Straybirds (Casting Call)

I mean, I really had low standards on this place. But somehow, they blew the ground up and dug deep into the abyss of low standards. And I mean real deep...

Introduction

Benjamin Johann Herrmann is a German exchange student at Tokomei Tenzen Metropolitan Vocational School. Being the only foreigner in school made him instantly famous, with every student curious about him. The only son of the Herrmann Family, he is the indisputable heir to his mother's Herrmann Atelier fashion conglomerate. 

But Benjamin hates being in the limelight more than anything. Ever since his tumultuous past at Altstadt Gymnasium in Germany, he tries to stay off the radar of public attention all while desperately refusing to let go of his past.

Personality

Benjamin is usually a quiet and reclusive guy, but when he does speak, it’s often sarcastically impulsive and without consideration. He has a problem with authority figures, constantly pushing back bluntly without regard for them. 

He's also known to be hot-headed and has no issues to get his hands dirty should the situation require it...or at least when he thinks it is required.

Despite all that, Benjamin is fiercely loyal to those he cares about, going above and beyond for them. He tries to help them out with everything he has at his disposal, wether with his trust fund or his family assistants. 

Y'know what we really should do? Buy all monaka down the street and eat them with boba tea from Tokokodo and then we also should ge-...W-What? I can handle my sugar just fine thanks...

Introduction

Mizuho Sakiyurai, the best Student Guide the world has ever seen! The charming and friendly young freckled girl has helped countless students throughout Tokomei Tenzen. The blue haired bundle of joy is known for her exceptional grades, lovable personality and dauntless voice as an occasional co-singer in the school band known as "The Cuckoos". 

As the third child of the Sakiyurai, she comes from a long family line of lawyers, bankers, architects, politicians...Mizuho's life has always been different, but it never stopped her from being her true self and living life to its fullest. Yet students at Tokomei still wonder, how a star student from Kaishiri Academy landed here?

Mizuho refuses to talk about her time before enrolling at Tokomei, choosing instead to bury her neck deep in Council work until she faints. But even the best Guide, will hit their limit eventually,

Personality

Mizuho always goes out of her way to help her fellow students whenever she can. Her warm and charming personality makes her a reliable and supportive friend that everyone can count on. Half of Tokomei Tenzen would gladly protect her from anything and anyone, though she makes that incredibly hard since she is always getting into trouble. 

Despite being the best Student Guide, Mizuho often breaks rules in order to help her peers. She overworks herself to the bone until she faints. Forgetting to eat, walking around pale are all things the Student Guide Council have seen before. 

Oh my, darling...we haven't even started. Are you sure you want to do this? I don't like being gentle, but I do have to admit, I could get used to this.

Introduction

Sara Elizabeth Kozaki, renowned luxury connoisseur and expensive coat enjoyer. Sara loves indulging in anything remotely luxurious. As Noriko Herrmann's right hand woman, she conducts business on behalf of her for the family's fashion conglomerate. A ruthless woman who gets on Benjamin's nerves as a side job.

Sara was a former terroristic criminal. Before joining the Herrmann family as assistant she went by the name "Sakura" and conducted criminal business all over the world along her group infamously known as "Nemesis". Ever since then she's laid low in the family, she now enjoys her time with fashion and expensive wine. 

She knows people fear her, and that is exactly what she likes. Sara has brought down powerful men and women alike to their knees begging for mercy, only now she does it legally. 

Because who wouldn't mind getting to know the one and only Sara Kozaki...

Personality

Sara's confidence and ruthlessness make her a feared person throughout the Herrmann's business. She knows exactly what she is and what she isn't, and she knows quite well, she's everything a woman wants to be. Alluring, deadly, vindictive, and utterly remorseless. 

But Sara is also fiercely protective of this new life she has gained. As much as she gets on Benjamin's nerves, there isn't a single thing that she wouldn't do for him. Sara doesn't want to lose her newfound family and she'll do whatever it takes if someone dares to rip it away from her.

Quite frankly, I'd have imagined this job to be more...draining...How awfully right I was.

Introduction

James Arthur Edwards, a former British ISA agent who now is the family assistant of the Herrmann's. A man of few words, he oversees the daily business of the family and makes sure everything is going smoothly. 

James doesn't talk about his time as ISA agent. All that Benjamin knows is that he crossed paths with Sara more times than he likes to admit. The two fight more than any married couple, and with Benjamin around, the three get into trouble on a daily basis. 

Personality

What James was like before joining the Herrmann's can only be recounted by Noriko, as she says he was a very brazen and reckless young man. Nowadays that seems to have subsided, with James being more quiet and nonchalant. Though his classic British dry humour hasn't changed a bit since that time.

Director's Notes:

James speaks with Renounced Pronunciation (RP) - light RP; neutral accent.

Do not make him sound theatrical. Do not make him sound posh. Do not make him sound flamboyant. Do not try and show emotion, he is essentially a soldier. You have to make him sound as if he were a tool.

He's a spy, not an aristocratic prince.  

James is effortlessly confident in him and his abilities. Remember, he is a young intelligence officer. Showing anything but confidence could get you killed in this line of work. He speaks calm, precise and refined, smooth.

A low, mid-low voice. Always focused. Do not make him overly expressive or raising his voice unnecessarily when the time isn't right. Think of your classic British spy cadence.

Whatever "cool" voice you perform, I want you to pull it back 30% more. Don't overact, be grounded. Don't force it. 

Inspirations: James Bond (Daniel Craig), Loid Forger (Spy X Family) 

If you audition for this role, we strongly advise you to read through James Edwards (Young) characteristics to get a better understanding of this role. The Straybirds version of James is in his late 20s to early 30s, while his younger role is in his early 20s.

"Your mission was to get him out of the embassy. I thought leaving at least half the building intact would be obvious. The next time you pull a stunt like that, I'll hang you in The Hague myself."

"I always wanted to visit the Netherlands."

- Evelyn Carter and James Edwards

Commander James Arthur Edwards MBE, is a British Secret Intelligence officer of the International Surveillance Agency, a global counterterrorism and espionage agency headquartered in Britain. Edwards is the Agency's most dangerous and skilled asset, having undertaken countless covert operations in foreign countries. He disassembled multiple terrorism groups with his skills.

As the leader of the Agency's internal operations unit, The Harriers, Edwards newest task is to hunt down every single member of the terrorism group known as Nemesis. 

Psychological Evaluation 

Edwards is effortlessly confident in his abilities as the Agency's most skilled agent. His uncanny ability to stay calm in the face of danger and dangerously charming personality has even piqued the interest of one of the Nemesis members.

However, Edwards is also known to brazenly disregard orders from the higher ups, including Eve. He is known to recklessly endanger people for the accomplishment of the mission.

Director's Notes:

James speaks with Renounced Pronunciation (RP) - light RP; neutral accent.

Do not make him sound theatrical. Do not make him sound posh. Do not make him sound flamboyant. Do not try and show emotion, he is essentially a soldier. You have to make him sound as if he were a tool.

He's a spy, not an aristocratic prince.  

James is effortlessly confident in him and his abilities. Remember, he is a young intelligence officer. Showing anything but confidence could get you killed in this line of work. He speaks calm, precise and refined, smooth.

A low, mid-low voice. Always focused. Do not make him overly expressive or raising his voice unnecessarily when the time isn't right. Think of your classic British spy cadence.

Whatever "cool" voice you perform, I want you to pull it back 30% more. Don't overact, be grounded. Don't force it. 

Inspirations: James Bond (Daniel Craig), Loid Forger (Spy X Family) 

The Straybirds version of James is in his late 20s to early 30s, while his younger role is in his early 20s.

Remember Darling, naughty students don't get a Guide.

Introduction

Ah...Senior Rina, she is a delightful woman isn't she? I could write all day about her, but the Tokomei News Magazine doesn't write itself does it?

Elegance and beauty in its most divine form. Senior Rina is both academically and physically out of this world. As Student Guide Council President, Senior Rina oversees the assignment of all Guides in Tokomei. And she does it perfectly, as it should be! 

A Kendo club member and former Tenpaku Girls' Senior High School student, she truly does outshine all of us...

Personality

Senior Rina is gentle girl, she carries herself with upmost elegance through our halls. A voice so warm and beautiful it could put even the strongest member in our Rina-Fan-Club to sleep. She welcomes everyone into her office with a big bear hug. But she is also a no-nonsense young woman, when the time comes to be serious, Senior Rina expects you to get it together.

This school is filled to the brim with whackos trying to graduate A.S.A.P..

Introduction

Kazuki Yamano is a hardworking Student Guide at Tokomei. He's a good student who's always ready to lend you a hand if you need it. Most of the time he helps out his parents in their local vegetable stand in Minato District.

When Kazuki isn't busy with side jobs, he'll work occasionally as a Student Guide. He takes most of Rina's difficult tasks trying to alleviate some of her heavy responsibilities as Council President. Although he won't ever admit it himself, everyone on the Council knows he has a crush on Rina.

Personality

Kazuki is a helpful and honest student, an easy going face in the rundown environment that is Tokomei. He's outgoing, sociable and the guy who naturally draws people in. A practical mind who tries to see the good in people.

He's loyal to those around him and never backs down when he's in the mud with you.

Huh? Oh this? This is a little thing I've been working on. Trust me, the ladies will love it!

Introduction

Towa Kitamura is the definition of "jack of all trades", as the Cuckoos drummer, Towa is a handyman always doing something odd. Due to always forgetting one ear protector, Towa has trouble hearing in one of his ears. However, due to his aloofness and seemingly dreamy behaviour, it's hard to tell if he didn't hear you or just spaced out...

Towa was born outside of Tokyo, in a small rural prefecture before moving into the urban district of Satsuhama. He is always doing something odd outside of school, whether it's side gigs, random advertisements or being a delivery boy...when you're walking through Satsuhama -  you're bound to run into him eventually.

Personality

He is a very laid-back and low-drama kind of guy. Towa has always some joke or whacky thing to say, whether to make a moment more dramatic or just plainly because he wants to. He likes to dance at random times and do obscure hand-movements, most students think it's because he hasn't worn ear protection in a long time.

Whether or not, Towa is adored in class because he adores everyone around him. He is very chill and approachable.

This is going be so much work...someone just kill me already.

Introduction

Izumi Matsuhide is the class president of 10-C3. He was a former Student Guide but left after two years. But responsibility somehow found its way into his life after his own classmates chose him for president.

He slacks off even if he knows he shouldn't. Izumi always makes an effort to take responsibility or lead, the latter of which he excels at. As much as Izumi's charisma inspires his peers, he himself always ends up getting dragged by the end. Yet he doesn't seem to mind, he knows he made his impact to help his classmates...and for him, that's enough.

Personality

Izumi is a charismatic boy who always ends up in some position of having responsibility. His ability to lift up and encourage those around him have made him an excellent Student Guide. At times his encouragement can come off as direct and a bit standoffish, but those who know him know it comes from a place of genuine.

Izumi has an apparent problem with staying awake during class. He constantly dozes off behind his books and tries to sleep throughout Japanese Literature class. 

Come on people! Where the hell is your inner rockstar spirit?!

Introduction

Kiana Nonaka, aka "The Queen of Tokomei" is the famed lead singer of the school's band known as "The Cuckoos". Eccentric, loud and colourful, Kiana is the queen of rock n' roll bringing music to every classroom. She has stunning vocals, rocks the guitar like wizard and is overall the party-house in the struggling environment of the school.

When Kiana isn't in class, she can be seen around school painting empty walls with her graffiti art. Though the teachers confiscate her spray cans every time, she ends up with new ones every week. Her artistic nature has gotten her into detention numerous times and every time she calls her best friend Mizuho crying, pleading with her to bail her out.

Personality

Kiana was the first person to approach Mizuho when she first transferred to Tokomei Tenzen. She recalls her being much more quiet and reluctant. Kiana has never been afraid to bluntly approach new people and talk to them, she feels it's natural to her. Her direct and blunt approach can be a unfamiliar  for people but once they get to know her, it's as if they've been friends forever.

Although, she shows dedication to her music talent, the same cannot be said for her academic skills. Kiana is always trying to find the fastest way to finish assignments, even if they end up completely incorrect. Her mind is always sent on playing music for all the world to hear.

You're awfully talkative, I don't like it.

Introduction

Mari Azuyawa is the bassist of the Cuckoos, a melancholy quiet girl who doesn't interact much with anyone outside her bandmates. When Mari isn't at band practice, she can be seen in the sports club, in particular the swimming club. 

She is a walking mystery at times. No one knows what Mari does outside of school, where she lives or what her interests are. She is very careful who she lets into her life and it seems the Cuckoos are the only ones who could give her what she was looking for.

Personality

Mari isn't talkative at all. She barely participates in class, only doing the minimum to not fail and never stands out much. Yet it seems that she's deliberately doing that in order to guard herself. The only passion that she shows is for music and the Cuckoos.

She takes every opportunity to spend with her bandmates and is protective of her spot as the band's bassist. The only person she lets close is Kiana, with her doing Mari and Mizuho's coloured hair strands.

This whole city looks down on us like we're some kind of vermin.

Introduction

Ryōhei Horinōchi is a student in class 10-C3, regarded as the book-genius among his classmates. He is very confident in his academic skills...sometimes even too confident. Ryōhei is always trying to get his peers to a high academic standard as he believes Tokomei students have to show they're on par with the high schools in Satsuhama.

Despite being a so called genius, Ryōhei fails at simple human interaction as he can't seem to hold a simple conversation with anyone in class. Whether it's bad puns or misreading the room, he struggles with fitting in with his class. Izumi and Kazuki have known him since childhood, and remark that he hasn't gotten better at conversing a single bit.

Personality

Ryōhei is a very stoic and hard to read kind of guy. He often comes across as condescending or eerily formal when he talks to someone. His blunt observations are riddled with sarcasm.

Despite this, Ryōhei has a good heart. He truly wants to change Tokomei's image as a rundown delinquent school, even if he does it with bad social cues and horrible conversation starters.

I-If y-you're here to borrow a b-book, then- y-you'll have to find someone else- p-please.

Introduction

Naoko Matsuyako, the incredibly shy student librarian at Tokomei who can barely string together a coherent sentence if you scare her. She is a tall beauty known in school for her...huge personality. Students try to approach her but her social anxiety makes it hard to be understood.

Naoko wishes nothing more than to share her passion for literature with someone. Everyday she tries desperately to approach fellow students in the library to talk about books, and every day she fails horrendously. Nevertheless, she makes an effort to try again the next day...

Personality

Naoko is very shy due to her social anxiety. If people approach her, Naoko stutters instantly and gets a racing heartbeat so loud it would rupture what's left of Towa's eardrum. 

Teachers know about her anxiety and make an effort not choose her randomly during class for answers. She is almost exclusively only seen in the school's library and nowhere else. Whatever makes her anxious, books are apparently the only thing capable of calming her anxiety.

Hold that pose, yes. Incredible, fabulous. Here take the mirror, how do I look?

Introduction

Hideaki Ogawa is the vice president of the Student Guide Council. Despite being older than his 10-C3 peers, they see him as an equal, though with occasional remarks on his age. An upstanding guy who might spend a bit too much on fixing his hair.

Hideaki tries to be a role-model for his classmates. The 19-year-old often encourages students to join the Student Guide Council to help fellow classmates or to lend a hand even if they're not a Guide. His charismatic rally skills have helped the Council find new members time and time again.

Personality

Although he joined Tokomei late for a student his age, Hideaki doesn't mind retaking the years to further his education. He dreams big and shares that confidence with the people around him, pushing them on in their endeavours.

But Hideaki sometimes forgets that big dreams require work and sometimes gets himself into work that he won't be able to finish on his own.

I hope someday a tall Spanish man marries me and we have our honeymoon in Greece. Is that too much to ask for, huh? Is it?!?

Introduction

Himeko Tatsumaki is the homeroom teacher of class 10-C3 at Tokomei Tenzen. She teaches English at school and is the one who signed Tokomei up for joining the Kepler-Goethe Student Exchange Program. She is a strict but fair and kind teacher who always puts her students before herself.

Himeko is known to occasionally drink beer or wine in the afternoon hours before school ends. She claims it helps her let loose and deal with the stress due to Tokomei's environment, but other teachers say it's because she watches too many rom-coms and yearns for a partner in her life.

Whatever her reason may be, it's clear that she needs someone in her life...hopefully soon...

Personality

Himeko is a kind and gentle teacher. She constantly makes sure students don't fall behind in their academic journey at school. Although she knows she can't help every student, she tries her best nevertheless.

When Himeko gets drunk she becomes almost like child, constantly crying for someone to just marry her already. She will suddenly change her mood from shy to blunt, from angry to sad, until she sobers up.

Unless you're here with something important, I'd suggest you start heading for the door before I make you.

Introduction

Noriko Victoria Lauriné Herrmann (born Noriko Miyasato) is a Japanese business executive and entrepreneur. She is best known as the founder, majority shareholder and chief executive of Herrmann Atelier GmbH, Germany's largest industrial fashion conglomerate. Noriko is regarded as one of Germany's most influential women, having an estimated net worth of nearly EUR€ 11 Billion.

Noriko was born in Ibaraki Prefecture to Mei Miyasato (born Lí Zhāng Mei), a Chinese opera singer who fled to Japan during the Chinese civil war. During her childhood she worked as a seamstress to send her siblings to school and university. In 1992, she married the pianist Michael Herrmann of the band "Withered Leaf" and moved to Germany.

Personality

Noriko is seen in the business world as an incredibly stubborn woman. She is notorious for being hard to make a deal with and leaves a conference room at the slightest inconvenience. Her cold demeanour and unforgiving personality makes her infamous within the fashion industry.

Outside of the business world however, is a woman who cares deeply for her family. Noriko would drop her entire entrepreneur empire at a moment's notice in order for her to be with her son and husband. Though she makes emotional rash decisions for her family, they come from a good place within her.

That turned out pretty good, all things considered.

Introduction

Michael Herrmann is a German pianist who is one of the founding members of the alternative rock band known as "Withered Leaf". During his career he found international success with the band after their concert in Ibaraki, Japan. Michael wanted to introduce the local fashion style into their performance. It was there where he met his wife Noriko Herrmann, a local seamstress, who designed the band's outfits for the concert.

Michael unexpectedly left the band during 2010s, his reasons were unknown and private. He's been since involved with his wife's international fashion conglomerate as a bookkeeper. Michael still produces his own music in his free time. Benjamin keeps encouraging him to release music again, yet he seems reluctant to.

Personality

Michael is a quiet and relaxed man. A very calm and reassuring pillar in the Herrmann house. Michael has always been laid-back, letting other people finish before saying something. After stepping back from the band he has picked up skills in software design and occasionally tinkers around with his own inventions.

He cares deeply for his family, even going as far as sacrificing his musical dreams and willing to step back as a musician for them.