Overview
Government experiments on unassuming persons have fanned the flames of conspiracy theories since the 19th century, but two teenagers have first-hand accounts of an incident that forever changed their lives. Set in 1991, Lucidus Somnia tells the tale of Kendra and Michael, who managed to escape the clutches of a government research program designed to study children who possess a rare phenomenon called "the three Ts" - telekineses, telepathy, and teleportation - and their mission to right the injustices of the world.
About the Production
Bargo Productions is casting for Season 1 of Lucidus Somnia, a science fiction podcast. It is a serial drama with each episode continuing where the previous episode's cliffhanger ended save for the season finale, which will wrap the story arc. The episodes will be presented in the style of a radio drama with music, character dialogue, and sound effects immersing the listener into the story without the distraction of a narrator. Each season will contain 6 to 8 episodes that will run from 30 to 45 minutes.
While there is occasional swearing, the content would likely receive the following ratings in visual media formats - TV-PG, PG, B, R13, 12.
About the Casting
Cast members will be required to sign a buyout contract with Bargo Productions. If you are selected, when compensation is greater than or equal to USD 600 in a single calendar year, you must submit Form W-9 to Bargo Productions. You will receive a 1099-NEC and will be responsible for paying income taxes to the IRS. If you do not want to submit a Form W-9 directly with us, you can alternatively transact with Bargo Productions using our trusted third-party, Fiverr (see International Requirements). They will handle all of the tax documentation and payment distribution.
All payments not handled through a third-party contracting service (e.g., Fiverr) can be made through PayPal or a business check by mail.
All cast members will have profile cards featured on the Lucidus Somnia website. The cards will include the voice actor's photo, a brief bio, and links to social media and/or demo reels. Principal actors are also listed verbally in the credits of each episode.
If cast, you will be invited to a Discord server, which is how we communicate. You will have access to the rest of the cast and a private channel to chat directly with the production staff about your character.
International Requirement
Due to the complicated income tax laws in the United States, if you are outside of the United States and are cast, you will be required to transact with us through Fiverr, a trusted third party that makes employing creative contractors easy. They handle collecting and providing all tax-related information directly to you for your respective country and distributing payment for your work from us to you (we will pay the 20% surcharge that Fiverr charges). We have already worked with international talent on pre-production activities for Lucidus Somnia with great success.
About the Roles
We are casting multiple roles and will consider all candidates for any number of roles for which you may not have auditioned. Please read our International Requirement section if you are located outside of the United States.
There are roles for three principal actors, nine supporting actors, and two character actors that will play all minor/extra roles. We prefer to work with as few voice actors as possible so you are welcome to audition for as many roles as you would like. All actors will be self-directed, requiring a minimum of three takes per line unless otherwise stated in the script or from directions received before recording. Ad libs are permitted so long as the original dialogue is captured three times.
Audition information
In an era where representation is more important than ever, some characters are written specifically for voice actors of color to portray and will be noted. Please be both mindful and respectful of this requirement when it is present.
Please record a minimum of two takes per audition using the AABBCC method when auditioning. Read all dialogue from the first block, and repeat it before moving to the second block. You can record more takes if you like, but don't get crazy.
The deadline for auditions will be July 1, 2022. If second rounds are required, they will be before July 15, 2022, with the final cast selected before August 1, 2022. Scripts will be sent to voice actors once casting is complete with a deadline for completed work being September 2, 2022.
We will not have the bandwidth the critique or give feedback on your auditions.
Lucidus Somnia will launch some time in January of 2023. Check out our trailer on all podcast platforms or YouTube with enhanced visuals. Congratulations, and many thanks to the amazing cast for bringing this project to life.
Links can be found here - https://lucidussomnia.com/listen/
Bargo Productions
This role is exclusively open to Black/African-American voice actors
15 years old, student, kind, thoughtful, emotionally mature, composed
From the outside, Kendra's family life is the definition of the American dream - she lives in a quiet upper-middle-class subdivision with her amazing parents and dog, attends a prestigious college prep academy with a 4.5 GPA, and is very well-respected in her community as a junior volunteer and youth leader. Despite the appearance of perfection, there are things about Kendra's upbringing that never really made sense to her. She has been going to a psychiatrist twice a week and on cocktails of medications for as long as she can remember without anything being "wrong" with her.
The series opens with her being at odds with her parents because she senses they have been keeping something from her.
A "young" version of this character is available that is about five years old. Ideally, the same person will play both parts (yes, you will be paid twice), but you will be required to audition for both roles. Not auditioning for Young Kendra will not disqualify you from playing Kendra.
(frustrated; she is arguing with her parents)
And here we are with the gaslighting again. Every time I ask you questions about this, you avoid answering, but as soon as I get upset about it, you both somehow make it seem like I'm the one with the problem.
(beat, then even more frustrated)
I do everything right around here. I have a 4.5 GPA, I'm the head cheerleader and the freaking junior Physics champ of the world, but you've suddenly been acting like I'm this horrible person that never does anything right. And because of some stupid dream?
(baffled, she's talking to herself in the midst of a lucid dream)
Huh? Here I am in this hallway again. Did I fall asleep in the library during Study Hall...
(beat, then humored)
...and take that Quantum Physics book with me? I've never taken anything with me to this place. This dream just keeps getting weirder and weirder.
(beat)
I still can't hear anything behind this door. It must be made of concrete.
(beat)
Mackenzie asked if there were any other nameplates on the other doors. Since I'm here, I might as well find out.
Oh, and before I forget. What exactly is going on between you and Dejuan anyway? If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were starting to like him.
This role is exclusively open to Asian/Asian-American voice actors
15 years old, student, loner, intentional, non-conformist, logical
Michael has been living with his adoptive father since he was seven years old in a high-rise building in the city's center. While Michael's home life is everything he could ever need, Michael is a complete loner and has never had any friends in his whole life, primarily by choice. Michael has never seen eye-to-eye with people his age and prefers talking to adults as he avoids all interactions he deems unnecessary or trivial. The series opens with him making it a mission to reunite with Kendra, who he hadn't seen since he was six and the closest thing to a friend he's ever had.
A "young" version of this character is available that is about five years old. Ideally, the same person will play both parts (yes, you will be paid twice), but you will be required to audition for both roles. Not auditioning for Young Michael will not disqualify you from playing Michael.
Hmm...let's see what this guy has to say.
(reading from the computer screen)
Hello. I know you don't know me, but you and I were the only two that used to interact with Black Widow and those posts about the virus she claimed to know about. Don't you think it's suspicious that those messages have disappeared off the face of the earth even though only about five people even read them? I think there was something in those messages that someone didn't want anyone to know about. I've been studying them, and she layered in some pretty cryptic shit. I even think I know who she really was.
That's true, but he sat me down on his last day and said that he was going to be leaving and that Doctor Blakely would be taking his place.
(beat)
He knew that I never liked Doctor Blakely, so he said that if I wanted to leave the facility, all I had to do was "forget." I didn't know what that meant right away, but it sure made sense once Blakely took over. He was ruthless.
I think so. I didn't get to talk to her. The Student Council president was showing me around, and I only saw her from a distance.
(beat, then excited)
But she looked straight at me, dad, and I could see in her eyes that she knew who I was...even from a distance.
This role is exclusively open to Indian/Indian-American voice actors
55 years old, neuropsychiatrist, fatherly, logical, gentle
Affectionately called "Doc" by Kendra and Michael, Doctor Padaki immigrated to London from Bombay, India (Mumbai today) as a young adult in the 1970s. While in London, Doc obtained a Ph.D. in Neuropsychology and Physics and was subsequently hired to create and lead research on children that exhibit qualities of what was then only called ESP by the United States government. The series opens roughly fifteen years after he created the program, and he serves as a mentor to Kendra and Michael throughout the series' run. Think Giles from Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
The character can have an Indian or British dialect (or mixed).
(infuriated, on the phone)
Doctor Sanjay Padaki here. We have a code red security breach in monitoring room C. I repeat. Code red security breach in monitoring room C. It looks like a patient has escaped.
(beat)
Yes, and bring the sedatives.
Fair enough, but in this instance, there is no way she could have seen what was in this tube, and yes, it is a picture of precisely what she said - the Golden Gate Bridge with a boat underneath.
(beat)
Do you mind if I perform a little experiment with her?
I saw an almost human side to that man the day Kendra disappeared, but now that she's back unharmed, you can guarantee that he'll be back to his old tricks again. This will change everything for her, and not in a good way.
15 years old, student, spunky, boy crazy, determined, confident
Mackenzie has been Kendra’s best friend since first grade. They live only a few houses away from each other and have never argued a day in their lives. Despite being the same age, Mackenzie idolizes Kendra and her family because their relationship was always storybook perfect in her eyes. The series opens with her being curious about the dynamic change between Kendra and her parents and whether or not her crush and good friend Dejuan likes her the way she likes him.
So then my mom was all, like, "Get off the phone. You have a test tomorrow." And I whispered quietly to her, "Mom, I'm talking to Dejuan Coleman, the quarterback of the football team." Then she yells out at the top of her lungs, "I don't care if you're talking Jesus Christ, the lord, and savior!" I was so embarrassed.
(beat, then playfully annoyed)
Um, hello?! Earth to Kendra! Are you even listening to me?
Hear what? We're outside in the middle of a busy courtyard during lunch.
(beat, then excited)
Oh my god, Kendra. Look! Fresh meat at 12 o'clock, and he is all kinds of hot.
(calling out)
I'll get it.
(answering the phone)
Reynolds residence, Mackenzie speaking.
(beat)
Oh, hi, Mrs. Nichols.
(beat, then concerned)
She won't? Well, is she okay? I tried calling last night, but...
(beat)
Yes, ma'am. I'll check in after school.
(pause)
You, too. Bye.
59, Neuroscientist, conniving, determined, intelligent, untrustworthy, main antagonist
Doctor Blakley is Doctor Padaki's senior working for the United States federal government. While Padaki oversees a program specializing in children, Blakely oversees the totality of programs designed for people of all ages and skill sets.
Last I checked, I am the boss around here, which means I run the show. But since you "caught me," I'm going to be completely honest with you. I was conducting an experiment with her.
(losing is patience, he's lying to a 5-year-old about her dog being sick)
Kendra, look. You have to do this... I told you your dog is really sick. Do you want him to die?
(proudly)
The third "T"! We were remote viewing one of the subjects in Germany, and boom, she somehow teleported there in the room with him...
(laughing with excitement)
...all the way to freaking Germany! Isn't that great!?
28 years old, news reporter, matter-of-fact, curious, strong
Braden is a beloved newscaster known for his charming yet personable way of reporting the news. When Braden is introduced, he is grieving the loss of a loved one. Despite the considerable age difference, he befriends Kendra, Michael, and Doc after they provide the information he needs for a big news exposé. It is unknown yet whether this character will be developed beyond season 1.
(shaken, he's talking to a doctor about his wife's deteriorating health)
I knew I should have flown back when I talked to her last night. She sounded terrible, so I had our neighbor check on her today, and that's when he found her.
(thankful but in disbelief, he is receiving the missing piece of research he needed for a story)
Thank you. But...how did...how did you get your hands on this?
(presenting to camera on the air)
Thanks, Jeff. I'm sitting here with Doctor Kennedy of Pfizeneca Pharmaceuticals, makers of the miracle drug that is saving the lives of millions of people who could have potentially been infected with the deadly virus that has already killed hundreds of thousands worldwide.
(to Doctor Kennedy, the person he is interviewing)
Doctor Kennedy, this must be a proud day for everyone at Pfizeneca.
This role is exclusively open to Black/African-American voice actors
41, physicist, intellectual, logical, always gentle, a "cool dad"
Kenneth is Kendra's father and has worked as a physicist in his adult career. Because he is aware that his daughter is hyper-intelligent, he gives her a little more freedom as he knows she always does the right thing. The story opens, however, with him at odds with his daughter.
(debating with his wife....remember this guy is always gentle, even when arguing)
But she wouldn't be a lab rat, Sondra. The doctor assured me that she would be in a special program designed for little kids like her.
(beat)
How many more times can we make up excuses to complete strangers on how Kendra just so happens to accurately rattle off items in their purses or suitcases at the airport?
(this dialogue is in a flashback so he's talking to a four-year-old version of Kendra)
No, sweetheart. I told you that most of the art in the building was purchased from art galleries all around the world, remember?
(to Doctor Padaki)
She's an exceptionally good artist for her age, so she's always inquiring about any art she sees.
(numb)
I can't believe Kendra is still missing... Vanished... into thin air.
(beat)
I'm so sorry I didn't listen to you, Sondra. This whole thing is my fault.
52, Pharmaceutical Scientist, headstrong, heartless, goal-oriented
Brad Kennedy is the Director of Pharmaceutical Innovation for the leading drug manufacturer in the world. He stops at nothing to win, even if it means destroying the people who get in his way.
(condescendingly; he's confronting a person even though he has evidence of their guilt)
Yes, well done. However, for some strange reason, the DNA sequencing recorded for tests 567 through 590 filed some months ago doesn't match the sequencing they have today. In fact, the sequencing is now identical to tests 35 through 39 from last year. Now how do you suppose that happened?
(convincing; he's being interviewed on national television)
What's unfortunate is that there really is nothing anyone can do but load up on vitamin C and just hope they don't get sick. I also encourage everyone to contact their Senators and House members to see if Congress can get this life-saving vaccine escalated to the top of the FDA's priority list before we're dealing with a pandemic.
(yelling)
I want every piece of surveillance reviewed for the past six years now!
This role is exclusively open to Black/African-American voice actors
41, homemaker, overprotective, cautious, assertive
Sondra is Kendra's mom, and much like her husband, she trusts Kendra's ability to make good decisions. The story opens with her at odds with Kendra for the first time.
Absolutely not! There is no way I'm going to allow Kendra to become some lab rat in that research facility. You've told me the things that go on there.
But what do you mean? You were eager to put her into this program, and we thought she was doing so well.
38, Architect, matter-of-fact, protective, "cool dad"
Rick is Michael's adoptive dad, raising him as a single parent. The story opens with Michael telling his dad about a recent discovery he's made.
Alright, don't be a smartass. It's the Calculus the school is calling me about, and it's the Calculus you said would be done before dinner tonight. When we agreed to this whole homeschooling thing, it was under the condition that you'd do all of the work on time.
This role is exclusively open to Black/African-American voice actors
16 years old, student, athletic, cool, aloof
Dejuan transferred to Kendra and Mackenzie’s school a couple of years prior on an athletic scholarship and has become a good friend to both. He likes to laugh and is a friend to everyone he meets. He currently sees Mackenzie as nothing more than a friend, a little sister even, and has no idea she has a crush on him.
Why? (playfully) You interested in him or something?
(beat)
Maybe you met him at one of those competition thingies.
I haven't been feeling well since this morning, and I feel like I'm getting worse by the minute.
This is an open call for character actors with a broad range to fulfill all minor/extra characters that will have a few lines and no character development beyond the first season. The audition will cover three of the many minor roles - a German scientist, a research assistant, and a headstrong conspiracy theorist.
(panicked; German accent required)
The target is locked and ready in the German location—starting camera for the live feed.
(this is the conspiracy theorist sharing his research)
It depends on which ones you're talking about. I've been studying these things for years, and different patterns do different things. The one up that's up there right in front of us gets some people sick. Y'all heard about that killer flu going around? You can thank that thing right up there for it. That's my theory, at least.
(this is the research assistant)
Kendra, I know you've answered this before, but if all of the cards are faced down when we play, how do you really match them all correctly on your first try?
This is an open call for character actors with a broad range to fulfill all minor/extra characters that will have a few lines and no character development beyond the first season. The audition will cover three of the many minor roles - a high school receptionist, a scientist, and a research assistant.
(school receptionist, southern/Texas accent encouraged)
I cannot apologize enough for us not being better prepared for your arrival. No one even remembers entering your registration, but computers don't lie!
(slyly)
I wish I could say the same about my husband!
(She laughs at her attempt at humor)
(this is the research assistant)
(concerned; helpless)
I need you in Michael's room right away! He's been crying uncontrollably for the last half-hour, and I can't get him to stop.
(this is the scientist)
(in a heated discussion with her superior)
I have worked for Pfizeneca Labs for 20 years. My patents have made this company millions, if not billions, and you're firing me? On what grounds?
This is the 4 to 6-year-old version of Kendra Nichols. She is wise beyond her years but still has the playfulness of youth. Young Kendra appears in flashbacks.
(suspiciously)
Doctor Blakely, I don't think I want to do this. I'm scared.
(after a dialogue exchange, she is now very upset)
No, something bad's gonna happen! I'm scared!
(calling out)
Hello? Is anybody there?
(beat, then curious)
I can hear him, but it sounds like he's coming from inside my head. Maybe I should try talking to him in a different way.
She wasn't on an airplane, she was in an airplane, and it had her name on it - British Airways.
This is the 4 to 6-year-old version of Michael Pham. Young Michael only appears briefly in flashbacks.
I'm sad because I don't know where I am. The doctor is supposed to help me with my (attempting to pronounce it) telekin...telekin...telekineses.
Doc and I did a really cool trick today where I moved a bowling ball across a room into a big swimming pool! It was so cool!
(concerned)
Where's Kendra?
(beat, then panicked)
What happened to Kendra? She's gone!
