DARK ARTS – Retro Horror Audio Drama
N7Merk for Voice Actor – Joe Grant (Determined Father / Male, 44)
🎙️ Role: Joe Grant (44, male)
Voice Type: Low register, rough-edged, grounded
Accent: American (general or slightly working-class—Texan, Midwest, or neutral rural okay)
Tone: Gruff, emotional restraint, no-nonsense
Style: Natural, authentic, grounded in realism
Character Summary:
Joe Grant is a weathered oil rigger and a father still searching for his missing son, Peter. He’s tough, no-frills, and emotionally closed off—but not cold. Beneath his blunt exterior is a man breaking quietly under the weight of guilt, grief, and relentless determination.
This role calls for subtle emotional control. Joe is not outwardly expressive—his feelings come through in quiet intensity rather than outbursts. He’s guarded, but not cold. The performance should reflect a man carrying weight without needing to show it. When emotion does surface, it should feel natural and understated.
Key Vocal Traits:
- Deep, rough, naturally weathered tone (not theatrical)
- Grounded delivery—think gravel and gravity, not melodrama
- Quiet intensity, especially in moments of regret or belief
- Subtle shifts—he may start sharp but drop into something raw
- english
- male adult
- american
- narration
- adult
- audiobook
- emotional voice acting
- amateur actor
- amateur voice acting
- deep voice
- producer/writer/voice actor
- audio engineering voice acting
"For Christ’s sake— (sharp, interrupting) not this again. Every time someone asks about my son, they come with theories… stories… gossip— (beat, scoffs) and shit that is, to be blunt, a waste of my time. (Leaning forward, voice tight) You think I haven’t heard it all? (beat) (Low and firm) I don’t need stories. I need the truth."
"They called him a runaway— (slight breath, bitter chuckle) before I even got home. Stamped the file. Case closed. (Beat. Then harder, voice rising just slightly) Like that was supposed to be enough."
"My son told me he was scared. (soft, almost to himself) I didn’t take him seriously… (pause) Thought it was just nerves. Teenage hormones, maybe. (Voice catching slightly) I should’ve listened. Should’ve been there. (Beat) But I was too busy… away working."
Hi Merk,
Thanks for your audition—I really like the tone of your voice. I was wondering if you’d be open to doing another take with a bit more consistency between the lines. Right now, there are some longer pauses that break the flow a little. It might help to pick up the pace slightly and raise the mic level if possible. It also sounds like you may not have been fully familiar with the lines yet, so I’d love to hear a version where you’re more comfortable with the material. Really looking forward to hearing more from you!