Merchant of Death (Organized Crime Audio Drama)

Merchant of Death (Organized Crime Audio Drama)

Project Overview

In Post WW2 1940’s Kansas, Arthur Raggio is a young man who just returned from the Pacific Front and is juggling PTSD alongside unemployment. He then meets: Martino “Terminator” Stavola a solider from the Pezzuti crime family and his life changes forever. The main character will go down a very violent path, which eventually leads to his death. This show is a love letter to the 1940’s pulp magazines and comics, while also showing factors and circumstances that can lead a young man to crime, issues that still plague our society today. Also it shows how tumultuous life in organized crime was. I do not want to glorify the lifestyle in any manner and I will do my best to make the life very unappealing.

These roles that I cast you in (bar extras) will be PAID!! This isn't a drill folks! You will be paid for each episode, once your lines are finished and approved. I forsee season 1 of this audio drama to be 8 episodes. If the show somehow manages to take off, a raise definitely will happen! I will stress that the roles will be very demanding emotionally for some characters and it will push you as an actor/actress. I will help guide everyone to the best performance, but I do appreciate a different take on a line or two. Other than that let's get to casting!! Best of luck to all of you!!

I want good-great quality microphones, if you have a lot of feedback in the background you'll probably won't be casted. I will let you try again though

Listen to the project it at:

https://anchor.fm/joshua-belmonte

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Latest Updates

  • Deadline Upcoming

    I'm still touched by all of the auditions I've received. All of you have made this tough. Just remember that even if you don't get a role, the door is always open to appear in some capacity. Its happened here before, all of you are talented. There will be another casting call coming up as well for female roles.
  • Season 2 Mini-Moviesodes is in production!

    Season One's production has hit the half way point of completion and we're starting production on season 2 and the movie-sodes before season 2. I will be putting up casting calls shortly for roles in these ventures. Best of luck to everyone!!
  • Harry Rogers Audition

    First of all, I'm blown away by the quality of the auditions that were sent in. Everyone did a helluva of a job and you all should give yourselves a pat on the back. Unfortunately I can only choose one and that time is coming close. Once the role closes and casted, I will keep in touch with those of you who auditioned, there are other roles, I have in mind. Also season 1 is live on anchor: https://anchor.fm/joshua-belmonte/episodes/Merchant-of-Death-Episode-1-eci2i0
  • Casting Finalization

    Its now the deadline and casting announcements will be made. Thank you for everyone who auditioned you were all wonderful and each of you deserve a pat on the back.
  • New Characters Up!

    I've updated the latest rounds of Casting Calls for the new characters I've put up. Each role will be paid and a contract will be signed upon casting as well. Best of luck everyone!
Voice Actor
Voice Actor
Arthur Raggio (Lead)
closed
Unpaid
Role assigned to: Poppletron

Early 20’s, Italian American who is a returning WW2 vet. Arthur is from Lawrence, Kansas and his parents whom are both deceased were originally from Syracuse, Italy. His childhood was troubled as he could never fit in with his schoolmates, and the death of his parents led him to grow up in group homes. As a child and a teen, he was impulsive, angry, and he always had a chip on his shoulder. His life was heading towards a downward spiral until he met the love of his life: Abigail MacGuire. They both met by chance, during a run-in at a local movie theater and they both fell in love. They married within seven months of their relationship and they were in wedded bliss, until reality set in. Arthur was jobless and Abigal works as a telephone operator, earning the bare minimum. Arthur’s prospects were grim until he saw an army enlistment poster and decided to serve, on the outbreak of WW2.

Audition Notes (Speak with your natural voice, I don't want an accent, until maybe the final round of auditions if you can pull it off.) 


Line 1: You're frustrated and angry at a world, you felt has abandoned you. You lash out at your wife, for the world's transgressions

Line 2: You're shooting the shit with your friend, speak like you're having a normal jovial conversation

Line 3: You're visiting the grave of someone who died in the war with you, the feeling is weary, you also feel a lot of guilt for survival, while that person perished. I want to hear a lot of emotion on here, if you need inspiration look up the scene in the film Logan, where he buries Charles Xavier. That's what I'm looking for

  • Listen, don't patronize me! Okay! I can see the look on your face, I know how troubled you are, about money!


  • I haven't had a good coming home meal yet. Abby made some spaghetti, but it tasted like egg noodles and ketchup. I long for a C-Ration again.

  • If you came back to what I've seen...you would hop right back into that grave. What did you, Staub, Cruz, Acampura, what did all of you died for? Some God forsaken piece of land, the only thanks I've received was unemployment and a thank you.

    I wish I did this sooner. I'm sorry, I didn't. I will visit Maggie one day, my friend, I promise. Until then rest easy my brother.

Voice Actor
Voice Actor
Abigail Raggio (Co-Lead)
closed
Unpaid
Role assigned to: Fussbudgetjr

Abigail Raggio formerly MacGuire, is an Irish woman in her early 20’s, whom also grew up in Lawrence, Kansas with Arthur. As a kid, she never paid attention to Arthur, as she was more studious and cared about leaving this small town to pursue big city dreams. As she grew older, however, she realized how her gender, limited her to any big city pursuits and she grew content with staying in Lawrence. Her parents encouraged her to learn how to do chores around the house, and Abigail resented them for not encouraging her dreams and aspirations. On a chance meeting at the movie theater she meets Arthur and her life is changed forever. With Arthur, he shows a much kinder and much softer side, of himself then others know. Many in town are shocked at the quick elopement and marriage of the two.

Her marriage to Arthur was a small rebellion to her overbearing parents and their relationship was severed from the marriage. One year from their relationship, she was pregnant with their daughter; Sophia and finically their prospects looks grim. While she held a job at a phone company, she was growing frustrated at Arthur’s inability to find a job. While she loved him, she knew to sustain their apartment, he needed a job. During WW2, while Arthur was away on duty, Abigail was having doubts on their marriage, but she held fast and remained firm in maintaining it. When Arthur returned, she realized the man she loved wasn’t coming back.

Line 1: Try to coax the man you love, from a PTSD episode. You try to sound understanding

Line 2: Your frustrations hit a boiling point and you accidentally let it slip

Line 3: You finally lose your cool and you yell back

  • Is there anything I can do Art? Anything at all? Coffee? Do you want me to sleep on the couch?

  • Where is this all coming from Arthur?! Why are you taking this out on me?! I know you've been through shit, and I told you, that you need a doctor!!

  • Arthur no one is discussing money!

Voice Actor
Voice Actor
Martino Stavola
closed
Unpaid
Role assigned to: Bpjenkin123088

Martino “Terminator” Stavola: Martino is an Italian man in his late 30’s, who is a soldier for the Pezzutti family. He grew up with loving parents, whom doted upon him. Martino did well in his studies, but during a Typhoid epidemic both of his parents passed away alongside his brothers and sisters. He was the only survivor of his family and with that began to hang out at the Northview Social Club where he met Antonio Pezzuti and Nino Pezzuti who were a crime family on the rise in Kansas. Martino did various odd jobs for them, until they trusted him more with extortion and various rackets around the city. Eventually he moved up and began to do hits for the Pezzutis and he gradually lost all forms of a conscience and was notorious for torturing his victims before killing them. Amongst the Pezzutis he’s known as “The Terminator”, although no one dares to utter that nickname to his face. During his rise he met, his wife, Angela Poltava and now in his mind, he has the family he always wanted back.

  • *I've written lines for him but it would spoil the next few episodes* So improvise and say something menacing

  • Where is my fucking money?!

Voice Actor
Voice Actor
Antonio Pezzuti
closed
Unpaid
cast offsite

Antonio “Hot Shot” Pezzuti: If Nino was the velvet glove of the two brothers, Antonio is the firm hand of the Pezzuti organization. Antonio was always protective of Nino, since they were children, and as the older brother, he felt responsible for Nino’s life. Knowing his brother wanted a quieter life, Antonio donned (no pun intended) a more outgoing persona, compared to his little brother, and can be seen in Kansas City wearing flashy suits and a different woman on his arm, every week. Antonio is a terrible decision maker and is very impulsive; he’s also an obsessive micro manager. It’s why many of the Pezzuti family Capos defer to Nino with decisions. However, most soldiers in the family have to report to Antonio and are subject to his strict micro management and most soldiers fear for their lives as the impulsiveness of Antonio can lead to their deaths.

  • *He doesn't appear until episode 3* Improvise a menacing line to a soldier who messed up a hit

Voice Actor
Voice Actor
James "Mad Dog" Kirkland (Co-Lead)
closed
Unpaid
Role assigned to: vlaurent

James “Mad Dog” Kirkland: Arthur’s best friend, whom he met at Fort Dix, since their units were segregated. Due to James being African American, they lost touch, until they met each other in Kansas and rekindled their friendship. James is an ambitious young man who wants to move up in life and wants to find a family to belong to, having lost his parents when he was young. Like Arthur, he found his job prospects grim due to his race and him not accepting making bare minimum to get by. James and Arthur meet at a bar one night when the pilot begins.

  • Same here Sarge, I haven't had a good night's sleep in God knows when. I haven't been to church yet in forever! My mom is pestering me to go so I can "Save my Soul." I also am thinking about getting a doctor...

  • Have you visited Matt yet? I just spoke to Maggie and she wants to see you Arthur, his whole family does. They just want to know what happened that day. They want closure Arthur.

  • I haven't found something like that for me. I still pinch my bed sheets screaming. I wish I was there with you Arthur.

Voice Actor
Voice Actor
Herbert "Mad Bomber" Foreman
closed
Unpaid
Role assigned to: Paper Rose

Herbert “Mad Bomber” Foreman: A Jewish hood, who threatens the co-existence of Pezzuti and Jacobs. He comes from a broken home and bounced from foster home to foster home. He is a cold blooded killer and is very sloppy in his work. Herbert doesn’t mind leaving a trail of bodies, as his gang: The Plug Uglies, has been carving a path of terror in Kansas City and Lawrence. His gang grows in number, as his policy of only asking 5% off of rackets and he doesn’t withhold promotions due to a person’s race, makes him popular amongst the disenfranchised in the Kansas area.

  • You created me, I'm now your monster, you let me loose to do your dirty work, now you're gonna reap what you sow.

  • I heard, you tried to kill one of my guys...

Voice Actor
Voice Actor
Emmanuel "Poison" Burton
closed
Unpaid
Role assigned to: Slew03

Emmanuel “Poison” Burton: The right-hand man and enforcer for the Jacobs family. He is as cold and calculated as Martino, but he’s less flashy about his work, preferring to give a quick death to his victims. His nickname poison, allegedly derives from his preferred method of killing, through poisoning his victims. He's a minor character in season 1, he will play a bigger role in season 2 and the actor portraying him will get a raise

  • Yes boss

  • Poison was always quicker, than a bullet, less messy... (ooze menace on this one)

Voice Actor
Voice Actor
Daniel "Machine Gun" Jacobs
closed
Unpaid
Role assigned to: RichieAmmons

Daniel “Machine-Gun” Jacobs: A rival of the Pezzuti family and head of the Jacobs Crime Family, the only African American crime family in Kansas. Daniel, prefers to make decisions that benefit for the long term, rather than short term goals. He is a calculated boss and his actions always have a purpose. Jacobs currently watches over his territory like a hawk as he and Nino Pezzuti have made a ceasefire in their war. However a new young gang, threatens this ceasefire. He respects, Nino, who always speaks cordially towards him, but hates Antonio who is a bigot and makes racist statements towards him. He will play a bigger role in season 2.

  • You've severely underestimated me

  • Checkmate, I've won this round Angelo. You and your goons have nothing on me!

Voice Actor
Voice Actor
Radio Announcer
closed
Unpaid
Role assigned to: LollipopShotgun

Try to sound like a 1940's news reel announcer, this minor character serves a purpose to detail what's going on in Kansas.

  • Breaking news in Kansas City! 5 dead in a shootout between two rival crime factions! The two factions are said to be representatives of the Jacobs and Plug Ugly families respectively.

    In other news, the Kansas City Blues lost to the Louisville Colonels 3-0 today...

Voice Actor
Voice Actor
Priest
closed
Unpaid
Role assigned to: Blake Hussey

A priest, who Arthur sees everyday as therapy. He will be in 3 episodes this season.  Try to sound fatherly with the lines and understanding.

  • Son, what is the matter? Is everything alright??

  • All the time son, I always wonder if the youth do not see a purpose in church. That they turn their backs on God.

  • Life and death is a scary concept, but we have no control over it. God is the one who dictates, he may have had other plans for your friends and a different plan for you.

Voice Actor
Voice Actor
Various extras
open
Unpaid

For various extras roles. You can also audition for major roles as well

  • Say anything

Voice Actor
Voice Actor
Random Mobsters
open
Unpaid

Its a show about the mob and I need a ton kf people playing extra mobsters. So if you audition for this youre more than likely going to be used. Male or females may apply 

  • Say something you think would fit (have fun with it :D )

Voice Actor
Voice Actor
Jr. Detective Calvin Scarpa
closed
Unpaid
Role assigned to: TylerChristiansen

He's the Junior Detective to Tom Stone. He may or may not be corrupt, but he gets results, when necessary. He has a very good arc heading into the next season as well. I cannot discuss that without spoilers, but I'd be glad to to share it with whomever is casted

  • If you don't talk, we'll find ways to make you sing like a canary.


  • I've heard enough from you smartass! Either give us what we want, or we'll sick the whole police force on your house!

Voice Actor
Voice Actor
Corina Pezzuti
closed
Unpaid
Role assigned to: blackcatbonifide

Despite trying to keep his life of crime away from her, Nino Pezzuti's wife, secretly knew of her husband's life of crime. With the events of season 1, she looks to pick up the pieces of the Pezzuti Crime Family and tries to earn back her share of the profit

  • No lines written yet. I'll base this audition based off of audition performance 

Voice Actor
Voice Actor
Kane Russo
closed
Unpaid
Role assigned to: Bryan Ha

Kane Russo is a gambler, who is an entitled brat, living off of his father's name. His father Gianni Russo is a capo for the Russo Crime Family in NYC. He frequently makes stupid bets and has the worst luck. He's the star of the Season 2 Prequel "Unlucky".

  • I want to put a thousand on the Shockers to beat the Pacific Tigers, in the Raisin Bowl!

  • Hey watch, those mentions of vanishing, I'll talk to Captain Russo...

  • Oh I'm sorry...I meant Martino, you know I'm good for the money, I just gotta wire my Pa, in New York.

Voice Actor
Voice Actor
Charlie "Big Nose" Baker
closed
Unpaid
Role assigned to: mlee031290

 A small-time hood with big time dreams, Charlie and his crew is making a choice that can either score them big bucks or have them sleeping with the fishes. (episode 10)

  • What'ya want cooper? I don't know nothing bout' that shooting! (say this away from your mic, to make it sound like he's speaking from the door)

  • Well, I don't know Bruce and I wanted to be clear from the jump. (nervous)

  • I don’t fuck with that crew. They’re a group of heavy hitters. I used to roll wth them when I was a kid.

Voice Actor
Voice Actor
Luca Cheezi
closed
Unpaid
Role assigned to: Anthony Ray Morales

A paranoid Capo for the Pezzuti Family, Luca isn't the brightest, but he's a good earner. It's rumored he still lives at home with his mom, an accusation he doesn't take lightly. (2 Episodes)

  • Godfather, I’m spooked out of my mind! The Freeman crew killed three of my guys and they also burned one of our vehicles! (sound paranoid)

  •  Go ahead Don! (sound anxious and nervous, just not too cartoonish on the nervousness)

Voice Actor
Voice Actor
Harry Rogers
closed
Unpaid
Role assigned to: MystianVoid

An aging gunrunner who is trying to find a way out of the trade. He makes his debut in the finale episode of Merchant of Death, with him recurring in two prequel episodes. Performance wise, I'm looking for world weary and worn. If you need inspiration for what I'm looking for, look up Robert Mitchum's performance, in "Friends of Eddie Coyle." (Don't replicate the accent, just the performance and mannerisms, when you record your audition)

  • You really woke me up from bed, with this sentimental shit Arthur? I'm freezing my balls off here. What'dya want?

  • And you think I could procure this with the snap of my fingers, like a genie? Do I look like Ali Baba here kid? What's the angle Arthur? What do you got?

  • You're in luck Arthur, I got a few guns in my junker car, take it instead and I'll take the vehicle you have now.

Voice Actor
Voice Actor
Glenn Jones
closed
Paid: Flat Rate 15 USD
Role assigned to: TorianB

*The VA cast for Glenn will be paid $30 for his role in the mini-movie sode "End of the Road" due to the higher word-count*

Glenn Jones is an African American former friend of James who joins the ranks of the Freeman gang. Glenn is a psychopath, who feels no remorse, for any crimes he commits and he generally likes to taunt any of his victims, before he kills them. If you want to base your audition of Glenn from any character in media, base it off of Laurence Fishburne's performance as Jimmy "Jump" from King of New York.

Line 1: Glenn is mocking the two victims he has standing in front of him and is beginning his taunting of potential victims.

Line 2: Have fun with this one, he's playing a game with potential victims on whose going to die. He's taunting them and playing with his meal, before he finishes them off.

Line 3: He finds out his friend, is in a relationship with the boss. He mocks him for shitting where he eats.

  • These are the two who sang to the cops? [Unimpressed] I expected them to be taller. Which one of these mother fuckers is dying?

  • Eeny...meeny...miny...moe...we caught a rat...by it’s tail...if he wants to wail...my momma said to pick the best...and you are...it [GLENN makes a gunshot noise with his mouth]

  • Wait a minute? Are you dipping in the boss’ honeypot. [Laughs and cackles] You haven’t gone soft after all mother fucker!

Voice Actor
Voice Actor
Leroy "Wheels" Smith
closed
Paid: Flat Rate 15 USD
Role assigned to: EdwardSabaVO

*The VA cast as Leroy will be paid $25 for his role in "End of the Road" due to the bigger word-counts*

[Will have a mini-sode focusing on him for Season 3 and will be a recurring character in season 2*

Leroy is an African American wheelman for hire. He's usually soft-spoken but he knows how to choose his words carefully and it's how he's survived in the world.

Line 1: He's stating matter of factly, what he's going to do on the job. He's neutral in terms of emotion for this line reading.

Line 2: A rare moment where he does a wisecrack.

Line 3: He's giving advice to James, who he considers to be his only friend in the crime life.

  • Wait for ten minutes and stay behind the wheel. Once you guys escape, I’ll drive us to the switch point, where we change vehicles.

  • That’s enough for us to be rich men. What are you gonna do with your money? [Jokingly]

  • It’s actually a pretty honorable investment, I wish you the best of luck James. What kind of business, did you have in mind?

Voice Actor
Voice Actor
Liam Russell
closed
Paid: Flat Rate 10 USD
Role assigned to: stanpai

*The VA that's cast as Liam will be paid $25 for his role in "End of the Road"*

Liam Russell is a gun supplier for Harry Rogers. An ex-Irish citizen who left Ireland, for better opportunities in America, has made a small fortune supplying guns. 

Line 1: He's greeting an old friend warmly. That's the tone, I want from this line reading

Line 2: Liam is making a point to a young gun runner and he's trying to school him in the ways of the crime world.

Line 3: He's being accused of being a rat. In the crime world, that's a cardinal sin, he's rebuking those claims with anger

  • You can see I’m doing great, you cheeky bastard. You see how much weight I’ve gained. My wife is cookin’ too well Harry haha. Whose the puppy?

  • Listen here son, you speak when spoken to. Harry here, is a fucking legend. He’s not well known, but he’s done solid work for this town. You still wantin’ to leave the game Harry?

  • That’s not true, I might not be the most scruple person, but I’d never sell out a fellow criminal. How dare you accuse me of that in my own business? [Angry]

Voice Actor
Voice Actor
Kostya Emelianenko
closed
Paid: Flat Rate 15 USD
Role assigned to: StuHolmes_VA

Kostya is head of a Russian crime family, who has a history with Hannah Freeman. He's very business-like and he has a penchant for violence. He's going to be one of the main antagonists of the series. The VA portraying Kostya needs to have a Russian accent, I have a Russian dialogue coach that can teach the cast VA the language.

Line 1: He's introducing himself to someone he hasn't seen in a long time. Do this line reading as warm and welcoming

Line 2: He's displaying frustration and annoyance at not being paid and Hannah going back on their agreement.

Line 3: Kostya is showing the power of his influence by trying to blackmail Hannah.

  • Hello Ana. It’s been a long time.

  • You wasted my time, why did you wait until we came, to give us money?

  • How would the people react, when they find out their hero is a fraud?

Voice Actor
Voice Actor
Vincent "Sport" Rossi
closed
Paid: Flat Rate 30 USD
Role assigned to: NateBarham

*Vincent appears in "End of the Road" and has a high word count. That's why he's priced at $30*

Vincent Rossi is a gunrunner in training. He served in WW2 and like many, couldn't find a job post-war. He now is trying his hand at gunrunning after calling in a favor from an old friend; Antonio Pezzuti. 

Line 1: Vincent is trying to question whether or not he can trust a contact. Be inquisitive with a hint of nativity.

Line 2: He's displaying frustration about his job prospects post-war and he's discussing why he's entering a life of crime.

Line 3: Something pretty bad happens to Vincent. Simulate the feeling of pain from being hit or anything. 

  • How do I know that I can trust him? How can I be certain, he’s not a stoolie?

  • I dunno, just needed something to do ya’ know. I got out of the war and I couldn’t find a fuckin’ job. So here I am.

  • Fuck! Oh God! [Screams in agony]

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