Nyctophobia: Season 1 Casting Call

(Professional) Have a nice day, Mr. Jenson. (Casual) Hey Andy, before you punch out, call Joseph Ridge and let him know a suite is now available. He’s been calling to upgrade one of his rooms. Oh, and have maintenance check room four again.

(Polite laugh) No, no. The Flower Viewing Festival is a Japanese tradition, and Kasumi’s favorite time of year. So, when she and Jordan built the inn, he planted a hundred trees for her so she’d always have her cherry blossoms.

(Struggling) Ugh. That’s it. You’re free. That sheet was TANGLED around you. I’m not sure how you made it back to shore, but thank God you did.

(Calling out from the cars) Mom! I can’t wait to show you your room. It’s a suite across from the one Libby and I booked. It’s got a whirlpool tub and a fireplace.

(Reassuring) Libby, it’s okay. There’s nothing there. The tree branch is bent funny, but there’s nothing there. You’re okay. The lower twigs must have brushed your hair and scared you.

(Hesitant, trying to ease tension) Mr. Jackass was making a lot of noise. I’m surprised my mom didn’t come out to knock some sense into him. (Pause) I know you’re busy, but I’m worried because she should have been out here because of that. Can you make another key card for me?

(Romantic sigh) Jordan planted a hundred cherry blossom trees among the maples for Kasumi. So that every year for a few weeks she can pretend she was back in Japan.

(Anxious, trying to be soothing) Joe, look at me. It’s Libby. You’re okay. There’s no woman. You’re out of the water. There’s a bedding sheet tangled around you. Paige is trying to get it off you. You need to stay still. Okay?

(Frustrated, but still loving) You just don’t want to “ruin” your mother’s vacation. Your health is more important than whether or not she gets “worried” during her getaway.

(Joking [about a massage appt]) Me? You want me to get touched by strangers? You’re a good son. I didn’t raise you for nothing.

(Gleeful) You all go ahead. I’m sure the room is fine. I want to talk to the head chef. Chef to chef, you know.

(Reassuring, cajoling, suggestive) Your mother and I are having the time of our lives. It’s like a second honeymoon. You kids go have fun, so we can go have fun.

(Horrified shudder) I don’t want to think about that. (Hesitant, seeking reassurance) That wasn’t blood, was it?

(Unsure, scared) No… maybe? I don’t know. I thought I woke up to it. But then something shoved me underwater. I couldn’t get back up no matter how hard I tried. There wasn’t anyone to fight. I couldn’t breathe or scream. I was so scared.

(Scared, panicking) What’s happening? (Pause as she struggles) I can’t move. (Scared sounds as she struggles) Oh, my God. (Raise her voice, frantic) Guys! Gu-Folks! TREVOR!

(Anxious) I got you. I got you. Easy, there… The water— Stay still! Are you hurt?! Where are you bleeding?

(Comforting, reassuring) Oh, Ellie bear. I rushed in here and I swear there was no one. I think you fell asleep and slipped underwater. Your brain must have filled in the blanks with the woman’s voice.

(Fussing) I just want to make sure. Are you sure you want to take a shower now? I have to go to work soon, we can shower together after I come home. Or I can just call out of work. Miriam can cover for me, she’ll understand. It’s no problem. Really.

(Worried) Woah! Hey, look at me. (Snaps fingers) Trevor, Trevor. In through your nose, kiddo, shallow and slow. Do not breathe through your mouth. You got that, Trevor? We good?

(Pleased) You’re welcome. (A little awkward) I– This is pretty bad. I wouldn’t want you to go through this yourselves. (Pause) You two stay out here and look around, but don’t touch anything. I’m going to check out the other rooms.

(Calm, authoritative) Enough. Trevor, call the police. It’ll be better since you know Curt. I’ll call the property managers again.

(Mocking) Your face is more honest than your words, Kate. I can see the displeasure in your eyes. Now, why would you be so unhappy that I’m here?

(Annoyed) I say what is and is not appropriate, Bill. I need to wrap her nightgown around her head to keep the blood from dripping everywhere.

(Point blank) You are here with me, her blood is on your hands, too. Do you think anyone will believe that you are innocent? We are in this together.

(Challenging to her mom, standing up for her baby brother) What? Call you out when you’re being a bitch to my brother? You’re in pain, I get it. But take a good look. Your son is scared of you right now. Yeah, right now I do dare.

(Reading to self, under her breath) What next? The Cassidy family bought the house in 1914. Please have a peaceful life… or not. “…in late autumn of 1919, Christina Cassidy went missing…” (Snarky) Of course she was never found. Why would she be? And then the Bellevilles moved in 1954. What happened to you folks? Something awful, probably. Oh yay, there’s pictures.

(PANIC) Dumas! I can’t find Sebastian! He was right here! He was on my bed. I turned around for a minute! Sebastian! Where are you? Sebastian! Can you hear me? Where did you go? Sebastian!!

(Angry) I can presume as I please in my own home. You’re the one overstepping, Elizabeth. How dare you come into my home and call me vile names?

(Frantic) I’m not dead! Elizabeth! I am not dead! Please! I’ll leave! I’ll do whatever you want! I won’t see Douglas again.

(Casual, sultry) Don’t you worry about it, sugar. Go ahead, punch the code in.

(Take a few deep calming breaths, coaxing) You’re right. I’m sorry, Sebastian. Mommy is cranky and in pain from her boo boo. I’m going to take some pain meds and take a nap. (Less affection, a little pissy) Wake me up when you leave, Jasmine.

(Defensive, annoyed) What do you mean? I already told you what happened. I sent him upstairs to get ready for his nap. All of a sudden, I heard a crash and I ran up there to find the TV on the ground. He was standing beside the dresser, saying it wasn’t him but no one else was there.

(Darkly curious, to Jasmine) How does it feel to live in a haunted house, Miss Jasmine?

(Polite) Evening, Miss Jasmine. What’s got you looking all worried and serious.

(Cheerful, conspiratory) Just me. Listen, I found something interesting about your house. Did you know that the wife of the original owner hung herself on that huge magnolia tree?

(Persuasive) But if it’s a grape popsicle, it’s the same popsicle. The same popsicle is still one popsicle.

(Concentrating on counting his steps, faltering) One, two, three, uh… four, fiiiiive? Six! Mommy… is this a step? It’s super big.

(Defensive, slightly confused) He didn’t want me to tell Mommy about him. He said don’t trust Mommy. Never trust Mommy. Mommy hurts.

(Searching, desperate) Jeremiah?! Where are you?! Jeremiah Arthur Henry! Answer me, young man!

(To self, scared) Please. Get up. Please, move. You can’t sleep here, Rosemary. Come on, body, move. Why can’t I move? Jeremiah? I’m scared.

(She starts to cry, scared) I don’t want to die.

(Slightly down, insecure) Thank you. Do you think Dad forgot about me? I heard at school that dads forget their kids when they get new girlfriends.

(Automatic, gruff) No. (Pause, hesitant, reluctant) Yes. He smiles a lot now. But he doesn’t talk to Mom’s picture anymore. He forgot her already.

(Indulgent) You’re right, Mina. (Polite) Mrs. Bates, I think we’re here. Your doorbell doesn’t seem to be working, though.

(Soothing, emphatic) That’s not true. I will always love your mother, and I will always love you. IF I fall in love with someone else later, it won’t change how I feel about you and your mother. Do you only love your mom, and not me?

(Unhappy) Yes and no. There’s a lot of rotted pipes. The job is going to be bigger than we thought. I’m going to have to come back with more people and supplies.

(Reassuring) I can pencil you in for Thursday. Is three days enough time for you to think it over? You can call us with your decision. The sooner the better.

(Professional, polite) Springford Police, Dispatcher Walters, this line is recorded. Where is your emergency?

(Professional, calming) If you are able, please leave the house and go to a neighbor’s in case the intruder is still inside, but only if you feel safe doing so. Stay on the line with me.

(Reassuring) Ma’am, I understand this is stressful, but I need you to take a deep breath and stay quiet. The police will be on scene in five minutes. Is there anyone else who is home or might be home?

(Gruff) The upstairs is clear. There’s no sign of anyone up there

(Sarcastic, patronizing) I understand you’ve had a scare, but there’s nothing we can do. Here’s my card. If you think of anything else, or if something else happens, please give us a call.

(Professional, authoritative) Ma’am, give us the keys and step to the side. Do not enter the house.

(Encouraging) That was the smart thing to do. What happened after that?

(Polite) Hi. I have a large pepperoni pizza, two side salads, and a soda for Amy.

(Professional, unhappy) Ah, Mr. Jenson, I’m sorry. I don’t have the authority to do that. If you could have a seat and wait a few minutes, our Guest Services manager will be in soo— (Relieved) Oh! Here she is. Paige, could you come here?

(5/10 customer service voice) Front desk.

(Losing patience) Look, there’s no one that can fix your minifridge right now. The bar is closed. I cannot give you free alcohol.

(Demanding) As I was telling your receptionist, I want to cancel the rest of my stay without penalty. I have never been in a more dissatisfying room. You call this a five star hotel? I’ve stayed at hotel no-tells with better rooms.

(Rude, entitled, angry, threatening) Fine! Just wait until I tell everyone about this. You don’t deserve a five star rating.

(Reassuring, polite) No. Wait. The steam room and sauna are co-ed. You’re fine. Come on in.

(“Eye roll”) It’s a teaching story. They’re not always sunshine and rainbows. Anyway, the land got so saturated by despair and hopelessness that it got nicknamed Suicide River.

(Concerned) But you shouldn’t be in here for more than fifteen or twenty minutes at a time. You could faint from the heat if you stay in here too long.

(Disturbed) And they put a freaking inn here?! Do the owners know this? There must be hundreds of ghosts here, thousands!

(Heartbroken, shock, begging) Niswiak? Niswiak? Akwi… Akwi! Niswiak, akwi, nda nda nda!

(Professional, pleasant) It’s nice to meet you, too. I’ll be taking you into room 2. Jules, you’ll be going in room 1 with Stella. She’ll be right with you.

(Drunk) Stupid phone. Where? (Into phone) Hello? What? I’m in the lobby. Babe, the bartender knows how to play piano. What? Okay. (Back to Andy) Hey… Andy.

(Angry) You haven’t even come up to look at it. (Sly) Fine. Then, you should bring me some cold beers or a bottle of wine, for free, to make up for this.

(Furious, entitled) How dare you put me on hold like that! If you do that again I will have your job!

(Polite and slightly nervous) Hi. I’m in suite 8, the one upstairs on the left.

(Worried and meek) Excuse me, but have you found my wife?

(Belligerent) I want to talk to your boss, right now. I’m not filling these stupid things out. No one looks at them. You’re just trying to cover your asses.

(Livid, unreasonable) Don’t bother. I don’t care if it’s four in the fucking morning. I’m getting my shit and getting the fuck out this crap hole.

(Amused) You take after your maternal granddad. He’d approve of your ruthlessness. (Cautious) Maybe ruthless ain’t the right word. I’ll tell you what I heard him say a lot. (Imitating a deep and refined tone) “No one who wants to achieve anything of note can afford to be indecisive or weak.” (Back to himself) He won’t have gotten his hands dirty himself, though.

(Professional) Mr. Grey, as I mentioned before, there’s nothing I can do at the moment. I have sent an urgent request to the maintenance department. They will get back to you first thing in the morning.

(Annoyed) Mr. Grey, I didn’t say for you to disturb your neighbor. We at the Sommer Apartments are the ones to contact the residents of that apartment.

(Upset) Trevor called me. Hmph. Elizabeth Nicole, what were you thinking going into someone else’s apartment like that? You’re in trouble for breaking and entering, did you know that?

(Wryly) You’re right. I guess I’ve been a Legrasse long enough to pick up their bad traits. Well, if that’s the case, I’m Legrasse enough to have a say in the family. (Loving, reassuring) I’ll talk to them.

(Friendly, mischievous) Oh, yes he did. You didn’t notice everyone limping behind the bar? Trevor spared no one that was on shift with him.

(Gleeful) But, since it was all for you, Ellie, we were happy to help. Once the bruises went away. Okay, okay. I’m leaving. Have fun, love birds.

(Professional) You suffered a dislocation in your left knee. You also have multiple bruises from the fall. I’m going to ask you a few questions. Please answer them as honestly and accurately as you can. Okay?

(Professional, pleased, warm) That’s good. Well, your vitals and everything else are fine otherwise. We can set an appointment to get a cast for your ankle early next week. A nurse will be in to help you with that.

(Slightly gleeful, gossipy) She doesn’t. But, she would as a small favor to her… patron. Especially when he wants her there, but can’t explain her to his wife.

(Sharp glee) My dear, how did you think Kate got so popular so quickly? Without doing her time at a speakeasy?

(Taken aback) The same Miss Kate Glasglow that’s on stage right now? I didn’t know she did private shows.

(Shocked, eager, disdainful) Oh, my. I didn’t expect her to… Well.

(Waking up, frail, old) Who’s there?

(Polite) Thank you for inviting us over, Ella. That was kind of you and your husband.

(Polite, a little competitive) It’s perfectly fine, Ella. Louis and I are getting to know each other. There was a position that opened up down here and I was promoted. I’ve always liked it here. I have to say, though, it’s different from Boston.

(Pleased, polite) Oh, hush. It’s our pleasure to have you. It’s been years since we moved into this house, but I remember how awful it was. Not having to worry about dinner is one thing we can help with.

(Polite) Hello, Miss Jasmine, Mr. Sebastian. It’s lovely to meet you. My family lives across the street. You have such lovely children, Krista. May I call you Krista?

(Polite, friendly) I’m chief editor of the New Orleans Times Magazine. How are you liking New Orleans? What has you and Krista moving all the way from Boston?

(Regretful) That's a shame. The Manifest Track team hasn’t been doing too well these last four years. However, Mr. Lanigan’s youngest daughter is the other fencing vice captain.

(Eerie) Hush my baby don’t be scared, Mama will be right here. Mama will watch you while you dream. It will be alright even if you… Shhhhh…

(Worried leading to frantic despair) Bastien? Oh. You are not here… Bastien? You win, mon chou. Maman cannot find you. Come out. Where are you? Maman gives up. You win. Why is the front door- oh no. Bastien?! Bastien!! Non! Non! Bastien! Où es-tu?! BASTIEN!!!

(Gruff, a little out of breath) Nah. Once you’ve been doing this a while, you get a system in place. And a good team makes things quick. I don’t envy the unpacking, though.

(Polite, placating) I just mean I’m not the organizing type. My spouse’s the one for that. I’d forget where I put my head if it wasn’t attached.

Whistles in the dark: Inheritance.

Dirty Water: Nightmare.

444: Check In.

Dolls in the attic: Magnolia.