Shadowstrike is a complex, layered character with one of the most intense emotional arcs in the series. He starts off as a warm, patient mentor who owns a welcoming dojo and cares deeply for his students. Life circumstances push him into the Stick Mafia, where he gradually evolves into a hardened, but still guilt ridden enforcer. After a catastrophic incident that leaves him physically and emotionally scarred for life, his trauma transforms into full blown, calculated madness, that of a deranged enforcer who kills without thought, all while maintaining this bizarre, trauma-induced, unwavering loyalty to Samuel Blackwood, leader of the Stick Mafia, whom he sees as a father figure.

An Important Note on Performance Style:

Shadowstrike is not a Joker-style, over-the-top, “gore is funny” character. He is vicious, aggressive, and deeply intelligent (though, outwardly, he'd seem like the kind of guy too manic to process a thought), relishing in calculated suffering rather than the chaotic "crazy clown" type. Actors should focus on conveying his (frankly uncontrolled) malicious intent, cold enjoyment of power and intimidation, and emotional depth and evolution from trauma to madness. Now, allow me to clarify; just because I'm against the clown archetype doesn't mean that you shouldn't act unhinged. That was not at all supposed to mean you should restrain your insanity. Let your voice shake with feral rage, scream your words with anger, hell, scream to mock people like your words spill blood (especially the rebar line, he's aiming to completely dismantle the protagonist and make him feel REAL fear for the first time).

Actors who try to perform him as a “funny insane clown” or anything generic or typical of the tasteless "crazy characters" we see in media will not be considered. We want someone who can deliver the dark, realistic, psychological menace that Shadowstrike truly embodies.

Disqualification Points:

• The aforementioned. He is definitely deranged and insane, but last time we auditioned this role we got way too many "crazy clown" archetypes.

• Mismatched accent, gender, or age. Look, I'm extremely flexible with other roles (many characters underwent race and gender changes for actors!), but a role like this must be pitch-perfect, to a tee, and identical to the script performance. I apologize, and mean no discrimination.

• A lack of enthusiasm or professionalism. The entire reason the last actor was fired was a complete lack of care for the show, and a gross misread of the character, as well as an unwillingness to change either. This also includes actors who come off as callous, angry, or like they're just "get the cash and go" types. I love paying people, but also want a community of passionate people. No need to be the living embodiment of joy, just don't be a jerk, and care about the role.