Voice description:
  • androgynous
  • live announcer / inshow narration

  • Yule’s morning shop at the open market was a necessary stop, yet with every step to it he sensed a dread. So close yet far away in his mind, his gaze shifted around unfocused, sinister voices filling his head, that sensation coming down over his body. His chest feels heavy as the unintelligible murmurs in his head grow louder, each word an echo that clawed at his sanity. He clutched at his vest, feet moving on their own accord, away. A dull hum replaced the world around him, guiding him against his wishes to a new destination, to the outskirts. It's as if the trees themselves beckoned him closer, closer, closer, until he zones out and starts walking towards the forest that surrounds the whole village.

  • His eyes pry open to a towering tree with vibrant cyan leaves standing before him. As if never seen before, he observes the way leaves gently fall to the ground, creating a soft carpet of colors. The trunk, sturdy and gray, bears the marks of time and looks rough, and he's more aware of nature's elegance than ever.

  • The air is thick with the scent of damp earth, and the heaviness in his chest increases as he navigates through the maze made by the shadows and trees. After the nth mindless turn, Yule looks around, as his eyes fall onto a ghostly figure among the shadows lurking and mirroring his every step, it's presence sending shivers down his spine. He starts running, dropping most of the leaves in the process, and with it the vices.

Save This Role Hear all 36 Apply / Audition
Yami/Aria
Voice Actor Voice Actor
Yami/Aria
closed
Deferred: Agreed Amount
Role assigned to: Kit Emden

Yami and Aria are pretty much the same character, just different forms (kind of hard to explain, but understandable in the book itself). 

Yami has a calm and caring yet still authoritative voice.

Aria is her "evil counterpart". She has a deep, evil, controlling voice.

Mid-Low range. Female. Accents welcome, just not too much!


NOTICE:

Two different people can voice these characters. If you want to try out either only for Yami or Aria, you can improvise some lines so we can have a better understanding of your range and capabilities.

Language:
  • english
Voice description:
  • animation/character
  • female young adult
  • female adult

  • (Yami) Yule... be careful. She’s watching.

  • (Aria) [deep, mocking tone] *laughs*Feigning ignorance won’t save you. The tree hungers for souls, and you’ve already heard its call. You can’t escape it now.

  • (Yami) [emphatize on the "will"] You have more power than you realize, you can sense it too. You’ll figure it out, but she will try her tricks on you again.

Save This Role Hear all 24 Apply / Audition
Yule
Voice Actor Voice Actor
Yule
closed
Deferred: Agreed Amount
Role assigned to: houhouVA

Hopeful, honest character that's there to serve a greater purpose.

One of the MCs.

Early 20s, Half-Asian Half-White, Mid-Low, accents are welcome ofc!

Language:
  • english
Voice description:
  • male young adult
  • asian american
  • audiobook

  • (taken aback, surprised, not yelling) What the hell is this?

  • (trying to catch his breath and gets scared by a friend)*gasps sharply* You almost gave me a heart attack!

  • (still catching his breath, but its less noticeable)Y-yes, I'm sorry. I'm not planning on going back anytime soon.

Save This Role Hear all 16 Apply / Audition
Terran
Voice Actor Voice Actor
Terran
closed
Deferred: Agreed Amount
Role assigned to: Louie Dean

Terran is Yule's close friend. A bit older than him. Cares about him but can act cold.

His voice deep, sharp and acts tough. Low range. Also, half-Asian half-white like Yule. Accents are welcome!

Language:
  • english
Voice description:
  • male adult
  • animation/character

  • [yelling out to Yule] Yule! Where are you going?!

  • [with a grin on his face, still uneasy] Well, I'm sorry, oh, master of secrets. I just noticed you earlier going into the forest and you didn't hear me calling out for you, I guess.

  • [annoyed at Yule] Seriously, Yule? That’s the second time this week. You vanish or make a spectacle of walking straight over there, and we’re all left wondering if you’re okay. You know how dangerous it is out there

Save This Role Hear all 15 Apply / Audition
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