The Chronicles of Prydain: The Book of Three
Project Overview
A fully-immersive audio drama adaptation of the first book in The Chronicles of Prydain series - the high-fantasy classic by Lloyd Alexander, the "Father of American Fantasy".
Story Synopsis:
The Book of Three begins the hero-journey of Taran, a young orphan growing up in the medieval land of Prydain (which must might share a few mythical and topographical details with the real-world Wales, the country that inspired it). Brash and impulsive, honest and brave, Taran embarks on a grand adventure to find his escaped pig and warn the High King of an impending attack by undead armies and the bloodthirsty barbaric Horned King. Along the way he picks up stragglers in the form of a balderdash-spouting bard-king, a sharp-tongued, sword-carrying princess, a strange half-human shaggy creature, and a grumpy but stalwart dwarf. The ragtag band becomes bonded as companions that will face many challenges together over the next several years and adventures. Cast should be prepared to commit to multiple productions if at all possible ~ there are five books in this series. At this time we are focused only on the first.
This project was formerly partially cast under a different production team, and has now changed hands and is getting a fresh new push. Current production and direction is highly motivated and passionate to complete it.
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING:
- Accent guidelines: Welsh, Received Pronunciation, Bristol in some cases (Not super strict on accent as long as it is UK and fits character)
- Please note that it is an unpaid project put together by enthusiastic volunteers.
- Please have a quality microphone and record in isolated conditions. Lower quality recordings may still be considered if actor is willing to invest in decent equipment.
- Good acting skills are equally as important as the "right" voice.
- Put your heart into it and have fun!
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Co-protagonist and eventual love interest for Taran, Eilonwy is a princess and nascent enchantress who rescues him from a dungeon and becomes his loyal companion on the journey. Brave, opinionated, clever, and practical, she has little patience for his drama and often berates him in frustration - mainly because she likes him and wants him to be worthy of her affection.
Kidnapped by an evil sorceress as a small child, she has no memory of her family. This role should be played with depth, as her traumatic history should be the backdrop for her touchiness and toughness. Eilonwy's sarcasm could easily become obnoxious if it is played as stereotypical teen "attitude" and needs to be balanced by her sincere affection and loyalty to her friends.
Voice is described as light and musical with a bell-like laugh. She talks a lot, and quickly, so very good articulation will be necessary. She also does a fair bit of yelling/crying/screaming at certain points, so be prepared to commit to full emotion in this role.
This role may require additional callbacks.
EXPLAINING SLOWLY BECAUSE HE MUST BE AN IDIOT) It's not a BALL. It's my bauble. I was tossing it and it fell in. I'm not a baby, you know, playing with some silly toy, but sometimes there's just absolutely nothing to do around here, and....(IRRITABLY)I am NOT a little girl. Didn't I just tell you that? Are you slow-witted? (SINCERELY) I'm so sorry. It must be terrible to be dull and stupid. What's your name? It's so clumsy not knowing people's names. Wrong-footed, you know, or like having three thumbs on one hand.
(EARNESTLY) Don't you dare say that! You aren't a fool! You did what you thought was right, and that counts for something! Besides, I can't bear it when people say 'I told you so'. It's worse than taking your dinner before you've had a chance to sit down.
(ANGRILY CRYING) You've come to what? Come to make me cry some more? Hurt my feelings and call me horrible names for something that's all your fault to begin with? If you'd SAID "find a man named Gwydion" I could have done it! But no, you had to be so clever and keep it all to yourself. What makes you think I'm going to help you again? .....(ABRUPT CHANGE OF MOOD) Well, you don't have to agree with me so quickly!
The unwilling king of a small and dull realm, Fflewddur has abandoned his throne but is too ADHD to learn the required lore to be admitted as a bard. He travels anyway, in an unofficial capacity, with a magic harp gifted to him by the bardic council. Its strings break every time he lies or exaggerates. As he is given to bluster in the interest of a good story, this happens often.
A comedic figure, he is nonetheless a crucial character as the primary adult figure in the group, serving as a humorous balance to the adolescent angst of Taran and Eilonwy, and spouting the occasional bit of surprising and gentle wisdom. He is humble and generous and allows Taran to lead until true danger looms, whereupon he turns out to be a skilled and formidable warrior in his own right.
Probably looking for a warm tenor here, formal but not overly so; Fflewddur is a gentleman but nobody guesses he's royalty until he tells them.
Actor may possibly be called upon to sing in future installments, so that ability is helpful but not a deal-killer if absent.
So it seems I was rescued by mistake? I should have known it was something like that. I kept asking myself, crawling along through those beastly tunnels, who could possibly care whether I was languishing in a dungeon or not?
We should set upon them! Storm the castle and strike them all down! The bards would sing our praises forever! What's that? Outnumbered? Ha! The greater the foe, the greater the glory! I've carved my way through walls of spearmen--- (SUDDENLY, AS HARPSTRINGS BREAK) Oh, blast.
Truce? If I'd known it would cause all this trouble, I'd never have listened to that redheaded girl. Do you tell me Gwydion is slain? These are terrible tidings. Tell me how, and I shall mourn with you.
A grumpy dwarf who resents being sent on a mission to assist Taran and co., Doli is constantly holding his breath to try to make himself invisible - a family trait he lacks, to his own chagrin. Though he thinks humans are idiots, he is stalwart and faithful to his duty, and in the end becomes a faithful member of Taran's band of friends.
Please use a Scottish accent for this role. We like LesterTheJester's performance, but the actor is a hack.
Very comedic role. Go all out.
Don't think I'm going to walk my legs off all day for this! I didn't sign up for it! Anytime there's anything disagreeable to be done, just find good old Doli! He's your man!
You numbskull! I'm not going to stand by and watch a botched job. I can't bear shoddy work. Here, give me that.
Never thought any of you had any mettle to show. I took you all for milksops. Deepest apologies.
This character is over 300 years old. An enchanter, with a voice that denotes wisdom, power, and authority. He's old, but should not sound like he's at death's door. Often testy, but with warm overtones. Diction that indicates intelligence and education with a pace that is calculated and dignified (but not halting). A man of this age has learned that speaking faster doesn't necessarily make things happen faster.
Note: Prydain is pronounced Prih-DANE, with a light roll on the "r".
Taran is "TAH-ran", or literally like the word "tar" and then "un"
I am not angry. I am…troubled by your eagerness to put yourself in peril. I do have a certain responsibility to see you reach manhood in one piece, and you seem determined to thwart it.
(QUIET, HE IS WRITING THOUGHTFULLY, NOT SPEAKING) Something is coming. I feel it - like a twist in the thread of destiny’s loom. Some great change…and I can only watch and wait. For three hundred years I have waited, and Prydain has been at peace. Yet now, I fear there may be bloodshed. Soon.
(TESTILY) It has become completely impossible to conduct any sort of meditation whatsoever. What is all this commotion? Taran! I warned you—
A peace-loving farmer and foster-father figure to Taran. Warm and gruffly affectionate, salt-of-the-earth. He was a warrior in his youth and sometimes is nostalgic for the glory days, but overall is a steady and humble middle-aged man who would love nothing more than to spend the rest of his days farming turnips and raising pigs.
Pronunciation notes:
Caer Dallben = CARE DAHL-ben
Taran = TAH-ran, or literally like the word "tar" and then "un"
True. (WISTFULLY) I have held a sword once or twice, in my day. What are you--? here, boy. Put that poker down.
Wisht! And why would you wish for that? We have no battles at Caer Dallben.
(INSTRUCTING PROPER BLACKSMITHING TECHNIQUE) Again. And again. No, no, you have it all wrong. Look. Strike from your shoulder and keep your wrist loose. Hear that? It rings when you get it right. There is a kind of music in it.
The dwarf king of the Fair Folk (fairies), he is infuriated by the humans' intrusion into his realm, but mostly bluster. Shrewd, tricky, but quickly mollified when flattered, he is played for comedy, but not foolish or silly.
What's all this? Didn't I say I wasn't to be disturbed? You idiots! This is why I can't get a thing done! Who are these people?
Thank you, my dear. I see you're the type one can talk to intelligently. It's a great responsibility, you know. Professional pride. When we do a thing, we do it right.
You mean there's another one of you lot wandering about down here? Oh, brilliant.
A mysterious old man who lives alone in the mountains, in a valley that provides safe haven for the animals of Prydain. A mythological figure, gentle, calm, and full of deep wisdom.
Ideally looking for a very baritone or bass voice. Medwyn's ethnicity is ambiguous but there are connections to the Hebraic Noah. An African tonal quality could be appropriate.
Caer Dallben = CARE DAHL-ben
Taran = TAH-ran, or literally like the word "tar" and then "un"
From these creatures, your lives were never in danger. But you must leave this place. It is not an abode for men.
I have watched the race of men, and seen that alone you stand as weak reeds by a lake. Are you not, all of you, lame ants?
You search what you know not of. For the thing that you are seeking to find is not the thing that you are truly searching for. Yet, in time you will learn that in seeking you shall find, Taran of Caer Dallben. And in finding, there is great reward.
We are looking for an orchestrator to work with our music team. May be required to develop thematic materials as well as orchestrate themes composed by other team members. Must be familiar with orchestration techniques and basic music theory. Must be able to provide properly timed midi files for specific scenes.
Added bonus if you work in Cubase and are familiar with VST instruments. Please provide samples that show a variety of instrumentation.
We are looking going for a broad fantasy feel with Celtic ( Irish, Scottish and/or Welsh) overtones.
Say something you think would fit
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