Once Bitten, Twice Shy: A radio drama miniseries
Project Overview
"Once Bitten, Twice Shy" is described as...
"A new holiday classic for the Hot Topic nerds and their conservative families!"
"Nightmare Before Christmas but make it Hallmark."
"The physical manifestation of My Chemical Romance's 'All I Want for Christmas is You"
"What We Do in The Shadows Jr."
PART ONE ("Parasite and Friend"): After a heist at a local blood bank goes awry, Luca the Vampire realizes they must change their ways and start anew.
PART TWO ("Laughing at Bad News"): Our vampiric friend finds new friends and discovers there are other paranormal friends in the neighborhood.
PART THREE ("Vampire in Suburbia"): One month or so since the vampire moved into their home, they discover that there is a murderer in their midst who is keenly aware of the paranormal town subjects.
PART FOUR ("All I Want for Christmas is Your Blood"): The stranger, the vampire, and the ex go to get a Christmas tree and everything goes south.
PART FIVE ("Butchers Ask Weird Questions"): Things go awry after the Christmas tree incident, and the vampire must decide.
PART SIX ("Don't Look Back in Anger"): I'm not spoiling the ending.
This is a six-part (subject to change) radio drama miniseries for 90.3 WMSC. All roles are gender-neutral and LGBTQIA+ friendly. Actors cast in any role are given the option to choose the pronouns for the character.
All those who audition must be over the age of eighteen with no exceptions. This is a passion project for my school's radio station and will most likely be submitted for industry awards. Unfortunately, I am unable to pay talent for their involvement.
The final project is to debut in Fall 2022. Episodes will be released from October to December on-air and on SoundCloud. This will most likely be in a For Your Consideration campaign for several major collegiate awards.
RECENT CHANGE TO PROJECT DUE TO COLLEGE/INTERNSHIP OBLIGATIONS: THIS PRODUCT WILL BE ON HOLD UNTIL JANUARY 1ST TO AVOID CONTRACT VIOLATIONS.
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Latest Updates
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Halloween is just around the corner and I wanted to come in to thank you for your patience. My internship is going well and the end of the semester is just around the corner. The script is halfway complete and I can't wait to announce the final results on New Year's Day 2022. Cheers!
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Due to contractural obligations, this project will be on hold.
This is a weird sort of thing to write. I just got an internship at a popular audio streaming company to which I am very excited to be a part of. As much as I'd like to continue working on this radio drama, I would be violating a clause in my contract that said anything I produce during my term there would be considered their own property, including performances that may come from this. So until the internship is over (which will most likely be in late December/early January) I will put this project on hold. Please understand that this wasn't a choice I made lightly and that you are all talented. The last thing I want to do is to lose rights to a project I (and you all) have worked really hard for. -
Pushing back deadline one more time....
Well, this is awkward. The casting deadline extended to mid-August to accommodate college/work/personal stuff and to give me a bit more time to write. Get cracking. -
Episode two is nearly complete...
Once again, I thank you all for the wonderful auditions and outpouring of support for this project. I truly thought no one would be on board with a Hallmark thriller featuring freeloading vampires, volleyball-loving werewolves, and exceedingly weird background characters. But you all have proved me wrong. I'm almost done with episode two of six at 31 pages total so far. Roles will be changing to reflect the largeness of the project, if you haven't already I suggest auditioning for the background roles so it can help shape my decision in case you are not cast for your first choice. For those who are auditioning for the roles of Estelle and Ronnie, you're going to love episode two. For those auditioning for the role of Kaden, I advise stocking up on throat coat tea for episode two. -
Pushing back the deadline
First and foremost thank you all for auditioning! This looks to be the largest project I've ever worked on and I am honored to see so many auditions. I'm letting you all know that due to a myriad of personal/professional things I will be extending the deadline to the end of July. The script is very much in the works and I will need to finish half of it before making any casting decisions.
Unisex. Became a vampire back in the 2000s, uses a lot of the 2000s slang, and is very much a product of their upbringing.
A former Blockbuster employee who collects VHS tapes like trading cards, despite not owning a VHS player. They fall in love with the LIBRARY WORKER because of their kindness and long neck, truly fighting their instinct to eat the worker. They are in recovery because they feel that their parasitical ways are destructive. Has a FAMILIAR who they use to get things from in exchange for the promise of becoming a vampire someday. Hates EX for obvious reasons. Has close friends in the recovery group.
A part of the role will require voice actors to use a face mask while recording as this is a common trait the character has in order to interact with humans without attracting suspicion. These instances will be noted in the script. A slight accent (preferably Northeastern United States) is preferred for the role, but entirely optional. If you plan on auditioning with a slight accent it would be preferred if you include a more neutral form of an American accent.
This role is a double role, as Luca's subconscious comes into play sometime in Part Two. The subconscious is a manifestation of their fear of returning to their old ways.
My familiar is (or was as it seems they’re probably going to Rikers Island), in college. It was a religious school. I couldn't crash on their couch, there were too many crucifixes.
[You're standing up and addressing a small crowd of vampires in recovery.] My name is Luca, and I'm a vampire. I was bitten almost twenty years ago when I was rewinding tapes at Blockbuster for a living. I've been neck-free for nearly one month, which my familiar calls "No Neck November". I don't understand what that means, but I think it's pretty good.
Aubrey, I know I've known you for a really short time and all but I feel like I need to tell you the truth about who I am.
A caring library worker studying folklore for their final project. They're a night owl who prowls the school library’s shelves for content that can help with their dissertation. They're a bit of a scatterbrain who loves chattering on and on around people they're comfortable with but is noticeably quiet around EX. The kind of person that would have gone to midnight releases of Twilight books and probably would have different editions of various vampire-related media.
Friendly, the kind of librarian who would go above and beyond to help a researcher. On good terms with EX, broke up amicably a while ago due to the long-distance aspect as they have to travel for research. Sees VAMPIRE as an eccentric who is keenly interested in researching the paranormal. Bubbly but grounded in reality, Aubrey believes that the paranormal exists and wants to show others that as well.
Aubrey's not oblivious to the fact that Luca is a vampire, in fact, they've been waiting for them to come out and say it.
Sorry, I didn't see you there. It's never a good idea to startle a librarian, you never know where the books will land!
Vampirism? You're in luck, I'm doing my dissertation on Bram Stoker and Anne Rice! Also, a bit of Stephanie Meyer but my adviser told me to add that 'cause of that phenomenon... (Aubrey trails off as they say this, they clearly are excited because they finally found someone that shares their interest.)
Luca, I'd like you to meet my ex and very good friend Cameron. Cameron, this is Luca. I know it's bad taste to introduce your ex to someone you're kinda-sorta dating, but you both love Hot Topic clothes and My Chemical Romance so I think you'd be a great fit!
Frontperson of a band where they play guitar and sing, the role will require some mild singing in the background of a couple of scenes. They’re moody and are a bit of a diva but their reason for being a diva is because they think they’re hot shit for getting some Spotify hits (all from Brazilian bots). They're the kind of person that would play Stairway to Heaven at a guitar convention or play Imagine Dragons unironically.
On good terms with LIBRARY WORKER but still yearns for them in a way (they still miss that relationship just because they felt like their best work came from being with them). They are a self-proclaimed vampire hunter, basing all their knowledge off of watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer. They are a bit unhinged towards VAMPIRE because of concerns related to their unusual habits. Sees the paranormal not as regular creatures seeking normal lives but as prey.
Once tried to start a relationship with Estelle but that did not pan out at all. Hates Ronnie. A former friend of Kaden's as they went to the same school together.
Aubrey, babe! Great to see you again, I know you've been busy with the whole college thing. Who's this pale guy next to you?
[Here, Cameron is confronting Luca over their suspicious behavior] Listen, pal, I've dealt with the music industry before. I know a bloodsucking parasite when I see one.
I came here to slay a vampire and shred my guitar, and I'm not going to let any of you geeks stop me.
A tired human who is finishing up their English major in the college town the story takes place in. Balances inconsistent employment with classes and of course the VAMPIRE they took in exchange for the promise of becoming a vampire. Treats VAMPIRE like an annoying roommate who doesn’t do anything. Knows LIBRARY WORKER through classes, on decent terms. Vaguely knows who EX is. Gets fed up with the whole situation and discloses to EX that VAMPIRE is not human. When they first meet Vampire, they're in awe of their abilities and see them as a friend who has magical powers.
Did you just drop down from the sky or something? Where's your parachute?
This is my apartment, it's not much but it's home. There's a closet you can probably hide in next to the bedroom. Wait a sec, you're still in the doorway?
I'm an English major! I didn't spend three years convincing my parents I could get a career in the subject just to spend my time catering to your every whim! You're a vampire! You fell from the sky for crying out loud!
A gentle old soul who just wants to live a peaceful life. Enjoys a good game of solitaire and a worn copy of a classic book. Able to process food and water as a vampire. Acts extremely kind to everyone, going so far as to adopt orphans and pay for their college as well as foster countless cats. Has done horrible things in the past and knows that these things will never make up for the atrocities they've done.
Is friendly enough with the library staff to hold the meetings in the basement and is a research assistant to LIBRARY WORKER. Has been around for an ungodly amount of time and has given up on the cravings entirely in order to attempt to blend in with humanity and be an advocate for the paranormal community. Has several doctorates from various institutions thanks to night classes and online colleges.
Micah's well known in the college town's paranormal community as the person you go to for advice on reformation, as well as the person who advocated for a pact between werewolves and vampires after years of territorial disputes.
Micah's voice has a significant European tinge, as they came to the United States from Eastern Europe at least 150 years ago. Very calming voice.
Good evening everyone, glad you all can make it. As you can see we have a new face joining us on our thirteen-step journey to becoming a better vampire.
Aubrey my dear, you're one of the most studious people I've ever met. I think it'd be best if you take a break before you dive back into research and relax. You still have plenty of time.
Ronnie! Good to see you again, thank you for giving me my newspapers. Ah, I haven't forgotten your reward, just give me a moment please.
This role involves multiple characters, multiple actors will be chosen for this role and will expand as the story grows. This audition includes three roles due to space constraints.
"Numbers"- A vampire obsessed with counting things and is extremely studious with dates and times, has a memorable laugh. The real name is unknown, the character is loosely based on the Count from Sesame Street.
"Nose"- The oldest in the bunch, even older than Micah and is widely believed to be one of the "original" vampires. Based on Nosferatu.
"Ned"- A brooding vampire who is convinced they're immune to sunlight. (They're not.) Based on Edward Cullen from Twilight.
NUMBERS: Our next meeting is in one, two, three, four, five, six days! Hahaha!
NOSE: Why is it that nowadays we're expected to live up to unrealistic beauty standards? Back in my day vampires were considered scary and terrifying, not sexy!
NED: I'm like, totally immune to sunlight. It looks like I'm sparkling.
A werewolf, they are the de facto leader of the town's werewolf society. Lover of volleyball and long walks, able to itch their ear with their foot like a dog. A well-meaning idiot who inherited their powers from one of their parents, a once feared werewolf who kept a long-running rivalry with the vampires. Close with Micah and sees them as a friendly person who gives them snacks in exchange for picking up things for them. Loves seeing Luca and hopes that one day Luca will play frisbee with them.
In this universe, werewolves can be both vicious creatures terrorizing the land and a friendly dog who sees their transformation as a fun habit. Ronnie and their friends are the latter as they come from a much friendlier and reformed generation that openly embraces their dog-like enthusiasm.
To familiarize yourself with the role the character Dug from UP is a great resource.
Here's your mail Micah! I'm sorry I scared away the late-night delivery guy, he looked so scary!
Who's this guy? I haven't seen you around... wanna play volleyball with me and my bros?
What's with the stick you're wielding? Is it fetch? Are we playing fetch? I love to fetch! Toss it over there!
A New Agey kind of Wiccan who is seen as an oddball, but a dear friend to the LIBRARY WORKER and roommate. Sometimes petty, friendly with Micah and is frequently involved in their paranormal outreach. Kicked out of their coven for no apparent reason and is extremely petty about it.
Aubrey, could you please give me back my copy of Twilight? I need it.
They kicked me out of the group chat.
Kaden? You're here too? Small world.
This is an ensemble role, feel free to try out any voices or inflections.
GUITAR PLAYER #2: Self-aware, a substitute teacher during the day.
BASSIST: The one who gets the most groupies.
DRUMMER: The one who is hard of hearing.
KEYBOARD PLAYER: The one who is just here to have a good time.
We're the Smoking Hairs, we got t-shirts and everything!
Cameron, murder's not the answer.
Wait, I thought we had a lot of fans from Brazil?
This is an ensemble cast, multiple actors will be chosen for this role.
The werewolves are a group of fun-loving wolves who enjoy the dog aspect of their transformation and love volleyball a lot. Extremely friendly but aren't familiar with personal space. They're the kind of group of friends that would go mini-golfing and would chest bump each other after each hole.
Pass the ball! Gimme the ball!
Wait, where's the stick? Oh come on, we fell for it again!
Don't run around in circles, it's just your shadow dude.
You’ve been invited in before Luca, you have free entry.
Luca, it’s a mercy kill. She’s tottering on the edge of death.
Did you just call us parasites Tilly? Tiny Tilly, who can’t even open the top cupboard without a step stool. Tilly, who has to work oh so hard for the rent and has to clean up after us little “parasites”? Boohoo.
You’re lucky that you sleep on the couch. There’s plenty of humans out there who don’t have a place to call their home, Tilly.
Of course darling. Tilly’s just a mild inconvenience, we can find another familiar without much difficulty.
Quinn is a vampire without a spine. Always dependent on the good graces of Toby and seeks nothing short of complete approval. Opinions change on a dime, bases their personality on Toby's in order to be considered one of the group.
Yeah! We can find one with… uh… laser eyes! And chainsaws for arms!
Yeah! Yeah! You’re nothing… uh… without…. Uh…
The narrator acts as a bridge between episodes. The role includes helping to describe time jumps, characters, places, etc., and is the go-between for us the audience, and the script.
New York City is a beautiful city an hour before daybreak. It’s the quiet hour when the city that never sleeps has shut its eyes for a fleeting moment. The carts of roasted nuts are missing from the sidewalks of Midtown. The hiss of hot air from the subway grates subsides to a mere whisper of heat from below the streets. Even windows in the tallest buildings have lost their butter-yellow glow. And for a small fraction of the population of eight point four million, it’s a dangerous sight to behold.
The familiar for Toby, the one who works to keep the apartment lights on. The role requires a good deal of frustration, Tilly has been supporting the "parasites" for an undisclosed amount of time and has finally reached their breaking point.
(just woke up due to loud vampire shenanigans) What’s with all the racket? You guys know I have to work in four hours, could I please go back to bed?
I’m the only human who works to support you parasites, could you please let me go back to sleep?
I get up at 7 am and go to work at 8. Unless you want me to disclose to the landlord as well as the housing department that there are a bunch of squatters living in my apartment, I’d advise YOU ALL to be mindful. If you don’t mind me, I’ll just turn on a bit of television.
A follower of Toby, but one with a sense of self-awareness. They are relatively nicer, but their rudeness is still part of their personality. Heavily implied that Kev was the one who bit Luca, but we'll get to that soon.
Quinn, you can’t come up with an insult to save your life. Why try?
(snorting as if Luca told the funniest joke in the known universe, the mad lad)
TOBY? Apologize? Luca, you must have been a clown in your past life.
Thus proving my point, my hilarious chum. God, do you remember VHS tapes? I used to not rewind tapes cause...
(say the underlined words mockingly, Kev’s a relatively good guy compared to the others, but he still sips the “I’m an asshole and proud” Kool-Aid)
The “Be kind, rewind” sticker on the bottom annoyed me. I think I still have a copy of Back to the Future III from them at my parent’s old place if they’re still… y’know. Around, so to speak.
These are the background players that are not associated with specific groups (ex: werewolves, coven, band). They come in at random points and typically keep their presence extremely brief.
Put your demo reel here.