***UPDATE***
Thank you for all the wonderful submissions. It has really been difficult to narrow down the casting, so please be patient with us.
We are adding an additional role for the first episode. More roles may become available as additional episodes are written.
The deadline for casting this project has been extended as we continue to flesh out the remaining episodes.
Thanks so much, everyone!
Retreat is an experimental Found Audio Podcast.
The dialogue should have an improvisational and natural feel, so you don't need to be word-perfect on the script. You read should be as close to the script as possible, but realistic conversational sound is paramount.
**Audition Instructions**:
Because the found audio is supposed to have been recorded on a vintage mini-tape recorder, should you be cast, you'll need to know how to record on a smartphone voice memo app and upload the audio to me through either email or a google drive. The script sometimes contains specific directions on when to physically back off the mic and when to move back on, so I'd like you know how to ride your mic/recording device. Whether recording with a mic or smartphone, please make sure the words are clear and free from background noise.
I am myself a voice actor, narrator and writer. While I have acted on audio dramas, this is my first time producing one.
Good luck and I look forward to hearing what you do!
Dr. Garrison is an established and renowned psychiatrist. He is treating the protagonist, Lizzie, in an attempt to help her overcome crippling writer's block. He is direct and clinical but not without warmth and compassion.
*We hear a click and the fumbling of hands on a recording device*
"You see? And now you’re recording. You press this button to pause, and press this to eject the tape when it’s full. Take a look…"
*More fumbling noise as the recorder is passed to Lizzie.*
"Connectivity. More specifically, your inability to disconnect. Your compulsion to seek out and obsess over every negative review, every mention… Is it any wonder that you’ve become creatively paralyzed? Removing the temptation, the very ability to connect to social media is a crucial part of this method."
"There are extra tapes and batteries in the carrier bag at reception. Lisa will make sure you get them on your way out. Have you selected a location?"
Darla is Lizzie's Literary Agent, but also her closest friend. She's career minded, independent, and straight forward, but also empathetic. She's trying to be supportive for her friend who has been struggling for months, but also wants to motivate her most lucrative client to get back to work.
"Lizzie! How’d it go with Dr. Garrison? Did he give you the recorder... thingy?
"Who? The publisher? I mean, they’re curious. They’re excited for the pitch meeting, you know? Everybody is. They just want to know what you’re going to do next. And in two weeks, you’re going to pitch their friggin’ brains out. Ok?"
"Hey! Stop it. This is going to work, ok? You are still Elizabeth Douglas. With one of the best-selling Young Adult Fantasy series in the last decade. One poorly received book doesn’t change that, ok?"
Affable, competent caretaker/property manager for a rental cabin.
Well, there’s not much to it. I’d give you the grand tour, but there’s not much to tour. Bedroom’s in there. Bathroom’s to your right. There’s more wood for the fireplace in the pile out back, plus a box of starter logs. It’s pretty fool proof. You see the kitchen here. It’s fully stocked. We got the supply list from your… assistant?
*light chuckle* Probably not "neighbors" in the way you’re used to. But there are some folks, hunters and the like, with properties within the broadcast range. They mostly keep to themselves, so I wouldn’t expect much in the way of conversation If I were you.
[Responding to dialogue "Do you mind if I record this?"]
Oh. Uh, yeah. Sure. What is that? Is that a tape recorder? Wow. My dad had one of those when I was a kid. I didn’t know they still made them.
