"Still, I think it's good to cling to sparkling hope. When everything else feels dark and hopeless, that melody alone proves there's something to strive for."
Haruki, a second year college student, is about to give up.
After three years of high school trying to start an idol club, each year failed time and time again; he now has no real hopes to be an idol or to start a group anymore. One fateful day will change that. With turns and new friends learning what it means to restart, where will this journey take them? Will they shine and become what they strived for? Or will it be nothing but a crashing, floating dream?
LinkS Re:Story is a multimedia male/masc-presenting idol group story, featuring original songs and albums, VA in character and OOC streams for special events, voiced VN-style episodes, and much more. This is a long term project, and main cast members are expected to sing at least once during the duration of the first season of episodes. Non-singing side character roles will be marked as such.
When auditioning, give a short introduction in the text portion of your audition (name and any socials at minimum). For those auditioning for roles that require singing, please sing the first 20 seconds of the song linked, and include it as a Google Drive link in the text portion of your audition. This is for a blend test of auditions. Auditions for main cast members without the singing sample cannot be considered, so please do not miss this! SONG CHOICE
Hey there everyone! Shortlisting will begin this weekend, 5 July, and will be consistent during the rest of casting! If you get dismissed and would like some feedback, remember to join the discord!
Most common things to be dismissed for, tips to adjust, and feedback on submissions will be available there! https://discord.gg/rP9pmnYsEq
Hello everyone! While we've received many strong auditions, a big reminder to submit the audition file alongside your audition! Your audition cannot be counted if you don't have it - it's necessary for blend test purposes, which will narrow down the selection at the end between the stronger candidates! If you submitted your audition without the audition song (linked in the project description!) please add it within the next few days, otherwise your audition will be dismissed and you'll have to re-audition! Thanks again for all the wonderful support so far!
Hey there! I've now opened the discord for auditioners and fans - there you'll be able to learn more about the cast, see key visuals and edits, and submit auditions for review AND feedback! Hope to see you there!
![[ singing role ] HARUKI ASANO](https://images.castingcall.club/role_images/1503456-singing-role-haruki-asano.png)
Voice Actor
The protagonist of the series. A very kind, idol loving young man. President and founder of the idol club, and main lyricist and composer for the group. Easily flustered when people question his interests. Hopes to be a good leader for the idol club.
Haruki’s voice should be lighter, slightly nasally, and very boyish/cheerful. He tends to stumble over his words when excited, and is very expressive of his emotions.
(Introductory) Ah, hey there! Welcome to the club. Sorry, there’s not much going on here just yet… b-but don’t worry! I’m sure we’ll get more members…eventually…
(Deep in thought) I’m sure there’s a melody in there… (pause, frustrated) Aghhh!! I just had it! Man…
(Flustered, slowly starting to speed through his words) W-well I mean there’s not much TO say about the club, it’s just been me since I started it after all, but I’ve been working on a song this year that should really bring in some members! I’m just stuck on the melody, the chord structure for the second verses is also a little messy, and then the bridge here… (trails off)
![[ singing role ] HUAN CHAI](https://images.castingcall.club/role_images/1503459-singing-role-huan-chai.png)
Voice Actor
A loud and eccentric guy from Taiwan. Very passionate about anything and everything idols, but gets horrible stage fright after each performance. Very blunt when speaking his mind and stubborn about what he wants in life.
Huan’s voice should be nasal, cheerful, and shrill at times. He’s very VERY expressive and has a tendency for the extremes when it comes to emotions and reactions. Knowledge of Mandarin a bonus, but not required for the role.
(Introductory) Hey-hey-hey!! C'mon already, you know you wanna join the club right? Being an idol is the PERFECT solution to all your problems! Feeling sad? Nervous? Ugly? All of it goes away when you’re an idol, 100% guaranteed!! H-hey, where you goin’?!
(Nervous, terrified) There’s so many people in the crowd I might vomit… (Deep breaths) (Sudden Anguish) UWAGH!! There’s NO way I can do this but I refuse to back out! IS THIS HELL?! (light sobs)
(Ecstatic) Wánměi!! (wan mei) This is it! You’re an absolute genius Harurun, GENIUS I tell you! This’ll go straight to the top of the charts in Japan- No, the WORLD!
![[ singing role ] MASAO IWAI](https://images.castingcall.club/role_images/1503464-singing-role-masao-iwai.png)
Voice Actor
A timid guy with a passion for clothing design and gyaru fashion. Tends to dress more modestly during school, but likes to dress very stylish when he's alone or with trusted friends. Is actually a semi-popular IRL streamer, taking people on tours of shops downtown.
Masao’s voice is very calm, docile, and level. In his usual state he sounds like your average guy with a moderate range, but while he’s in gyaru style he tends to exaggerate his words and go higher than his usual pitch.
(Introductory) Oh, hello there! I see you’ve met the other two, haha… (sigh) They’re a bit of a handful, but they mean well and they’re helping me come out of my shell. I’m grateful to them, really. Haha!
(Nervous) Man, there really are a lot of people out there… Kinda cr- (ahem) (Encouraging) It’ll be a lot, but we got this! …right?
(Joking, exaggerated gyaru style) ‘scuse me? Do I know you baby? ‘Cuz you’re totes in my spa- (Shock) Ah- (long pause, slight shame under the breath) …you saw nothing, right…
![[ singing role ] KATSUO HANASAKI](https://images.castingcall.club/role_images/1503466-singing-role-katsuo-hanasaki.png)
Voice Actor
A gentle guy with a green thumb and a passion for crafts. Loves to sing to the plants he works with, but gets embarrassed when caught. A dedicated horticultural major, his passive nature doesn't allow him to give up taking care of the school garden even when he's the only one maintaining it.
Katsuo’s voice is very mellow and warm, on the lower end of the middle range. He has a habit of humming to himself whatever tune he’s heard recently, and isn’t prone to yelling unless severely provoked.
*Feel free to choose whatever tune that comes to mind.
(Introductory) Hey there! Woah, careful! (short sigh) There’s a lot of stuff to trip on up here, so watch your step ok? Wouldn’t want you hurting yourself or the plants, haha!
(Humming*, in his own head) (pause) Ah- (Embarrassed) H… how long have you been here watching me? (Nervous laugh) Jeez, just warn me next time!
(Worried) If you guys are hurting for practice space, it’s gotta be because of the student board right? They're pushing for a lot of construction on the liberal arts wings… (Pause, thinking hum) Okay! You guys can practice up here, as long as I can watch. Fair deal?
![[ singing role ] SUSUMU OGAWA](https://images.castingcall.club/role_images/1503469-singing-role-susumu-ogawa.png)
Voice Actor
A hardened, stoic man and the son of a local yakuza family. Taking a business major to help with the family, but prefers music - is close to and in business classes with Kenji and Tomas. Learned how to play guitar to compose his own music someday, but didn't know how to sing at all prior to joining the idol club.
Susumu’s voice is VERY deep and only slightly monotone, with a yankee/gangster way of speaking. He had to be coached on how to sing after joining the idol club, but after coaching he seems to have a decent (albeit very low) range.
(Introductory) Oi. (Short pause) Am I s’posed to say somethin’? I ain’t got much to say anyway.
(Aggressive) AH?! You got a bone to pick with me or somethin’?! I’ll kick your sorry ass if you don’t get outta my face!
(Sheepish, apologetic) Sorry, wasn’t very proper of me. S’posed to have my temper under control by now…
![[ singing role ] YUKIO KANAZAWA](https://images.castingcall.club/role_images/1503473-singing-role-yukio-kanazawa.png)
Voice Actor
A happy-go-lucky guy with a love for crafting - especially garage kits for figures. Loves anime idols with all his heart, even to the point of dancing along with them while he watches. Childhood friends with Haruki.
Yukio’s voice is very bubbly and nasal when speaking, with a steady and full tone when singing. He tends to doubt himself a lot, especially in stressful situations.
(Introductory) Whoops! Sorry, I almost ran into you there! My game’s got this new limited event and my favorite character’s the SSR in the banner, so I’m a little distracted, ahaha…
(Excited) Woah, this one’s limited edition! How did you find this Haruki? Oh man, you gotta let me help you with the painting on this at least, pretty please!
(Doubtful, speaking quieter) I was terrified of doing this whole idol thing, aha… but! “A path not chosen is the same as a path that never existed,” right? Let’s do our best!
![[ singing role ] KENJI ITO](https://images.castingcall.club/role_images/1503474-singing-role-kenji-ito.png)
Voice Actor
A rough around the edges guy, with a lot of snark when people talk back to him. Member of the track team and the disciplinary board, very strong with a short fuse for his size. Business major alongside Susumu and Tomas.
Kenji’s voice is very boyish and shrill, with a lot of snark whenever he speaks to people. He sings very playfully however, a stark contrast from his usual attitude.
(Introductory) Sup. (Pause) (annoyed huff) Look, how long are you gonna keep staring at me? If you need something, use your words. I’m not a fuckin’ mind reader.
(Irritated) No, no, NO! Absolutely not, are you a fuckin’ idiot?! (Annoyed sigh) This is how you injure yourself, improper form and no warm up whatsoever. Jeez…
(Level-headed, speaking quieter) Now look. Now’s not the time to doubt yourself. I’ve seen you during practice and I know you’ve got this, and you’ve got us with you too.
![[ singing role ] TAKAHIRO AKABANE](https://images.castingcall.club/role_images/1503477-singing-role-takahiro-akabane.png)
Voice Actor
A dramatic boy with a penchant for the theatrical. A member of the theatre association alongside Min-Jun, and an avid fan of classic literature. His flamboyant personality fades when he's alone, turning into one that's more quiet and reflective.
Takahiro’s voice is very dramatic, on the higher end of the middle range. He tends to add a dramatic flair to his usual sentences, but he has a wider vocal range than most people expect.
(Introductory) FANTASTIQUE! Ah, pardon my sweet, I got a bit excited at the idea of a new voice blessing our choir. That IS what you’re here for, right my darling? (short pause) Non? Tsk, another time I suppose.
(Concerned) The stage is set, our choirs lie in wait, and yet… What is this uneasiness in my heart? (shaky pause) (Serious) The show must go on, it always has.
(Dramatic, fake tearful) AHHHH, NON!! This is no good, no good at all I tell you! Ah, something like this would ruin the balance of your entire face when the light hits! (short fake sobs)
![[ singing role ] TOMÁS CABALLERO](https://images.castingcall.club/role_images/1503481-singing-role-tomas-caballero.png)
Voice Actor
A sleepy guy, one with a habit for disappearing and reappearing at random. Always tired due to his chronic lung issue that has to be monitored constantly if he does any physical activity. Will perk up immediately at the mention of cute things or girls. Business major alongside Susumu and Kenji.
Tomas’ voice is very light and sleepy sounding, on the lower end of the middle range. He speaks slowly and tends to nod off easily if the conversation isn’t interesting enough - but will immediately perk up to twice his usual energy if anything cute or about girls is mentioned. Knowledge of Puerto Rican Spanish is a bonus, but not required for this role,
(Introductory) zzz… mm? Sorry, I usually sleep here when the game design club doesn’t meet~ Don’t mind me… (drifts back to sleep)
(Slightly irritated) Mmm, too loud… You guys are too worried about all this...
(Perked up, happy) Ahahaha, this fabric feels nice! You two outdid yourselves, it’s so shiny… We’ll get so much fan mail with these, the girls won’t be able to keep their eyes off us!
![[ singing role ] MIN-JUN SEO](https://images.castingcall.club/role_images/1503486-singing-role-min-jun-seo.png)
Voice Actor
A more silent member of the theatre association, works behind the scenes with lighting and scenery. Not a huge fan of the spotlight, but is a perfectionist in everything he does. Has a very cool exterior, usually perceived as cold and annoyed by people. Is attached to the hip with Takahiro, thinking him to be the perfect star of the show.
Min-Jun is very monotone, with a lower pitch to his voice. He tends to speak in a slower cadence, thinking about what he'd like to say before speaking. Sings in a bordering baritone range, second lowest voice next to Susumu. Knowledge of Korean is a bonus, but not required for the role.
(Introductory) Good morning. (pause) Did you need Takahiro? He's not here at the moment, so I- (pause) ...me? No no, I just work backstage.
(Thinking) If it was me... Hmm... (pause, bluntly) Nah, I wouldn't be here. That's lame.
(focused, certain) It's now or never, though... never thought I'd be on stage with you guys.
![[ singing role ] HIKARU AYASE](https://images.castingcall.club/role_images/1503492-singing-role-hikaru-ayase.png)
Voice Actor
The student body head representative and keyboardist for the band Polyphonia. Believes everything must be done with a clear goal and passion, otherwise it’s worthless to pursue. Wishes to get into an elite production studio for music after graduation.
Hikaru’s voice is lower and somewhat gravelly, with a sullen, sour attitude towards things he doesn’t agree with. He’s prone to voice cracks and hotheaded behavior if things don’t go his way.
(Introductory) Student body representative, Hikaru Ayase. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to come to me. I’ll settle it quickly.
(Aggressive, getting heated) If you have no goal behind all of this, then what’s the point? It’s nothing but pointless fooling around if you don’t have something to work for!
(passive aggressive) Idol music is nothing but cheap commercialism. I don't understand why anyone would pursue such trash.
![[ singing role ] KAITO USHIMARU](https://images.castingcall.club/role_images/1503495-singing-role-kaito-ushimaru.png)
Voice Actor
A transparent and skittish boy, with not much to say about him - since he never shows up anywhere - and the president and only member of the Occult Club. Many believe he's a school myth, but he's simply sensitive to light and social situations. Has been shirking his club related duties at his club to spy on a certain member in LINKS...
Kaito's voice is mid-ranged and very airy and wispy, like he's barely there. He has little confidence in himself, and tends to stutter or backtrack often. A slight lisp to the way he talks.
(caught off guard) A-ah... I uh, I was going to... (pause) N-nevermind, I'll see you later!!
(gentle, happy) It took me so long to work up the courage to talk to you all, a-and even though I just work behind the scenes... thank you.
(comedically tearful, slightly panicked) I-I-I-I swear I'm not a creeper o-or a stalker!! I've t-tried to talk to you b-before but you never n-noticed me! (small sobs)
![[ singing role - side cast ] MINATO ISE](https://images.castingcall.club/role_images/1503501-singing-role-side-cast-minato-ise.png)
Voice Actor
An eccentric showman, the lead vocalist/guitarist for the band Polyphonia. He has a flourish for pyrotechnics and grand finales, and has big plans to study in England soon.
Minato has a very cool guy, eccentric voice. He should have a lot of power and oomph behind his words, and sings with a lot of power. He's a rock singer with the confidence to match!
(Introductory) Yo yo yo!! Need an autograph? (scoff) Of cooourse you do! Here, get in close and the whole band can take a selfie!
(Serious, mellower than normal) Listen Hikaru, you gotta give it a chance, yeah? Nothin' should be knocked before you try it, y'know?
![[ side cast ] DAISUKE FUJIOKA](https://images.castingcall.club/role_images/1503505-side-cast-daisuke-fujioka.png)
Voice Actor
A cheerful guy, and the go-to member of the photography club alongside Kaito. LINKS relies on him for all their promotional images. Wants to work in Hollywood someday, and loves getting the behind the scenes shots of real up-and-coming idols.
Daisuke should have a very relaxed way of speaking, warm and not too bass-y. He feels very "boy next door", and should always feel friendly.
(Introductory) Hey, welcome in! I just got my gear set up, wanna be my tester model? (laugh)
(Muttering) Huh, the exposure's off bad in these photos... Did I mess something up? (pause, speaking normally) Okay, one more time! Let's try some different settings this go 'round!
![[ side cast ] NAO HAYASAKA](https://images.castingcall.club/role_images/1503506-side-cast-nao-hayasaka.png)
Voice Actor
A guy usually overshadowed by anything, and the student representative's treasurer. He's never really seen or heard of by anyone, and uses it to his advantage when grabbing the more stubborn club's bank sheets for the month. Comes from a wealthy family, and is secretly LINKS' biggest donator.
Nao speaks in mostly noises and sound effects, as he is a selective mute. His vocal pitch and tone is up to interpretation, so have fun with it!
(questioning) Hm? (realization) ...oh! Aha!
(nervous) Hum... (curious) eh?
![[ side cast ] TSUNEO KUSUMOTO](https://images.castingcall.club/role_images/1503508-side-cast-tsuneo-kusumoto.png)
Voice Actor
A very tired man with a passion for his students, and the school nurse/advisor for the idol club at Chigusa University. Used to be an idol in his younger days, but retired when he finished college to get a more stable job. Hopes he can find a good man someday.
Tsuneo should sound gruff and tired, a man who's dedicated to his job but by God does it wear him down. Will have scenes in side episodes where he'll have to sound drunk.
(Tired, trying to sound interested) Right... Well there's no requirement for club members to rent out club rooms, just fill out the paperwork for it. Keep in mind you might get kicked out by the school reps if they need the room.
(Drunk, frustrated) Aghh, Shouheiiii... why is the dating scene so pitiful?! (hic) These damn idiots never know what they want, wasting my time!!
![[ side cast ] SHOUHEI KANZAKI](https://images.castingcall.club/role_images/1503512-side-cast-shouhei-kanzaki.png)
Voice Actor
A gentle man, and the headmaster for Chigusa University. Enjoys the arts, and encourages all his students to find their passion whatever it may be. Friends with Tsuneo, and comforts his many drunken dating rants.
Shouhei's voice is deep and mellow, like a guiding figure in people's lives. He should sound his age (mid 40's) and shouldn't sound too rough or grating.
(Introductory) Please, have a seat. I assure you have a time slot with me on the schedule? (pause, then laugh) I kid, I kid. Now, tell me what's on your mind.
(Amused, comforting) There there Tsuneo, I'm sure your time will come. Romance takes time, yes?
![[ side cast ] KAZUYA SAKASAKI](https://images.castingcall.club/role_images/1503515-side-cast-kazuya-sakasaki.png)
Voice Actor
A very plain guy with a kind heart and the student representative's Vice Head. Blends in with a crowd well and doesn’t take the spotlight often, but people recognize him for his kindness and cheerful words. Is often the voice of reason for many people within the series.
Kazuya’s voice is very plain, very boy-next-door sounding. He doesn’t have many vocal quirks to speak of, and can easily blend in with a crowd; he’s very kind to others, so people cling to him.
(Introductory) Student council vice president, Kazuya Sakasaki. I know my fellow council members are a bit of a handful, but they’re very helpful if you’re patient! (whisper) And you can always come to me if you need help!
![[ side cast ] TADASHI YAMADA](https://images.castingcall.club/role_images/1503521-side-cast-tadashi-yamada.png)
Voice Actor
A cunning boy and the student representative's secretary, and is seen as serious and necessarily stern by most. He has an unsettling smile whenever he gets close to Haruki however, and becomes scarily obsessive and clingy to him. This attitude disappears almost completely once Haruki is out of his line of sight.
Tadashi should be able to flip from level headed to quick and obsessive very quickly. He does not have a set voice range in mind, so be creative!
(Introductory) Hey there, need something? That's what our council's for! (pause, whispering) Hey, you uh... have you seen Haruki around? (pause) N-nevermind!
![[ side cast ] RENJI KUNIMASA](https://images.castingcall.club/role_images/1503529-side-cast-renji-kunimasa.png)
Voice Actor
A guy known for his sullen face, the drummer for the band Polyphonia. Despite his usual sour expression, he’s quite kind and helps people selflessly.
Renji is very blunt and doesn't speak much, but when he does he tries to make sure his words carry meaning behind them. He doesn't have a set voice pitch, so get creative!
(Introductory) Name's Renji. (pause) ...Did you need something else?
(Serious) Hikaru. (pause, sigh) You can't keep fooling yourself.
![[ side cast ] SHIGEO ARAKAWA](https://images.castingcall.club/role_images/1503534-side-cast-shigeo-arakawa.png)
Voice Actor
A punkish happy-go-lucky guy, and the bassist for the band Polyphonia. Helps everyone with a casual vibe, and goes with the flow of things.
Shigeo doesn't take things too seriously, liking to go with the ebb and flow of others. If he speaks his mind on something or goes against the grain, it's serious! He doesn't have a set voice pitch, so get creative!
(Introductory) Sup! You meet the rest of the band yet? (pause, chucke) I'm not too interesting, but glad to meet'cha!
(Serious, almost yelling) If this is something you wanna do, why are you gonna throw it away like this?! (pause, sigh - quieter) You're talented Hikaru... I don't want you to give up.
![[deadline august 16] (soft-reboot) wizardess heart fandub main/supporting cast (long term roles) part 2](https://images.castingcall.club/project_images/image-1271348-default_847018maxresdefault.jpeg)
