Karakuri Circus (ENGLISH DUB)
Project Overview
At MOST, this project will cover up to 3 episodes, to encourage viewers to support the original work! At the moment, we are only recording 1 episode. The audition deadline is the absolute latest, but we will be choosing cast members quickly, so try not to push auditioning off if you intend to audition!
Karakuri Circus is a Japanese anime that has not yet received an English dub. The story follows Masaru Saiga, an 11-year-old boy pursued by powerful puppeteers for mysterious reasons. Protecting him are Shirogane Saiga and Narumi Kato—two skilled fighters who form an unlikely bond as they guard him from danger.
This FANDUB project, directed by Mr. Apparition, will respect the original series (all rights remain with the creators). We will begin with Episode 1 (13-page script), released on Apparition Dubs, a new spooky-themed channel dedicated to anime dubs and more. Again, At MOST, this project will cover up to 3 episodes, to encourage viewers to support the original work!
Project Coordination
Mr. Apparition: Channel owner, funder, & editor
Nikki Robinson (P1nkgu1n): Contact for voice actors. Responsible for team management and social media
Compensation
Main roles: $10–$25 USD for Episode 1
Some minor/free roles available
While modest, this is a great opportunity to help bring the anime to life in English and provide voice actors with a portfolio piece!
Episode Details
Approx. 24 minutes long
Narumi has the most lines in Episode 1
Shirogane enters midway
Time-stamped script and full episode reference provided
2 months maximum to record lines independently for 1 episode
Future Episodes
Continuation depends on Episode 1’s reception and the cast’s interest. We are proceeding one episode at a time to avoid long-term commitments.
Submission Guidelines
Record in AABB format
Provide at least two takes per line
Direct any questions to P1nkgu1n
Discord is required for communication
We are excited to hear your auditions and can’t wait to see your interpretations of these characters!
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Narumi Kato is the ultimate tough guy: rough around the edges, brash, and seemingly only out for himself—yet beneath the gruff exterior lies a heart of gold. He’s loud, bold, and hilariously over-the-top.
Narumi lives with a strange “condition”: in order to survive, he must keep people laughing. If he fails, he suffers an attack resembling severe wheezing or an asthma episode—so strong comedic timing and the ability to perform exaggerated coughs and wheezes are a must!
Voice; A gruff, tough-guy delivery with a comedic flair. Think gravelly, larger-than-life, but able to switch between intimidating and absurdly funny.
Please include your Discord username in your audition!
Compensation: $25 USD Flat Rate - 1 Episode
Find scenes of him here!: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/7uzpjbq6fpmrakp56scvq/AAv0d0AmfMjsFvWDYaw6_U4?rlkey=82ob2uiku1spzh2l3qo7yr4cu&dl=0
- english
- loud
- gruff
- comedic
- male adult
- energetic
(Loud, full of energy and determination) "Don't give up. You didn't do anything wrong. If you need help, shout for help! If you're angry, speak out! Fight, struggle, do anything you can. And if all else fails, I guess all you can do is smile."
*Coughing. Wheezing. Almost comedic.* "Ack-! Another attack. I need someone to laugh...anyone-"
(Tough-love) "Hey you! I knew it, you dumbass. What are you doing?! You're going to get yourself kidnapped."
Shirogane Saiga is the steadfast protector of our young protagonist. She’s sharp-tongued, quick-witted, and unwavering in the heat of battle—delivering lines with a calm, almost eerie composure when facing danger.
But when speaking to the 11-year-old boy she’s been tasked to protect, her tone shifts entirely: warm, gentle, and almost motherly. Shirogane is both protector and caretaker, balancing a battle-hardened edge with tender concern.
Voice: A dual performance—cool, commanding, and razor-sharp in combat, yet soft, nurturing, and even a little anxious when doting on the boy. Must be able to switch between protective authority and maternal warmth seamlessly.
Please include your Discord username in your audition!
Compensation: $15 USD Flat Rate - 1 Episode
Find scenes of her here!:
- english
- Quick
- female adult
- Soft
(Protective) "Mister Maseru, stand back. I will handle this! Who are you?! I demand to know!"
(Her battle call. Example in link) "Arlequin!"
(Softer) "It brings back memories. Your grandfather called it arlequin. Your grandfather hired my mother when you two were in France."
Eiryo Ashihana is one of the series’ primary antagonists. He carries himself with a calm yet razor-sharp demeanor, exuding quiet confidence and pride. Beneath his composed exterior lies a vein of arrogance, making him both compelling and intimidating.
His voice should be smooth, self-assured, and tinged with condescension—capturing the essence of a man who sees himself as superior to those around him.
Voice: Smooth, elegant, and arrogant. Understated, but with a cutting edge. A villain who doesn’t need to raise his voice to dominate a scene.
Please include your discord in your description!
While his role in Episode 1 is limited, Eiryo will become a major character later on, which may result in future compensation opportunities.
- male adult
Don’t worry. I’ll finish the job. But to do so, may I use “Pulcinella”?
One was just a passerby. A normal person. But the other was one of us. A puppet handler.
Ohh, don't worry. I'll take care of it. You have no reason to doubt someone with skills such as mine, yes?
Grandpa Saiga is the wise elder of the Saiga family—a man of intelligence, elegance, and quiet strength. He carries himself with dignity and speaks with the patience of someone who has seen and understood much of the world.
Though kind and gentle in demeanor, his words are weighted with wisdom and experience. His voice should carry a subtle gravely texture, evoking both warmth and authority—reminiscent of a mentor figure like Master Shifu.
Please include your Discord in your audition!
Voice: A calm, measured delivery with a touch of age. Gentle when speaking to loved ones, yet capable of commanding respect when imparting knowledge or guidance. Gravely, wise, and deeply reassuring.
- male senior
Of course. For some reason, all Saiga men develop a keen interest in these. Puppets with clockwork innards that make them move just like humans. We call them “Karakuri puppets.”
The Saiga family’s property amounts to several billions. And it will all be yours someday.
(Solemnly) No, of course not. Nor the difficulties it may cause you one day.
The Doctor is a quirky older man with a delightfully eccentric personality. He’s overly friendly, a little unpredictable, and tends to approach even serious situations with a carefree, nonchalant tone. His energy makes him instantly memorable—equal parts charming and odd.
This character leaves plenty of room for interpretation, inviting actors to bring their own flair and creativity to the role.
Please include your discord in your audition!
Voice: Fun, kooky, and warmly eccentric. Think of a friendly older neighbor who’s just a little “off”—nonchalant, overly enthusiastic, and always entertaining. Playfulness and improvisational spirit encouraged.
- male adult
Darn you, calling on me at all hours all the time!
She’s a real hottie! Your late grandpa would be proud, Narumi. Hahaha!
(Chuckling) That boy doesn’t think so. I’ll be upstairs. Let him sleep a while before going home. Don’t forget his meds
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