Thirst
Project Overview
Hi All! This casting call is for the pilot episode of a new audio drama brought to you by writer/director Jesse Shapiro (www.jesseshapiro.com) and The Rebel Talk Network called 'Thirst'.
You can visit www.jesseshapiro.com/thirst for more details.
THIRST is a science fiction revolutionary drama that delves deeply into problems of the day and the human condition; global warming, economic inequality, genetic engineering, corporate greed, oppression, the other - in a 23rd century dystopian ‘America’ that we barely recognize. Our story focuses on the south western corporate domain of Aspira (think future Monsanto) and our hero, genetic experiment gone right KARN. Karn evolves from a young teen searching for her identity into a fierce revolutionary who ultimately discovers the most effective way to topple an oppressive system.
We have already done the sound design and soundtrack for the pilot episode! Now all we need is some fantastic actors to give life to the project.
SUBMISSION INFOTHIS IS A PAID PROJECT. $50 for lead roles & $25 for supporting roles in the pilot.
ALL AUDITIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY FRIDAY JANUARY 29TH
YOU MAY SUBMIT FOR MULTIPLE ROLES.
ALL ROLES ARE FOR ALL RACES/ ETHNICITIES.
PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR SUBMISSION IS AS HIGH QUALITY AS POSSIBLE
A USB MICROPHONE AT MINIMUM WILL BE REQUIRED IF CAST IN THE PILOT
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KARN
Female, 13-19, any ethnicity. Our hero. Needs to be able to sound like a young teen. She is quiet, brooding, and a master strategist who understands her strengths and others weaknesses. She has the ability to turn on the charm, but she is intensely alone. Listening to her develop mentally, emotionally, and spiritually over the series will be reminiscent of Arya Stark from GOT.
KARN(internal dialogue)
Ahhh the sun. It feels so sweet on my skin.
JACKSON
Be careful Karn, not too close to the edge of the roof.
She steps to the edge.
JACKSON
Karn the edge of the roof!
KARN
Jackson,I survived years stuck in that awful room... let me enjoy the roof, the sunlight, let me live on the edge a little.
Jackson laughs.
JACKSON
What does it feel like when you photosynthesize light into energy.
KARN
It feels warm and tingly.
JACKSON
Sounds nice.
KARN
It is. Any luck finding out where I came from?
JACKSON
No luck Karn.
KARN
Dr. Carlson says that science is my father. I’m a genetic experiment composed of the genes of thousands of composites.
JACKSON
And Eon?
KARN
Eon what am I?
EON
1111814-
Karn rolls her eyes.
KARN
Eon stop. Jackson, look at all those salties lined up downstairs. They don’t look well.
JACKSON
They’ve opened a new saltie medical clinic on the first floor of the Wall.
KARN
So many sick...
DR. CARLSON
Male, 38-58, any ethnicity. A brilliant scientist, nerdy and charming, his warmth can turn on a dime. He is Karn’s primary father figure. His parental love of the girl conflicts with his academic and professional interest in her as an experiment.
A machine finishes making a cup of coffee. EON, Electronic Observation Network, Alexa’s great granddaughter pipes up.
EON
Dr. Carlson, your coffee is ready and your drone has just arrived.DR. CARLSON
Thanks EON.
LIZ
Ugh. Why do you always thank him? He’s not a person. He’s not even a robot.
DR. CARLSON
Why do you call Eon him? Eon are you male?
EON
Yes or no. It makes no difference to me.
Carlson starts to poor the cup of coffee.
LIZ
DR. CARLSON You’re right honey, I’m already pretty jumpy. Love you.
Are you sure you want MORE coffee?LIZ
Love you too.
Hug/kiss on the cheek. He walks a few steps away.LIZ
Wait. Take a water.
She hands him a bottle of fresh water.
EON
You only have thirty three more liters of fresh water rationed for the day.LIZ
Sheesh. What did you do this morning.DR. CARLSON
Took a long shower, need to be fresh and clean for the big presentation.
LIZ
I wanted to take a bath.He gives her a big hug from behind and inhales.
DR. CARLSONDon’t worry, you smell great.
LIZ Creepy. Thanks?DR. CARLSON
Just don’t go outside!LIZ Jerk!
DR. CARLSONYou can go #2, just no bath.
LIZ Good luck today.
DR. CARLSON
Thank you, byyyyye. He opens the door and exits.
EON
(Electronic Observing Network) is omnipresent. Think Alexa or Siri’s great great great grandaughter or son. It is asked to fetch information, control air temperature and amuse children. Should have a steady and smooth voice.
EON
It’s your turn to move Karn.
KARN
I know Eon. The game told me.
EON
It’s been your turn a while.
KARN
Thanks for the reminder
EON
Why do you draw that doodle over and over again?
KARN
I don’t know Eon.
EON
Why do you like to use actual paper instead of your pad?
KARN
Are you trying to distract me Eon?
EON
No. I’m curious about your preferences. Less than 3% of humans use paper. Am I distracting you?
KARN
Yes.
EON
Good.
Beat.
EON
So why do you like pencil and-
KARN
I don’t know EON.
Karn’s possible moves are now turning into an elaborate doodle, not related to the game.
EON
You’re not even paying attention to the game you’re just drawing that doodle.
KARN
It’s not a doodle, it’s my symbol. I like to draw on paper because I love the feeling.
Her doodle becomes more intense.
EON
And?
KARN
It’s permanent. I know where my drawings are.
EON
Everyone here knows where they are, you put your symbol all over the walls.
KARN
If I draw on a pad I don’t know where it goes, it could disappear.
EON
That’s not true. I would never delete one of your drawings. You should stop drawing that doodle and make your move.
KARN
It’s not a doodle it’s my symbol. Fine. Here.
Karn moves.
EON
Poor move Karn. You shouldn’t have let me distract you.
EKIO (L)
Male 23-38. A slave who works the fields and is desperate to escape. A dreamer who no longer can take the brutality of life. Curious, hopeful, has a sense of humor and a lightness despite his life situation.
EKIO
Why did you wake me up!?
LILI
What? You almost got us both in trouble.
EKIO
I was dreaming of surfing the waves of point Halipa! And you woke me up!?
LILI
Didn’t you hear me!? The guard came and was about to punish us if not for end of day.
EKIO
Put me in solitary, I’ll surf some more in my sleep. I’m done with this life.
LILI
Enough with your foolishness, we’re late everyone has already left.
Lili helps Ekio to his feet. They begin walking to Warehouse 13, all the other salties are far ahead.
EKIO
When I fall again, don’t help me, don’t wake me, let come what may.
LILI
Don’t say that.
EKIO
If dying is anything like dreaming, I’d rather be dead.
DIRECTOR VEGA
Female 28-43. Director of internal relations at the Aspira Corporation - a high level executive who deftly operates the internal politics of the corporation she works for and the external politics of the city/state she helps oversee. She is smart, loyal, and very protective of the company and people she works with and for.
DIRECTOR VEGA
I’m sorry for bothering you at home but we’d like to open discussions with you and bring an end to these protests.
MALINQUE
We’d love to open discussions that is great.
DIRECTOR VEGA
Wonderful. Than why don’t you come into the headquarters tomorrow at 10am, and we’ll get to work. Let your fellow organizers know we’ll have some solutions soon so there is no need for further protests.
DIRECTOR VEGA
Malinque, you have an opportunity right now to improve your life, and the well being of your family. These chances don’t come very often... I’d hate for you to miss it.
MALINQUE
That’s what I’m doing Director, I’m taking action to improve not only my families life, but the lives of everyone I work for and with at the Department of Poverty Cooperation.
DIRECTOR VEGA
We have an opening for a new Director of Poverty Cooperation and your name has been floated as a potential replacement.
MALINQUE
I’m honored that I’m being considered for that role but I’m not calling off that march tomorrow.
DIRECTOR VEGA
I see... well... Thank you for your time. I hope you reconsider... before tomorrow. Eon, Malinque has permission to contact me.
MALINQUE
Male 26-33. He works in a thankless and ultimately powerless position as a regional head at the Department of Poverty Cooperation, which is tasked with distributing medicine and services for the poor. Smart, ambitious, and idealistic, he wants to make a better life for not only himself but the people he helps. He’s somewhat shy and needs to grow into his role as a leader.
MALINQUE
Director Vega - while we helped organize the march we are not its dictators and don’t have the authority to call it off tomorrow.
MALINQUE
We will discuss in good faith, we’re just not prepared to call off a march for talks that might lead nowhere.
MALINQUE
That’s what I’m doing Director, I’m taking action to improve not only my families life, but the lives of everyone I work for and with at the Department of Poverty Cooperation.
MALINQUE
I’m honored that I’m being considered for that role but I’m not calling off that march tomorrow.
SLANA
Female 20-24. Malinque’s fiery and woke younger sister, Slana holds the same concerns as her brother but a different philosophy on the best way to prompt change. Her philosophy? By any means necessary. She is passionate and uncompromising when it comes to things she cares about.
SLANA
We did it, we really did it!
SLANA
I know but we must have had over 2,000 people marching. And the heads of DPC Eastgate and from DPC Southgate said they would come back tomorrow with even more marchers.
SLANA
The people are behind us, we need this.
SLANA
Good! They will just tell us lies like they always do. Pay us lip service. We need to grow this movement so they have no choice but to bow to our demands.
NEL
Male (35-55). Nel is the primary leader of Alawa’s group of rebels. He’s dignified, gruff, confident, fair, and desperate for his people’s freedom at any cost, including his own life. Think Davos Seaworth from GOT.
NEL
Who are you?!
NEL
I’ll get my hands off no one.NEL
Who are you?
NEL
Why should I let either of you go. You’ve seen our faces.
NEL
No one is going anywhere except where I tell them.
NEL
It doesn’t matter what you want. You’ll wait here with us until the sun goes down and then...well you’ll see.
NELRio, you are an incredible young man. You saved my life today. What happpened to your auntie and uncle?
They will not die in vein. Do you hear me?
NEL
They will be avenged.
JACKSON
Male (25-45) Jackson is a menial janitor and one of the only friends/confidants for Karn, our hero. He is affable, friendly, and able to be a shoulder for Karn to cry on.
JACKSON
Hey Karn.
KARN
Hey Jackson,
JACKSON
Tough loss?
KARN
Not really, I wasn’t trying.
JACKSON
Just coming in to say hi and take out the trash. Is this trash?
KARN
Oh yeah, that’s just my symbol.
Jackson uncrumples the paper.
JACKSON
I like it. Can I keep it?
KARN
Sure. If you want an uncrumpled version, take one from the wall.
JACKSON
I like this one.
KARN
Suit yourself.
JACKSON
You need anything Karn?
KARN
You’re a Saltie right Jackson?
JACKSON
Yes Karn. You know I wasn’t supposed to tell you that though. That’s our secret right?
KARN
I know. But you’re the only Saltie I know. Why do you work in here and I see the rest of them working out in the salt fields next to the ocean.
JACKSON
I got lucky Karn. I just got lucky.
KARN
So where do you live?
JACKSON
I live with the rest of the salties in the Saltie compound.
KARN
And the compound Wall, the building I’m in right now, separates all the salties from the fresh water people?
JACKSON
That’s right.
KARN
Why do they separate you?
JACKSON
That’s a big question Karn. But the short answer is we owe the Aspira corporation our lives and to repay our debt to it, we work in the fields, or in my case, the compound wall research directorate.
COLONEL JESTHRA (S)
Male 45-58. Colonel Jesthra is a mercenary who leads the Compound Authority, a private security force. He is strong, gruff, and to the point. He believes in law and order, and that one should lead with force. Compromise is for the weak.
All is quiet in the Saltie compound we have no uprising.
The Compound Authority does not police - we occupy.
I said... currently they pose no threat. All it takes is one spark.
I believe these protests should be addressed quickly, not brushed aside. Fear is a very effective strategy sir.
CAPTAIN ROLO
Any Gender Mid 20’s- 30’s Captain Rolo works for Colonel Jesthra in the Compound Authority, a private security force. He is a pure mercenary, he is rash and prone to violence without provocation. Strike first and ask questions later.
Warriors of Kronen subdue them
Enough. Who started this insubordination?
Who instigated the fight?
Salties, you all know we have a zero tolerance policy for inciting violence in the compound, but that policy has not been strictly enforced. Well that changes today. So I’ll ask once more who started this incident.Silence. or I’ll kill you both.
Track down that boy and see what he held up in his hand.
CEO MARTINE
Any gender (52-68) The CEO of Aspira corporation is a self made technocrat who cares deeply about making Aspira the most profitable and powerful corporate domain in the world. She views everything from a rational, profit/loss perspective and never lets emotions get in the way of what’s in the best interest of the company s/he is in charge of running.
Good morning everyone. Please brief me on the security situation. I’ve just been told protests are heading our way. Colonel Jesthra?
What about in the fresh water territories Colonel Lero.
Enough small talk. Colonel Jesthra, we hire your company to keep the Saltie compound stable, and that you do very well. But you seem to be suggesting we should handle these freshie protestors in a different fashion?
Your point is heard and appreciated, but I have the utmost faith in Colonel Lero and his methods.
I understand we have to stall but I’m not interested in building more unprofitable desalinization plants. Do we have any new intel regarding why fresh water prices have skyrocketed?
ALAWA
Female (50-??) Sounds old and wise. Alawa is the prophet and leader for a small group of revolutionaries that have banded together to lead their people to freedom. She receives direct messages from a higher power and uses those messages to determine the next steps for the small rebel force. She should sound older and majestic. Her words carry great weight.
Welcome all of you. We gather here tonight to perform a ceremony in preparation for a mission from which some of you will not return. Rio, I will start with you.
Thank you Rio. You are a strong young man, The source tells me you will lead thousands one day and thanks you, and your family, for their sacrifice. They will not be forgottenIt is not your way Rio, it will be soon, but not now.
RIO
Male age 11-13 The youngest recruit of the rebel group. Rio retains his optimism, innocence and belief that his people will be free amidst the harsh world that surrounds him.
(yelling above the fray) Finished tools?
Yes this is my pet hamster George. But I have more than that.
Yes. Here it is.
They’re beating the guards back!
Captain Rolo has just arrived!
DR. ALTON
Any gender. A brilliant, sensitive scientist who is still early in her career and under the tuteledge of Dr. Carlson. She poses innocent yet difficult questions to her boss regarding his ability to justify anything, no matter how morally dubius, in the name of science.
DR. ALTON
Yes, I believe that’s a piece of excriment that just fell on you. And it’s still...
DR CARLSON Dammit! shit!
DR. ALTONYes it looks like it. The board meeting starts in 15 minutes Doctor.
DR. CARLSON
I know that Alton but I can’t show up with shit all over my hair.Dr. Alton takes off her white coat and hands it to Dr. Carlson.
DR. ALTON
You have some on your pants as well sir.
COLONEL LERO
Any gender mid 40’s-50’s. Colonel Lero is in charge of internal security for the corporate domain of Aspira. S/He has opinions but bottles them in and easily bends to the will of her corporate bosses at Aspira despite his doubts.
Three groups of protestors, lead by our employees in the Department of Poverty cooperation from the West, North, and East sectors are heading this way. Current estimate is 1,500 people. It’s an incredibly minority of the population pose no threat.
Excuse me Colonel Jesthra?
That might be the case for the Saltie Compound you police Colonel
NALIA
Female mid 40’s to 60’s. She is the overbearing mother of Malinque and Slana. She is constantly worried about her children and what they might be doing to get themselves and her into trouble.
You what?
That’s it our family is done for, they’re going to turn us into Salties. How many protested?
One of thousands, hopefully they wont single out my babies. They were influenced by bad apples.
You don’t know. You’re young... and stupid. My parents, they survived the great drought, we were this close to being salties. But your grandmother, she did...
things... to ensure that our family survived and stayed out of the salt fields.Nothing has changed, including your ignorance. Aspira, they give us a living wage to survive and take care of us. We might have too much salt in our food and not have as much medicine or water as we need but if it wasn’t for Aspira all of us would be dead.
LILI
Female. Late teens to 20’s. Lili is a slave who is resigned to a life working the fields. She is frightened by change and keeps to the status quo to ensure her survivial.
LILI
Ekio! Wake up! Wake up!
EKIO
Why did you wake me up!?LILI
What? You almost got us both in trouble.
EKIO
I was dreaming of surfing the waves of point Halipa! And you woke me up!?LILI
Didn’t you hear me!? The guard came and was about to punish us if not for end of day.
EKIO
Put me in solitary, I’ll surf some more in my sleep. I’m done with this life.LILI
Enough with your foolishness, we’re late everyone has already left.
RATH
Male. Mid 20’s to 30’s. An enforcer and physical powerhouse for the revolutionaries. He is gruff, to the point, and doesn’t put up with any BS. Think the Hound from GOT.
Nel, Rio. Who are they?
Why did you bring them to our headquarters?
You should have killed them.
The source decides.
Costas is Male and Yula is female early 20’s to 30’s. Brother & Sister. Swashbuckling and fun loving fighters. Getting punched in the face is just another day for these two troublemakers. They lead with their hearts on their sleeves.
COSTAS
I have ears don’t I.
COSTAS
I love you. For our Sister in the Wall.
COSTAS
I’m not sure how much longer we’ll hold.
COSTAS
Yea we would have surrendered if you just asked nicely.
YULA
Costas is Male and Yula is female early 20’s to 30’s. Brother & Sister. Swashbuckling and fun loving fighters. Getting punched in the face is just another day for these two troublemakers. They lead with their hearts on their sleeves.
Did you hear Nel’s whistle.
I love you brother.
For our sister in the wall. You freshie loving scum!
(next line is sarcastic, w/ sense of humor)Why didn’t you just ask us from the start to surrender?
MOMMY
Female late 20’s-30’s. A sick mother in line for an emergency procedure has to explain to her child what is happening (you can listen to the scene in the pilot teaser above). Actor needs to be grounded (not over the top) with serious chops.
YOUNG GIRL
Mommy what does that mean?MOMMY
I don’t know honey. But we’ll be safe soon.
YOUNG GIRL What’s the Aspira corp?
MOMMY
They’re the company that’s going to make it so we can drink salt water and live honey.
YOUNG GIRL
What happened to the president?MOMMY
There is no president, the Government doesn’t have any money to take care of the people anymore, the drought, the super storms. Only the big corporations are left.YOUNG GIRL
The corporations are going to take care of us?MOMMY
Well the corporations are trying to take care of the people in their area sweety. It’s complicated and no one really knows what’s going to happen.
YOUNG GIRL
So Aspira is our new president?Mommy yacks.
MOMMY
I’m sorry sweetie. Mommy isn’t feeling to well. Yes Aspira is going to save us. We’re getting a procedure that will let us drink salt water so we- I’m not feeling so -
The mother collapses.
YOUNG GIRL
Girl needs to sound age 5-8. A young girl in line with her mother asking how/why her world is falling apart (you can listen to the scene in the pilot teaser above). Needs to be inquisitive, grounded, really sound that age with serious acting chops (ability to cry).
Mommy what does that mean?
What’s the Aspira corp?
What happened to the president?
The corporations are going to take care of us?
So Aspira is our new president?Mommy! Mommy! Wake up!
Mommy wake up! We’re going to be saved. You can’t get sick now.
(Mommy passes out. The young girl is in tears)
Mommy please don’t go.
KIDS 1, 2, & 3
Any gender ages 8-15. Need to be comfortable with profanity and sound like the age range. Three kids up on a roof getting into trouble. Please read all three roles when submitting.
EXT. WESTGATE - BUILDING ROOF One kid stops playing.
KID 1
Look at this shit cannon I madeKID 2 Hahaha. That’s gross.
KID 1
I’ve got a bucket of shit rightt here ready for launchingKID 2
Shoot it off the roof at that sign!KID 3
No hit that drone!Kid 1 looks above, aims, fires. The SHIT flies through the air and lands a direct hit on the drones door.
KID 2 Direct hit!
KID 3 You hit the door.
KID 1
Some of it fell back down on the crowd outside the DPC! Shoot more at them!KID 3
No my mom’s in that line waiting for our water and medicine.
The loving wife of Dr. Carlson. She's sarcastic, smart and funny. Supports her husband to no end.
Ugh. Why do you always thank him? He’s not a person. He’s not even a robot.
Are you sure you want MORE coffee?
Love you too.
Wait. Take a water.LIZ
Sheesh. What did you do this morning.
DR. CARLSON
Took a long shower, need to be fresh and clean for the big presentation.
LIZ
I wanted to take a bath.
He gives her a big hug from behind and inhales.
DR. CARLSON
Don’t worry, you smell great.
LIZ
Creepy. Thanks?
DR. CARLSON
Just don’t go outside!
LIZ
Jerk!
DR. CARLSON
You can go #2, just no bath.
LIZ
Good luck today.
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