It's SHOWTIME! 🤡
"The Puppeteer's Assistant" is an upcoming animated thesis horror short screening May 2026. The film follows Mila, a young artist and puppet maker with big dreams of performing on stage with Nikola, the puppeteer she works under.
This film is currently being lovingly produced by a group of animation university seniors from Southern California! Feel free to reach out to us with any questions - sincerest of thanks for your interest in our project!
Kindly use the provided script sides/audition lines in your audition. You will likely not be considered if you deviate from the provided lines.
Hope this finds you all well! Our project has closed - thank you all who auditioned! We are currently sorting through our (many, many) auditions, and our top candidates will be hearing back shortly.
Thank you for your patience and interest in our project! :)
Best,
The Puppeteer's Assistant Team
(Lead 1) Young adult woman, artist and puppet maker. Treats her puppets like her children and friends. Talented and kind, but doesn't realize her own self worth. Stuck backstage while Nikola performs, Mila's dream is to perform on stage with Nikola. Needs to realize she's better off performing alone.
"Amazing as always Nikola! Just amazing! Soooo... I've been practicing, and I think I'm finally ready to go on stage with you."
"Nikola, please, just give me a chance!"
"There. That's the last thing I'll do for you."
(Lead 2) Young adult woman, puppeteer. The puppets are scared of her because of her mistreatment of them. Narcissistic, manipulative, and unwilling to share the spotlight with Mila. Puts on a kind and collected facade that drops when she doesn't get what she wants.
"Oh Mila, we've talked about this! We aren't all born stars. Just keep practicing, and one day you'll be presentable - like me!"
"You! How could you do this to me? After everything I've done for you!"
"Now look at what you made me do."
