Hello! Welcome to COMiMARi's casting call for our latest animatic project, currently under the working title "The Dragonmaid Raising Project."
What is this?
While the Yu-Gi-Oh! anime series is what most people recognize when they acknowledge its spin-off trading card game, those people may discover after researching the game that there are many archetypes within it that have nothing to do with that original source material. Adapting these archetypes, like we have done for "Dogmatika" and "Live☆Twins," is where COMiMARi steps in. We are providing fan service to this massive and still-growing community by giving these characters movement, voices, and—most importantly—stories. This time, we have chosen to adapt one of the fanbase's most beloved card archetypes: the "Dragonmaid" archetype.
The story of the "Dragonmaid" archetype is pretty simple at its core. A group of selected dragons of various age take the form of human-looking maids to care for their "master" and his/her mansion. This project will not be deviating from that core premise; though, we have decided on turning their master into a character based on another pre-existing popular archetype present in the card game... The original "Buster Blader" was once a revered slayer of dragons. But after bonding with a baby dragon he found (named the "Buster Whelp" in the game); taming it and watching it grow; unfortunately being forced to kill it; and then, finally merging its soul with his own to never forget it... his views on dragons have changed. Now, having indentured several dragons to work amongst humans, he finds his life fleeting as he becomes elderly and has chosen his grandson to inevitably take over the role of the maids' master.
What to expect?
This project will be taking a visual-novel-style format with its presentation. While this is intended to be an animated series and not a legitimate video game, we feel that such an homage is appropriate when applied to this project's premise. Unique, individual character graphics have already been created for all of the main characters. Backgrounds, text boxes, and the occasional cutaway images are to be expected as we continue to prepare for the series debut within the next few weeks.
Because this project will be happening across a series of videos, we will expect that whoever is cast as each of these roles will be available to record for scripts over the following several months. Each episode will be fairly short in length, intended to be no longer than 5 minutes per installment on a bi-weekly basis to account for script changes, creation of additional art assets, and potential recording delays from voice actors. We also already have an ending in mind and expect this series will be concluded sometime in the Fall of this year.
Payment will be given to each voice actor once their respective recordings have been accepted by the director. The cast will then be credited in every video they appear in and within each of those videos' descriptions.
What do we need from you?
Recorded lines should be sent as one file in .wav format through Discord or email. Be prepared to use Google Drive or Dropbox to assist in the delivery of lines. We would prefer three separate takes of each separated group of lines highlighted within each script. Feel free to also cut your own lines as well. Live direction is optional, if preferred, but will not be required since every script will be formatted to have sufficient stage direction and emotional cues before every line.
When is the deadline?
The deadline for auditions will be April 6th, 2021 at 11:59 PM EST. Those chosen to be part of the cast will be notified the very next day on April 7th. Please make sure there is an easy way to contact you, such as Twitter, Discord, or even email so long as you are checking any of these fairly often. If you do not respond within 48 hours of your audition being chosen, then someone else will have to be chosen for that role instead. For each role that is accounted for, we hope to receive your recorded lines by April 12th. However, if chosen and you have a concern regarding that one-week timeframe, please do not hesitate to let us know then.
What about payment?
Voice actors will be paid $2 USD for each complete line of dialogue of the character they are recording for, with a minimum of $20 USD being paid to voice actors per verbal appearance. This means that every voice actor who speaks in a script will be paid at least $20 USD, but will only be paid beyond $20 USD if they are given more than 10 complete lines of dialogue. This will apply to every script given to the cast until the series' conclusion. Make sure you have a PayPal account ready!
Anything else to keep in mind?
Please relax and have fun with these auditions! We are always on the lookout for someone with a unique take on a character that helps them feel fresh and exciting! After all, it may be your voice that ends up being paired with a beloved character, so it's important to give a lasting impression that'll help you stand out alongside them.
The "Young Master" is the grandson of the Buster Blader and soon to be his successor. He will be inheriting the mansion and the maids within once his grandfather passes, so he has quite a weight on his shoulders. He has been training much of his life up to this point, and with his parents recently killed by monsters, he has no other home to call his own. This has caused his outlook on life to be clouded by regret and anxiety, and because of this, he recognizes the delicate nature of life and wishes to preserve those that are bright and just as best as he can.
[friendly but awkward] Oh! H-Hello there! Is it true that... everyone in this house is really a dragon? [under his breath] Just how many dragons did my fearsome granddad decide to befriend?
[contemplative and melancholic] I don't know if I deserve my grandfather's power... I don't know if I can stomach the deaths of intelligent creatures that have families... Maybe I'm weaker than those who find that to be so easy.
[intensely shouting] Leave her alone! Monster or not, she is still a member of my family! And if you're going to insult my family, then you cannot be left unpunished! RYAAAH!!
The Chamber Dragonmaid, also known affectionately as "Chame," is one of the oldest maids in the house; and yet, she is simultaneously one of the newest additions to the house. She considers herself to be a "sleep expert" because of how often she sleeps combined with her willingness to sleep just about anywhere. This rewards her with a very soothing cadence and fluffy atmosphere. Because she is not always present for the most commonly active parts of the day, the younger maids view her as mysterious and probably having an exciting past that makes her want to relax a lot more nowadays. This idea of elusive mystery should be subtly present in the delivery of her lines.
[acting coy] Welcome, Young Master. Please, do not be alarmed... I was simply making your bed for you. And if you happen to find the warmth of it pleasing, well... just know that I like to test my handiwork from time-to-time~
[calmly pouting] "Lazy"...? Lazy is a very strong word, you know... I implore you to find a greater sleep expert than I.
[surprised but delighted] You would like to see more of me...? It isn't in my best interest to take work from any of the other maids. But, perhaps... seeing a cute face like yours a little more often might be the positive influence I need for more vivid dreams~
The Kitchen Dragonmaid, known as "Tillroo," is a very talkative girl who gets a thrill from theatrics, gossip, and romance. Unfortunately for her, the original master and most of the other maids in the house don't often share her same tastes. This has made her feel very reasonably pent-up and frustrated. She is very much able to hide her feelings behind a excellent prim and proper façade, but alas, she dreams of someone who will someday sweep her off of her feet. This will be the perfect role for anyone who is able to switch between a lot of different emotions very quickly between lines. Dramatic flair is essential!
[perfectly inviting] Welcome, Young Master! Are you feeling hungry for anything particular today?
[very casually] Your grandfather has always been a fan of regimented food scheduling for as long as I've worked for him. But if you would prefer anything different, then I'm very interested in getting to know you and your unique tastes, er—! Um... M-My apologies, did that come off as too friendly?
[sentimental] If it's alright for me to indulge in your sentiment a bit... it makes me really happy that you're so willing to talk with me. Getting anyone else around here to listen to me has been nothing short of a massive effort. But talking to you feels... so easy.
The Parlor Dragonmaid, known as "Parla" for short, is the latest addition to the maids, and as a consequence, she isn't nearly as professional as the rest of them. She tends to play tricks and sees the mansion as a funhouse for her to play in, which leads to her getting into trouble often. However, she sees their upcoming young master as a potential friend and does her best to get on his good side whenever possible. She's spunky, she's witty, and she has a habit of lacking subtlety.
[spunky and friendly] Hiya, Master! Funny coincidence that we're both gonna live here around the same time! Ya think we might be fated to be together? hehe~
[complaining] So the big bad house maid told me that my skirt is too short to work here, but what does an ol' biddy like her know about fashion? Besides! It's not like you've objected or anything!
[stammering] R-Really?! I'm your favorite?! W-Well, uh... th-that's a big shoe to fill! And I don't exactly got big feet at this point, y'know? ahaha... er... Mm! I'll take it though!
The Nurse Dragonmaid, also known as "Nasary," is not a conventional maid like the others. She is a dragon who has taken advantage of her intellectual nature and spent her countless years alive (despite her youthful human looks) becoming a physician of many practices. She has no desire to antagonize and only seeks to help others. Due to her sheer amount of study, however, she has since become very introverted, timid, and easily prone to embarrassment. Hers is intended to be a very quiet, ASMR-esque role with the occasional hiccup in loudness.
[sheepishly but still friendly] Oh! Welcome, um... Young Master, correct? Ah, good, um... then I should have you know that if you have any medical needs, you are free to come visit me at any time. I will gladly take care of you.
[muttering calmly as she investigates] You never know what may be hiding in someone's mouth... But please do not worry. I will be gentle.
[comedically panicking] Y-You c-c-can't say such...! Such, uh...! A-Affectionate things like that, yes! Wh-What would your grandfather think about that...?! What would the others think about that?! Aaaaah!
The Laundry Dragonmaid, otherwise known as "Laudry" as a pun for her boastful demeanor when performing her duty, is certainly the youngest of the maids. She has managed to have quite a bit of fun with her job though! To the point that she sometimes gets a little too carried away and clumsily makes a big mess. She's a very easily excitable child—both when she's proud of herself and when she makes mistakes.
[proudly] Greetings, New Master! It is I! The laundry maid! Leader of the laundry! Here to collect and wash your stinky mess! Don't worry about my nose though. I make sure to plug it up tight before each grand collection begins!
[anxiously] O-Oh, no...! P-Please don't be mad at me! I'll clean it all up, I promise! Miss House Maid told me that part of my job is clean up after the messes I make sometimes, so that's just what I'll do!
[childishly pouting] Hey! I'm not a puppy, y'know! Your headpats may be comfy, but they aren't going to be enough to appease me! Because I'm a dragon! A big, scary dragon! [cute dragon noise] Gaaooooooo!
The House Dragonmaid, called "Hausky" as a nickname by the other maids, is stern, unwavering, and even a little menacing. Entrusted by the elder Buster Blader to teach the girls how to carry themselves in front of humans, she makes certain that everyone has kept up with their work appropriately and professionally. The maids see her as the true leader of the mansion, and they know not to cross her lightly.
[politely and well-articulated] Welcome, Young Master. It is a pleasure to be meeting you for the first time. Please rest assured, I do sincerely expect you will find this house and its staff to bring you great relief from your day-to-day doldrums.
[sternly] What if the Master was to discover this?! You cannot expect he will take kindly to your neglect!
[warming up] Hmph. You are a thousand years too young to expect any frivolous affections from one such as I. However... I will grant you praise. With the amount of consideration that you show others, I am certain you will find happiness for both yourself and those closest to you in due time.
