Hello, My name's Jaden Towe, and I'm doing another project! This year my English class has assigned an Independent Study Project (ISP). Basically, each student has to pick something they would enjoy doing/learning that they haven't already done/learned. I've chosen to create an audio drama podcast series! So let's get into it.
What is Cracked?
Cracked is the (potentially temporary - I haven't decided if I want to change it) name of the podcast. The name currently is based on the idea of codes and secrets that must be "cracked" in order to figure them out.
What are some of the main plot points?
As you probably could guess, Cracked falls mainly into the mystery and supernatural genres. Several codes play key roles in the story, and ultimately Cracked revolves around a smaller town in south-east Ohio and its history/lore. I may elaborate on this further at a later time.
What do you need to do to audition/get a part?
Of course, you need to complete your audition lines in the casting call. Additionally, you need to stay in contact with me once you get cast. I'm opening this casting call now, but the casting and episodes may or may not be complete until later. I with frequently send out updates after I cast someone to make sure that they are still active and interested in the project. If I don't get a response 3 updates in a row or they are no longer interested, then I will re-open that character's casting.
What will help my audition stand out and help get me the part?
- Emotion/Attachment in Lines
- Decent Microphone Quality
- Minimum Background Noise
Those are the main 3 things I look for in an audition. I don't want someone to just say the lines, I want to feel the lines. Microphone quality and less background noise make it easier for me to edit together. (It also helps if you aren't really quiet).
Thank you for reading, and I'd love it if you would audition!
Erin Miller enjoys writing and tends to spend his free time with a small notebook. Erin has no particular goals for the future, but his English teacher is heavily pushing him to go to college and pursue writing. Lillian is Erin's only real friend before Alex moves into town. Since elementary school Erin has always been somewhat of an outsider, but he never minded. Lillian moved to his school in 4th grade, and they became instant friends.
You're the one who's good at this stuff. It just looks like a jumble of numbers to me. |
It wasn't anything special Lilli. He just wanted me to enter one of my essays in a contest. That's all. |
(sighs) Yeah, I do. I'm not quite sure how well that one turned out. My wording was off, I don't think I got my point across, and- |
Alex grew up in a tightly knit family. He was great friends with his cousin, and they were practically together 24/7. When his cousin, Johnathan, died his aunt blamed him for the loss. As a child Alex didn't fully understand what happened. Because of Johnathan's death Alex and his mother moved away only to return several years later due to his mother losing her job. Alex no longer remembered much about his cousin or what had happened when he returned.
Alex became a major math nerd. Studying numbers eventually led him to number puzzles and eventually codes. Deciphering codes became a hobby for Alex. He's talented when it comes to math, but not to an extreme extent. Alex tends to ignore his own feelings and go with whatever people say around him.
Do people frequently carve symbols into the bathroom walls? |
Erin, it's better if you just ignore it. Come on. |
Um, yeah. I can try to help. (pause) If you want me to. |
Lillian has been friends with Erin since they were nine. She is a quirky artist who honestly isn't very good at much else. While she has a decent grade in English, she's borderline deadly in Chemistry and basically flunking Algebra. Despite this, she retains an upbeat attitude. She is a very determined person, a quick thinker, and is loyal to her friends. Erin calls her Lil sometimes.
Of course I do. That doesn't mean anything. You've got another class too you know. |
(joking) No promises. I'm an artist, not a scientist. |
I knew it! Come on Erin, I want the details. (teasing) Don't make me have to go digging. |
Johnathan Davis died several years ago, causing Alex and his mother to move out of town. When they return, Johnathan becomes active as a spirit seeking the attention of his older cousin. Alex and Johnathan were very close as children.
Alex. Hey. Alex. Alex! (whining) Alex, pay attention to me! |
Hey, where did it go? |
Uh, oh. That looks weird. |
Cynthia doesn't want anything to do with Erin, Lillian, or Alex and tries desperately to maintain her reputation. She isn't fully a medium, but she can see periodic outlines of spirits and hear them relatively clearly. Having kept this hidden, she reluctantly approaches Alex about the little boy that keeps following him around. Once she's done with the three, she wants nothing to do with them again because she's worried they will destroy her carefully built reputation.
What kind of person shows up to a new school and aces the hardest exam on their first day? What kind of person voluntarily takes an exam on their first day?! |
(Slightly disgusted) Ew, of course I don't. |
Look, you're welcome, but don't come talking to me anymore, especially in class. |
Ash used to be a friendly kid, but starting in middle school he struggled through various hardships and began to lash out at other students. Eventually his target landed on Erin. Ash torments the other boy whenever he can. Ash doesn't want to insult Lillian though which makes things a bit more complicated. When Alex joins the school Ash moves on to pestering him, but stops a bit once Alex starts hanging out with Lillian.
They're bound to snap out of it soon. Can't be a teacher's pet forever Erin. |
You believe me, don't you Jared? |
I don't blame them for not wanting to associate themselves with you. |
Jared Young basically just follows Ash around. Compared to Ash, Jared is a quiet person who is less confrontational. He will agree with Ash on most things, but not everything. He has been friends with Ash since elementary school, and mimics his friend's behavior.
Yeah, of course. I don't know why anyone wouldn't like you. |
Aw, come on. Don't have anything to say? |
Hey, look, just leave me out of this. |
Lori Davis is the mother of Johnathan Davis and the aunt of Alex Green. She's sisters with Elise Green.
When her son passed away, Lori found it easy to blame her nephew. Despite her son's death being labeled an accident, Lori held onto her belief that Alex, only age 4 at the time, had something to do with the loss of her son. She resents him, but keeps quiet about it for the sake of her sister Elise. That doesn't keep her from doing as little as possible to aid her nephew.
Of course, Elise, you're my sister. I couldn't leave you without somewhere to stay. |
It was my son, Elise! My son! If anything had happened to Alex instead, you'd do the same thing. |
You know very well what you've done. It disgusts me that you won't admit it. |
Elise is Alex's mother, Johnathan's aunt, and Lori's sister.
Elise is a rather quiet person who doesn't like to dominate conversation. She holds her sister's opinion highly, but does not agree with her on many things. She adores her son, but doesn't usually speak to him much due to her quiet nature.
He hasn't done anything. Leave my son out of this. |
(Quietly) Yes, I remember. |
Oh. Alex, someone's here to see you. |
He/She is an English teacher who heavily encourages Erin to pursue writing and talks to him frequently.
I am entirely serious. There's an open essay contest that
|
Alex, you may take any of the open seats in the back of the room. The rest of you, get out your silent reading books. |
Okay! 5 minutes left everyone! Begin wrapping up your essay. Erin, may I see you in the hallway, please? |
He/She is the school's Algebra teacher.
Good morning class. I need everyone to pull out their
|
Oh, Alex, just find an open desk for now. We're taking a quiz today, so I'm afraid there won't be much for you to do today. |
Here are the items you'll need for the class. Ignore the last three. You won't be needing them this far into the year. |
He/She works in the town's library.
Do you have any idea what you're looking for? |
What can I help you with today? |
The library closes in 15 minutes. You need to finish up. |
I will eventually need some smaller background characters. It may be other teachers, students, etc.
This audition is just a mix of other character's lines. Feel free to audition with different lines if you wish.
You've got to be kidding. There's no way. |
Your chemistry class is on the other side of the building. |
Nope. You don't have a choice anymore. |