Fire Over the Narrow Gate - Round 1 (Episodes 1-2)
Project Overview
Elevator Pitch:
A pre-apocalyptic tale, Fire Over the Narrow Gate is an intimate story about a Christian man caught in the middle of a violent conflict between two political/ideological extremes in the aftermath of a nuclear explosion.
Disclaimer:
This audio drama deals with political, ideological and religious topics. If these are sensitive topics for you, I encourage you to think about this before auditioning. I also encourage all actors to audition regardless of political affiliation or religious beliefs. This is a self-contained story that explores faith, personal motivations, and the consequences of extremes. If you were to remove the Christian element, I believe it would still stand on it’s own as a compelling pre-apocalyptic thriller. I also want to note that there are some expletives in the script. I use harsh language pretty sparingly, but it's used to cement the narrative in a believable world and as a tool to flesh out the characters. The characters that cuss in the story will be marked with a * in their name. Please consider this before auditioning for those roles.
!IMPORTANT! Payment: This is a Passion Project. Looking for talent that shares in a collaborative vision, putting forth effort toward achieving mutual vision. All selected participants will be required to sign a contract, which will detail payment based on the the likelihood of monetary success. (In other words; If the podcast makes money, you'll get paid a percentage of profits depending on word count for the character you were selected for.)
Carrying the weight of the untimely death of his wife Jeanette, Caleb Montgomery has retreated into the mountains to find solitude and focus on his relationship with his Savior Jesus Christ. Self-Sufficient, Caleb hunts and gathers in the woods surrounding his cabin, making a once a week trip into the city to preach the Gospel. A man of routine and deep devotion, Caleb cares much for the souls of all he encounters. One day, after Caleb's morning prayer, a Nuclear bomb is dropped on the city he frequents for his preaching. The aggressing nation unknown, and in deep disorientation, Caleb must navigate the ensuing local conflict between the US Military and the local chapter of a Militant Neo-Communist/Anarchist group known as "The Sovereign People's Communal Front (Co-Reign)." With the crushing pressures of Reggie Hamilton, leader of a small band of Co-Reign militants, and the envy of Colonel Cassius Clyfford, commander of a local Army base, Caleb must uncover the mystery behind the conflict and hold onto his faith as he has no choice but to confront increasingly violent and deeply depraved circumstances in the wake of a looming Nuclear Holocaust.
Expectations:My goal with this audio drama is to provide a self-contained, compelling, professional and politically unbiased narrative in 7 Episodes. Aiming for each episode to be 30-45 minutes in length, maximum. Originally, I wanted to turn this script into a film or a cinematic mini-series. I've also considered turning it into a novel. However, since I became a member of CCC, I thought an audio drama would be a good middle ground as a medium. You get all the detailed descriptions of each scene via Narration, while also conveying atmosphere and story through VA, SFX and Music. With that said, my expectations for auditions and audio quality are as follows;
Auditions:
Please read each description for each character carefully. While I am open to artistic interpretation, the heart of each character should be portrayed accurately in your audition. I'm choosing my actors for each role based off tone, emotion, professionalism and if I can close my eyes and see the character by just hearing your voice.
Please provide AABBCC format for each submission. If you want to submit multiple auditions in different voices, feel free to do so, but keep each submission locked to this format. Use the two takes for each line to play with the delivery, but maintain the voice for that submission.
Please submit each audition in .wav with a minimum of 48,000hz. If you submit in any other codec or frequency, I'll send you a private DM to ask you to resubmit with the preferred audio file.
Please feel free to write whatever you think is appropriate in the comment of your submission. If you want to provide links to demo reels, I'll be happy to check them out. However, each role will be cast based on the portrayal of each character. So, regardless of experience, I encourage everyone to audition if you think you'll be a good fit for a role!
Audio (Quality/Set-up):
Please do not audition if you're using a headset or phone microphone. Any audition that either doesn't meet the codec/frequency expectation noted above, or has so much background noise/noise in general that it's difficult to understand you or get a good read on your portrayal, you will be requested to resubmit with better equipment.
You're not required to do any audio cleanup/engineering for either your audition or, if you're selected for a role, your line submissions for this project. I will be handling all the Sound Engineering for this project, so I just need the raw audio files. However, for the auditions I would like you to trim the audio to fit the format noted above in the Audition Expectations. If you want to edit the audio a little, maybe to clean up background noise, then feel free. But please, no filters/pitch correction/anything that you would layer on top of your voice to either "enhance" it or change it in anyway. I want to hear you! This also applies to any added sound effects or music, please leave those out as well.
Please refer to this list for gear/set-up expectations:
-Audio Interface: Scarlet 2i2 or equivalent-Microphone: Any XLR Microphone with Clear Sound Quality
-Environment: Limited/No Noise. Preferably a sound booth/sound proofed room/sound proof box around microphone.Expect live direction if you're selected for a role. If live direction is not something you're comfortable with or unable to facilitate at your recording location, then please still audition, but note that in your submission comment.
My name is Jason Isaac Melnyk. I'm a carpenter by trade, looking to turn my creative hobbies into successful projects. I also go by my handle, "JustSomeDude" and you can find me here on CCC. I'm a Christian, a creative, and all around pretty basic boy, lol. I love stories, music, the arts. I'm originally from Washington, USA, but I've traveled quite a bit in my 32 years on this Earth, so I'm pretty open-minded when it comes to other cultures. Mostly, I'm insatiably curious and devoted in pursuit of objective Truth. I love voice acting for others and thought I'd try my hand at creating my own project here on CCC! This is a passion project of mine and I'm hoping this project will be successful enough that I can convert it into other mediums, including a Mini-series and Novel. With that, I hope you take the time to consider auditioning and I look forward to hearing everyone's submissions!
All the Best and God Bless,
-JustSomeDude
Ai Disclaimer:
No Ai will be used in the making of this audio drama, aside from the placeholder portraits for the characters and the art on this CCC project page. The art and placeholder portraits are only meant to convey the tone of the project and will not be seen anywhere else, aside from this CCC project page.
Copyright Claim:
All IP produced for this project is under sole ownership of Jason Isaac Melnyk. Any rights to content produced via 3rd party (VA/VO, Music, SFX, Art, etc.) for this project will be outlined in the ensuing contracts, issued upon acceptance of hiring/role/participation in this project.
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Living in solitude out in the mountains near a large city, Caleb is a middle aged-older man with a history of tragedy. Devout Christian, humbled, rough around the edges, gentle, kind, charitable, mildly fearful, courageous when he needs to be, a modern prophet. Carries the weight of his wife’s untimely death, but doesn’t let it embitter him. When in doubt, leans on scripture. Maintains a personal relationship with Christ. Warns gently, acts swiftly. (m) - Willing to accept all American accents, as long as the emotional tone of the character is met. If doing an accent, make it subtle please. I'd like it if the accent compliments the character and doesn't become the character's identity.
- english
- warm
- male adult
- american
- Rough
- radio drama
- adult
- male senior
- Gentle
- Humble
- Enlgish
- all american accents
I don’t expect everyone to understand, when I give a sermon. The point isn’t that everyone understands, just those willing to listen. Not everyone listens, you know? It’s easy to just wait for your turn to speak, holding onto that thought you had the moment you ended your last sentence, clinging to that idea you’re afraid you’ll forget the moment the other person is done speaking, all while grinning enthusiastically, pretending you’ve digested every word that has been said. In a way, it’s like a person is lying, don’t you think? But when we listen, truly take in the substance of what’s being said, allowing ourselves to absorb every word… then we’re truly being honest. That’s who my sermons are for, that’s who I want to reach… The honest.
(In sermon) "And Jesus answered and said to them, 'take heed that no man deceive you! For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ!'" that is, that they represent the truth, because Jesus also says about himself in John, "I am the way and the Truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through me."
(Cautiously) It's ok, I come in peace.... I'm not armed. This is my property, I just want to know what you're doing here and.... (notices injury, increases concern) what happened to you?
The Narrator. Unbiased, clear, warm, good at subtly communicating the emotional tone of each scene. (m/f) - Along with Caleb, this will be the most lines. The Narrator's job is to communicate clearly and be able to express the emotional tone for each scene, though subtly.
- english
- all american accents
- adult
- radio drama
- clear
- narration
- male adult
- female adult
- audiobook
- warm
With his arms extended and a bible in hand, the preacher beckoned for the passersby on the crowded city streets, to hear the message of his Savior, Jesus Christ.
Jim had seen these militants before. Co-Reign, an abbreviation for, "The Sovereign People's Communal Front." Jim had always thought it was a silly abbreviation. Implying that a group of lawless ruffians could ever share power, let alone responsibility, amused him. But he wasn't laughing now, and if the stories he heard on the news were any indication, they weren't bluffing.
Caleb's arm came to an abrupt halt, his hand still clinging to the duffel bag resting in the bed of his truck. He turned cautiously toward the origin of the noise. Caleb was familiar with the sounds the various fauna made in the mountains, but that didn't sound like any wounded deer he'd ever heard before.
Colonel in the US Military, Cassius knows how to get what he needs out of others to further his mission. A self-professed "Christian," Colonel Clyfford uses his religion to justify his actions. Manipulative, Charming, Calculating, Idealistic and Authoritative. Cassius believes he's bringing forth the Kingdom of God, despite how many causalities it takes to get there. (m) - All American accents welcome. This character can have a heavier accent, but I encourage you to play with subverting stereotypes in your audition. This character's primary motivation is to his mission, which is what separates his "Christianity" from that of Caleb's, who's mission is for Christ. Imagine a man who puts his will before God's, but then rebrands it as God's will. What environment/conditions do you believe a man like that would be from?
- english
- radio drama
- warm
- all american accents
- strong
- male adult
- authoritative
- idealistic
- american
Don't worry Mr. Montgomery, you're not a prisoner here. One of the perks of being a United States Colonel. (Drops a stapled packet of documents onto the table) My boys found everything there is to find on you. No affiliation with the terrorist organization known as, "Co-Reign." So, from my purview, you might as well be a spotless lamb.
(Mildly frustrated) I'd say you're right Mr. Montgomery, though He also told his disciples to purchase swords for themselves. That's what my men and I are... we're the swords.
(Unemotional) Mhm, yes sir... I understand. Consider it done. (To soldier) Private, get Sergeant Williams in here... (Last minute) And find that damned Preacher!
A product of the American Foster system, Reggie grew up with uncontained aggression for anything he perceived to be unjust. Outspoken, Vindictive, Impulsive, Jovial, Outgoing, Idealistic, and Narcissistic. Reggie was deeply rooted in his local art scene before taking his art out onto the streets through militant advocacy. Eventually, he joined up with the local chapter of the militant neo-communist/anarchist group "Co-Reign." He quickly claimed seniority and reverence from his fellow militants. Hates when anyone tells him what to do. Practically has shed all signs of any traditional value structures, in favor instead of a relative perspective on human morals. (m) - All American accents welcome, though subtle use of accents with Reggie. It's more important to communicate Reggie's resentment, aggression, and demanding nature, though excited/jovial when he's in a good mood. He's boisterous, loud, commands a room. Had Reggie not gone full militant, would have made a great stage actor.
- english
- male adult
- loud
- adult
- all american accents
- american
- boisterous
- radio drama
- Jovial
- resentful
Desiree, Desiree, how are you doing beautiful? We were worried about you once the shooting stopped. We were all, "Where's Desiree!?" (Laughter turned to excitement) You should have seen it, those fascist bastards were limping away like wounded dogs!... I'm thinking of renaming Nick here to the "Veterinarian." Son of a bitch was euthanizing them left and right.
(Suspicious) Pleasure to meet you... Thanks for taking care of my girl here. She's a fighter this one... (Beat to look around the room) Nice place you got out here. Quiet. You build it?
(While holding a knife to Caleb's throat) Look, father... preacher, whatever in your God's name I'm supposed to call you... (Beat to laugh, sarcasm) "SIR"... (Beat) We're a pretty agreeable bunch. I think we'll get along just fine... But you should know, this property was never yours. That cabin you built? Yeah, believe it or not, not yours either. In fact, nothing is "yours." You use it for a time and then you pass it along, or it passes away. And now that we're here, it's time to pass the baton. (Beat) You get me?
Caleb's deceased wife. She died an untimely death, the details of which I'm not going to explain here. She appears in flashback sequences in a handful of episodes. She is soft spoken, gentle natured, but with slight ferocity if she's wronged. There's a sadness in her voice, but tinged with a hopeful tone. She feels a lost presence in her life, but holds out hope that the door is still open. (f) - All American accents welcome.
- english
- Gentle
- hopeful
- Melancholic
- radio drama
- american
- all american accents
- female adult
- adult
I know it's hard for you Caleb... I know how much you want to be a father. I can only tell you how much I want to be a mother, but we can't control the weather, we can't read minds, we can't heal the lame and give sight to the blind... We can't help but accept what we can't control, because we're not the one's in control.
Jim is the owner of a Quick-E-Mart on Caleb's route to and from the city. Caleb frequents Jim's Quick-E-Mart, so Jim is well acquainted with Caleb, whom he respects for his habitual nature and dedication to his faith... He also appreciates the business Caleb brings in on a regular basis. Jim is a 60-70 year old Vietnam Vet. A simple man, he takes pleasure in the little things. He always has a smile on his face for his customers, unless of course they decide to shop lift from his store. If that be the case, then Jim has a 12 Gauge with rubber buckshot to give them some motivation to leave and never come back. Jim often loiters around the store and the back office, greeting customers as they come in, while his granddaughter Ruth runs the register. (m) - All American accents welcome. Looking for someone who can convey world-weariness mixed with an upbeat disposition. Someone who doesn't care much for the chaos brewing in the city, but isn't conflicted about profiting off the passersby on the way in.
- english
- male adult
- friendly
- american
- veteran
- male senior
- Jovial
- funny
- Witty
- all american accents
- radio drama
Montgomery, how are yah!? That '89 still gettin' you around? You know, we got the shop next door. I got a guy that will change your oil for a good price.
Ruth here is on track to graduate with honors next year! I tell you, I couldn't be prouder. She reminds me so much of her mom... which reminds me, we're planning on having a BBQ out back of the shop this Sunday after church. My daughter makes the best Key Lime you'll ever have, hands down. You're invited if you want to stop by for a visit.
(Commanding) Now lets calm down. You're going to pay for that, leave and never come back... or do you think you can reach for that rattler quicker than I can put a gopher sized hole in your chest?
The granddaughter of Jim, the Quick-E-Mart owner, Ruth is working for her Grandfather during her Summer break from school. Ruth loves her grandpa and is happy to help him out around the store. She's not a disinterested, bubble popping teen. She's excelled in school, receiving admiration from her family, including Grandpa Jim. Because of her relationship with Jim, she shares many of his traits. She wants to be a part of the conversation and mostly has something substantive to contribute. She's friendly with Caleb, though she doesn't quite understand him as well as Grandpa Jim. She is very inquisitive and wants to know more about Caleb every time he stops by for a visit. (f) - All American accents welcome. Really focus on that inquisitive/enthusiastic tone, without overdoing it.
- american
- female teen
- Inquisitive
- Jovial
- all american accents
- tender
- radio drama
- Intelligent
- female young adult
Hello Mr. Montgomery! Peanut butter cups again eh? You keep buying these, I'm going to start thinkin' you got an addiction to corn syrup! (Nervous Laugh)
Well I heard the military base were running Field Training Exercises, anti-terrorist. Though, my friend at school who told me said he thinks it's for domestic terrorism. Apparently his uncle is in the army. Said that they were running drills in urban environments, similar to the ones we got here.
(In a whisper to Caleb) I've seen those guys before. They've come around the school once or twice. I think one of them is dating one of the girls... (Even quieter) a sophomore...
Caleb discovers Desiree near the end of Episode 2 on his property, injured. She is a Co-Reign militant, whom Caleb helps patch up and forms a brief bond with. At only 20 years of age, Desiree signed up with Co-Reign hoping to make a difference. She didn't think she'd be thrust head first into an open conflict with the US Army just a few miles outside of her hometown. Quickly becoming disillusioned to the cause she once held in high regard, Desiree is running scared. Idealistic, capable yet unexperienced, naturally empathetic. Desiree is a seeker who's grasping for something to hold onto in the dark. (f) - All American Accents welcome. Looking for female voices that can convey faux strength, like Desiree is putting up a front, at least initially. As she gets to know Caleb more her guard drops and she becomes more tender.
- english
- radio drama
- american
- empathetic
- all american accents
- tender
- fearful
- female adult
- female young adult
- Faux Strength
(Faux Strength with a tinge of fear) Who are you!? Stay back, I got a gun!... I'll... (Painful wince) I'll light you up if you come near me! Stay Back! (Painful groan)
(In severe pain) Aghhhh! Holy... (Painful scream)! (Beat with heavy breathing) Did you get the damned thing? (Deep breath out) Thank God! Felt like you were driving a damned railroad spike into my leg. (Beat) (Wry) I thought you told me you played operation as a kid.
I don't know what I was thinking, to be honest with you Caleb... They came by the college, asking students to sign their petition. (Beat) Shit, I forgot what that stupid petition was even about, but it got my attention. They said I looked capable, like the kind of woman who could make a difference. I liked that... I mean, it sounded good at the time. (Beat) It's funny how a well aimed compliment can convince a person to ignore their gut.
At the beginning of Episode 1, Caleb is giving a sermon in the middle of the city. I need hecklers to harass him while he's preaching. Heckler 1 is open to interpretation, (m/f) - All American Accents welcome
- female adult
- male adult
- all american accents
- american
And who are you? The arbiter of truth!? Come down from your mountain to condemn all us sinners?
Look around you, no one wants you here! You're disturbing the peace!
Yeah, run away preacher! No one wants to hear about your God!
At the beginning of Episode 1, Caleb is giving a sermon in the middle of the city. I need hecklers to harass him while he's preaching. Heckler 2 is open to interpretation, (m/f) - All American Accents welcome
- all american accents
- male adult
- american
- female adult
Well, if you're a sinner just like the rest of us, who are you to judge? Doesn't Jesus also say, "Judge not lest you be judged?"
Yeah! Your Jesus is full of hate! Justifying war and filling the pockets of the same politicians you're calling to repent!
Move along preacher! No one cares.
At the beginning of Episode 1, Caleb is giving a sermon in the middle of the city. I need hecklers to harass him while he's preaching. Heckler 3 is open to interpretation, (m/f) - All American Accents welcome
- male adult
- american
- female adult
- all american accents
I agree with you preacher! I think Jesus came to save us from our sins... but, there are some people who will never receive his love. You can't reason with those people...
Isn't that what you're doing? Separating good from evil?
I don't know if I can agree with you there, preacher. There's the righteous and the wicked... there is no light in darkness and the two cannot mix!
At the beginning of Episode 1, Caleb is giving a sermon in the middle of the city. I need hecklers to harass him while he's preaching. Heckler 4 is open to interpretation, (m/f) - All American Accents welcome
- all american accents
- american
- female adult
- male adult
Your God is psychotic! Murdering and committing genocide against entire nations through Israel! The Israelites even practiced slavery! Where was your God when innocent people were stoned to death, huh?
(Mock laughter) Your God doesn't exist! Screw you preacher!
How about you take your imaginary friend and piss off preacher!
Caleb has an encounter with a few Co-Reign militants at Jim's Quick-E-Mart during episode 1. The goons are caught shoplifting from the store and Caleb confronts them. These roles are open to interpretation. There will be more than one voiced Goon role, with the possibility of these roles reoccurring in future episodes. Depending on who I get for these roles, could potentially blossom into a full fledged character, if the role reoccurs in future episodes. (m/f) - All American Accents welcome.
- female adult
- female young adult
- Cocky
- Sarcastic
- male young adult
- american
- all american accents
- Aggresive
- male adult
Don't worry about it old man... We got a special arrangement with the owner... Five finger discount. (Snickers)
Oh yeah? And what are you going to do about it? (Reveals SMG under coat) Think you can outrun an automatic?
(Slight surprise, attempting to maintain composure) Oh.... Well thank you. Sorta unnecessary given the circumstances, but I suppose old man Jim over there is happy. (Beat) (To Co-Reign Posse) Come on, lets go. Saint Jerome here got us covered... (In distance, laughing) What an idiot.
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