The Dreary Orphanage: Fairytale Puppet Film (Chapter One)

Project Overview

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

This casting call is a fun experiment, and some roles may not be cast. I had planned to voice the characters myself, but I'd love to hear other actor's interpretations before making that choice! If I find an audition that superbly fits my vision for this film, then I would absolutely consider casting! But it is not guaranteed. Thank you for understanding and auditioning!

Requirements/Expectations:

  • Decent or professional microphone and recording space.

  • If you make a mistake or mispronounce a word, (Even I do it all the time.) please rerecord before submitting. I just want to be sure you can record and send clean final takes!

  • If cast, I would like to be able to call you (Discord/Zoom) to direct the performance and act with you.

  • Try a few takes with different voice choices and accents! I'd like to hear your range!

ABOUT THE DREARY ORPHANAGE:

The Dreary Orphanage is a puppet short-film pilot for The Mirror of Malevolence, a dark children's fantasy adventure.

 

Twelve-year-old Henry Button never wished to hurt anyone. . . yet after running away from the Dreary orphanage, he receives an enchanted mirror capable of reflecting curses unto oppressors. It first acts as an object of defense but takes a sinister turn, twisting his once compassionate ideals. The mirror feeds his desire for justice until he no longer recognizes himself. Meanwhile, in a distant mystical world, the wish flaerie, Aurelia Rosepetal, journeys to rekindle Henry’s hope, unveiling the truth of her kingdom’s “utopian” existence. As the mirror’s bond strengthens with Henry, Aurelia's magic weakens, unable to break its curse before innocent souls are consumed by their dark reflections.

The Mirror of Malevolence is thematically and stylistically similar to Coraline, Harry Potter, Annie, A Series of Unfortunate Events, and The Dark Crystal, with elements of whimsical magic and horror.

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Latest Updates

  • CASTING!

    Thank you once again to everyone who's auditioned! I appreciate you dedicating your time and effort to these characters who mean the world to me. I have decided to cast for two roles, Dominic and Ms. Mag! Unfortunately, I have decided not to cast for Henry or Narrator. There were so many wonderful auditions, and it was a hard choice. I had help from my film club in choosing these roles and there were many differing decisions, though in the end, I felt it was important for my voice to be involved with those characters.

    Casting:

    Dominic (Leon Thurling)

    Ms. Mag (Candace Marie).

    Congratulations! I'm excited to make this movie with you.

  • Extended Deadline!

    Deadline Update: I'd like everyone interested to have a fair chance auditioning so I'm extending the deadline by a day if you haven't submitted already! It is now, October 20th, 11:00 PM EST. (American/New York Time)

    All those who have asked for feedback, I see your comments, and I will reply to your submissions after the deadline! Thank you to everyone who's auditioned so far!

  • Audition Feedback!

    Since this casting call is an experiment and I'm still deciding if whether to cast or not, I'll gladly give feedback to anyone who asks for it. It's the least I could do for people taking their time to do this.

    Just leave a comment on the page if you'd like feedback!

Project Roles: Narrator Henry Ms. Mag Dominic
Voice Actor
Voice Actor
Narrator
closed
Paid: Flat Rate 20 USD
cast offsite

Voice: I'm imagining a commanding British voice for this; however, I welcome all accents! Be playful, mysterious, and dramatic. Show all of your spooky ghost/fairytale story energy!


Character: Imagine a classy narrator sitting by a fireplace, reading aloud a spooky story or poem to children on a dark stormy night. The narrator is sarcastic and theatrical, pulling the audience's interest with every word, and hitting dramatic beats, all with a mischievous twinkle in their eye.

Language:
  • english
Voice description:
  • female young adult
  • audiobook
  • animation
  • androgynous
  • male adult
  • film
  • all english accents
  • male young adult
  • narration
  • female adult
  • british

  • Wishes are like a garden, yet most never bloom. For wishes, like hope, crack under the weight of despair, withering like neglected roses without constant care.

  • Any genie will warn you before popping one into existence — instant wishes are the most dangerous most magic of all. Deceiving and twisted.

  • So, if you’re expecting every problem to be solved by fairy godmothers, talking teddies, and sparkly rainbows, you might prefer Mommy And Me’s Twinkle Star pop-up book.

Favorite role Save Role for Later Total Submissions Toggle 173 Submissions Apply / Audition
Voice Actor
Voice Actor
Henry
closed
Paid: Flat Rate 20 USD
cast offsite

Voice: Boy, twelve-year-old, soft childlike voice. I'm looking for young sounding voices by women and men! I am NOT looking for deep adult voices, and while I love anime, Henry should not sound like a dubbed anime boy.


Description: A scrawny, pale, 12-year-old orphan boy with a quiet demeanor. Henry Button has dark greasy hair, a gaunt grungy face, and shabby, torn clothes that barely fit, threatening to fall off his bony frame. Despite his timid nature, there’s a simmering defiance buried beneath his fear and loneliness, waiting to unleash.


Personality: Henry is gentle-hearted and thoughtful — and sarcastic at points. Introverted and sensitive, he finds courage and humor amidst weary situations and has a childlike view of the world. He enjoys fairytale stories, writing, and looks to his stuffed bunny for comfort.

Language:
  • english
Voice description:
  • male child
  • all english accents
  • animation
  • film
  • british
  • female child

  • (Speaking softly as he writes his thoughts.) I wish... I wish I could run away — somewhere joyful. Somewhere where wishes do come true. (To his bunny.) Hopeful, you’ve always helped to find hope — to see Daisy.

  • He’s lying. He pushed me!

  • I’m not some charity Ms. Hag. Make Dominic apologize.

Favorite role Save Role for Later Total Submissions Toggle 36 Submissions Apply / Audition
Voice Actor
Voice Actor
Ms. Mag
closed
Paid: Flat Rate 20 USD
Role assigned to: Candace Marie

Voice: (Woman, elderly, toxically maternal and decrepit.) I'm accepting women and men for this role! Ms. Mag sounds like a sickly-sweet grandmother with condescending undertones and a croaking rasp to the highest degree. A complete decrepit old witch. Her voice should fluctuate between her sweet facade and vulture-esque demeanor.


Character Description: 

The greedy guardian at the Dreary Orphanage. She’s a hunched older lady with a sharp, wrinkled face and ice-cold eyes that lie above her deceiving grandmotherly smile. She wears floral-patterned dresses, and far too much blush and lipstick, which only highlights the scowl etched into her pattered face. Ms Mag’s crooked bony fingers protrude a set of false clawed nails, and her flowery garments cover her knobby twig-like legs. 


Personality: Bitter, controlling, and mean, Ms. Mag runs the orphanage with an iron fist. She’s obsessed with order and silence, punishing any child who dares to break her rules. No noise and no nonsense. She refers to herself in the third person with a sweetly condescending tone, as though the children need to be reminded of her title. She’s obsessed with upholding her reputation and scavenges wealth, even taking precious marketable trinkets from the children. Ms Mag enjoys knitting, classic novels, and discourages rash behavior.



Language:
  • english
Voice description:
  • british
  • female senior
  • male senior
  • all english accents
  • animation
  • film

  • Silence you! Ms. Mag will not tolerate your rubbish. Keep this up and I’ll throw that disgusting rat in the bin. Humphrey, isn’t it?

  • You will not speak while Ms. Mag is speaking! You rotten, pathetic, disrespectful boy — just like your sister, you are. I’ll have you know you ought to be more appreciative of my housing while you’re here, eh? ‘Cause I don’t expect you’ll be leaving anytime soon! Who else would take in a feeble brat like you? Abandoned, weren’t you? And who took you in? Who fed you and gave you a roof? Ms. Mag did. Now, what’ve you to say for yourself, Henry?

Favorite role Save Role for Later Total Submissions Toggle 44 Submissions Apply / Audition
Voice Actor
Voice Actor
Dominic
closed
Paid: Flat Rate 20 USD
Role assigned to: Leon Thurling

Voice: (Boy, older teenager, loudmouth bully) I imagine Dominic having an urban tough guy accent (Cockney, New York, or street-talk). He's loud and obnoxious, constantly trying to play boss-man of the orphanage. I'm looking for teenage sounding men's voices!


Character Description: 

The biggest boy at the Dreary Orphanage, with broad shoulders and a perpetually smug expression. In front of Ms Mag’s cold eyes, he’s a model child, always answering with the most innocent tones, “Yes, ma’am. Thank you, ma’am,” yet is nothing more than a wolf-like bully otherwise.

Personality: Loud, brash, and cruel, Dominic enjoys tormenting others, especially Henry. His flattering nature ensures that Ms Mag sees him as a “model child,” while the orphans witness his true colors.

Language:
  • english
Voice description:
  • new york
  • urban
  • male teen
  • british (cockney)
  • all english accents
  • film
  • animation

  • Oy Butt! Talking to yourself again? (Pauses for an answer.) Buttface, you hear me?

  • Then stop muttering like a baby. If you’re scared to speak, why should anyone listen when you do?

  • (False sincerity. He's lying.) No, ma’am I didn’t! He was jumping on the bed and he fell. I tried to tell him to stop playing around, but he wouldn’t listen! We’re terribly sorry for any disturbance, ma’am.

Favorite role Save Role for Later Total Submissions Toggle 43 Submissions Apply / Audition
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Nouscraft
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Nouscraft

A fantasy audiobook written, directed, and produced with CCC voice actors. Listen free.

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