Audition for original thesis films produced by Motion Picture Institute students. This casting page includes available roles, audition sides, director contact information, and submission links for multiple student productions. Browse the films below, choose the role or roles that fit you, record your audition, and submit directly through the listed audition form. Actors may also submit a general audition to be considered across all participating thesis films.
Auditions will be open through June.
MPI THESIS FILM AUDITIONS
Audition for original student thesis films produced through the Motion Picture Institute.
Multiple productions. Multiple genres. Roles for a wide range of ages, looks, and experience levels.
HOW AUDITIONS WORK
01
Browse the Films
Review the available thesis films and roles listed on this page.
02
Choose a Role
Select the film and character you would like to audition for. Each listing should include the role details, audition material, director contact information, and submission link.
03
Record Your Audition
Prepare a self-tape using the audition side or instructions provided for that role.
04
Submit Online
Use the audition form listed with that film, or follow the director contact instructions when provided.
05
Want to Audition for All Films?
Submit a monologue through the General Audition option to be considered across participating productions.
GENERAL SUBMISSIONS
Want to Be Considered for Multiple Films?
Submit one general audition monologue to be considered across participating MPI thesis films. This is the best option for actors who are open to multiple projects or do not want to audition for only one specific role.
NOWHERE TOWN
Directed by: Jacob Britt
Log line or scene set up: A Twilight Zone like noir film with gangsters and cultists, it’s a desperate fight for survival for a lone mobster who may be losing his mind.
Character Gender: Male
Character Age: 20-40 in appearance
Character Race: Any
Character description: PETER wears basic blue or grey clothes, a coat and old hat. He is a man of few words, he has a violent streak and is a coward. He has been seeing things he can’t explain for weeks which has made him even more afraid than he was before, he runs from most things and believes the mob will kill him running from the mob he stumbles upon a cult that wants to sacrifice him.
This role requires a lot of physicality punching, stabbing, falling.
The following is not in the script and is just here to give you an idea of who they are. They speak very little.
PETER
Markus Dofrey
MARKUS
Yes
Peter punches him in the gut
PETER
Where’s the don’s money
MARKUS
*coughing* I’ll get it to him I swea-
Peter stops listening to him as he sees someone get eaten by a monster in the distance
PETER
Just get him his money
Character Gender: Male
Character Age: 20-40 in appearance
Character Race: Any
Character description: Johnny wears black different style to Peter.
JOHNNY
Petey saw what you did to Lester
Johnny shoots the cultists bodies
A thud and movement is heard
Johnny shoots in the direction hitting nothing
JOHNNY
If you weren’t a nutcase I’d be proud of you
Johnny sees the body of Knuckle riddle with gun shot wounds
JOHNNY
And Knuckle, boss not gonna be happy about that
Character Gender: Male
Character Age: 40-60 in appearance
Character Race: Any
Character description: A large, well dressed man in black
MOB BOSS
Hello Peter you there… are you where I told you to be… SPIT IT OUT
Mob boss turns towards one of his guards
MOB BOSS
(soto) fucking spaz
Mob boss turns back
MOB BOSS
Alright make your collections then meet Johnny in his car… I don’t FUCKING care about the weird shit you saw this week
Mob boss turns towards one of his guards
MOB BOSS
(soto) This guys fucking lost it
RAVE AT THE GRAVE
Directed by: Julius Davis | juliusdavis21.jd@gmail.com | 248-845-6235
Log Line or scene set up: Two free-spirited van-dwelling hippies drifting through backroads and raves, as they stumble upon a group of shady psychedelic devotees who host underground “raves” in abandoned buildings.
Character Age: Early-Mid 20’s
Character Race: N/A
Character Gender: Female
Character Description: LUNA, adventurous, spiritual, and slightly naïve. She sees beauty in chaos but hides fear of being directionless.
LUNA
Maybe… Going here will bring our spark back?
Luna turns on the radio, after a few moments of silence. She looks at River.
LUNA
Wait, you showed me this song like when we first started talking, Remember?
River hesitates, then turns to her and is comforted by her stare. He nods his head. Luna runs her nails through his hair to the side of his neck, and takes his glasses off.
LUNA (cont’d)
I just think this would be good for us, right?
SCENE 3
LUNA
Are you serious? He bought some jewelry and left, I don’t get why you’re being like this!
Character Age: Early-Mid 20’s
Character Race: N/A
Character Gender: Male
Character Description: RIVER, Chill, sarcastic stoner; uses humor to mask nihilism. He is soft-spoken and lacks confidence.
RIVER
Welcome to Episode one of the “cosmic cruiser chronicles” Here we are again, Luna out here talking to Donnie Darko fuckers again.
RIVER
Yeah okay, You got the hots for that Lestat lookin’ fuck. You like him!
RIVER (cont’d)
You always do this.
RIVER
Find a “vibe” and follow it. And we’re on the road for what?
RIVER
Yo what do you want? Go talk to your new friend, since you won’t talk to me the same.
RIVER (cont’d)
You’re freakin’ me out. This is why I never take psychedelics.
Character Age: Mid 20’s
Character Race: N/A
Character Gender: Male
Character Description: ZAYNE, A high school burnout always looking to secure a moment of dominance.
ZAYNE
You’re tired of drifting.
ZAYNE
The art is almost as stunning as you, You’re not from here are you? The name’s Zayne.
ZAYNE
Very , I’m afraid. I know about this lifestyle, considering I’m also a van-hippie.
ZAYNE
It’s okay, I gotta go! You’re worth way more.
ZAYNE
Sup y’all just handing out flyers. Hope to see you guys there!
ZAYNE
You all feel it deep inside, don’t you?
(During the scene while hypnotizing the crowd)
Character Age: 30’s-40’s
Character Race: N/A
Character Gender: Male
ROWAN
Far out man, you beautiful beings found the Grave.
ROWAN
A frickin’ rad shit hole man! Here, everyone experiences it differently.
ROWAN
We trip together or not at all.
ROWAN
Melt your brain with me!!
BEHIND A DREAM
Directed by: L. Napolitano | iamlnapolitano@icloud.com | 810-542-3434
Log Line or scene set up: After they meet arbitrarily inside a retail store, Christian and Sway Day decide to be wed that night, setting toward the Clerk’s office to obtain a marriage license.
Character Age: 19-presenting.
Character Race: Any!
Character Gender: Female-presenting.
Character Description: This character, named Sway Day, is the epitome of ambiversion, and would particularly veer out of her way to, well, propose marriage to a stranger. She is an entrepreneur, so naturally persuasive, but simultaneously indecisive, a symptom of an inability to evenly delegate the output of her bigheartedness.
A Monologue from “Chasing Amy”
I love you. And not in a friendly way, although I think we’re great friends. And not in a misplaced affection, puppy-dog way, although I’m sure that’s what you’ll call it. And it’s not because you’re unattainable. I love you. Very simple, very truly. You’re the epitome of every attribute and quality I’ve ever looked for in another person. I know you think of me as just a friend, and crossing that line is the furthest thing from an option you’d ever consider. But I had to say it. I can’t take this anymore. I can’t stand next to you without wanting to hold you. I can’t look into your eyes without feeling that longing you only read about in trashy romance novels. I can’t talk to you without wanting to express my love for everything you are.
Character Age: 18-presenting.
Character Race: Any!
Character Gender: Male-presenting.
Character Description: This character, named Christian, has spent his life alone to instead focus on the illustrious career ahead. That being said, he still desires to be romantic, which erupts on this day…
A Monologue from “Chasing Amy”
I love you. And not in a friendly way, although I think we’re great friends. And not in a misplaced affection, puppy-dog way, although I’m sure that’s what you’ll call it. And it’s not because you’re unattainable. I love you. Very simple, very truly. You’re the epitome of every attribute and quality I’ve ever looked for in another person. I know you think of me as just a friend, and crossing that line is the furthest thing from an option you’d ever consider. But I had to say it. I can’t take this anymore. I can’t stand next to you without wanting to hold you. I can’t look into your eyes without feeling that longing you only read about in trashy romance novels. I can’t talk to you without wanting to express my love for everything you are.
FASTLIVIN’
Directed by: Josue’ Abayan
Character Age: 30s-40s
Character Race: Black
Character Gender: Female
Log Line or scene set up: Your boss has pushed you to the point that you’re furious and you quit but before you do, you cuss them out first.
Character Description: This is a Mom role , She is very emotional and impactful in the scenes we see her in and she is the main focus of the film.
MOM
I have to walk here just to survive and I can’t use one of the handy bikes, because they are expensive. Picture that, Mr. Harrison. I work for the biggest restaurant in the world and I can’t afford a $200 dollar bike, because lord knows you don’t pay the colored enough to afford bikes! And I work like a dog day and night, living on coffee from a pot none of you want to touch! So, excuse me if I take my time making y’all crackers Y’all food.
Character Age: 30s
Character Race: Black
Character Gender: Male
Log Line or scene set up: You’re taking force. Showing how much power you have, but having pride and ego with it.
Character Description: Grams is the enforcer. He’s aggressive , dangerous and wants control.
GRAMS
Who the do y’all think y’all fucking with? I run shit around here. You just live here. Yeah, that’s right, you better walk away. Go on and walk away… ’cause I’m gonna’ burn this motherfucker down. King Kong ain’t got shit on me.
Character Age: 30s
Character Race: Black
Character Gender: Male
Log Line or scene set up: When you catch one of your friends’ kids doing something they have no business doing.
Character Description: Officer Joyner is a helpful and caring man.
OFFICER JOYNER
You lucky I’m the one who caught him. He is doing the same thing his daddy and brother did, Now look where they at. Next time if it’s a next time I’m taking him to the county.
Character Age: Mid 20s
Character Race: Black
Character Gender: Male
Log Line or scene set up: You just found out your best friend was a cop after y’all have been doing illegal things together.
Character Description: Lou is a hustler, Very unpredictable. He is like the middle man.
LOU
You a cop? You a cop muthafucka? All I wanted to do was be there for you, All I did was be there for you, That’s all did. Huh, Jay Reed. You ain’t no cop, You ain’t no cop Jay Reed. YOU A SELL OUT.
Character Age: Early Teens
Character Race: Black
Character Gender: Male
Log Line or scene set up: You just find out you’re kicked off the football team for fighting a teammate.
Character Description: Rico is a kid who has a lot of emotion within and has already figured out life at a young age.
YOUNG RICO
Why I’m not playing you mad at me? Cause I’m sorry about pushing Ray-Ray. I just want to play. Is it anything I can do? Please help me.
Character Age: Mid 20s
Character Race: Black
Character Gender: Male
Log Line or scene set up: You are expressing your feelings to your family about why you love your illegal job so much.
Character Description: Shawn is a hustler, He is smart and has good leader skills.
SHAWN
A nigga like me man, I love the game. I love the hustle. The money made me Man. I be feeling like one of them ball player niggas, You know? Like bird, magic or something. Yeah you know a nigga got dough, But if I leave the league…. Is the fans still gone love me man?
HOW THE TABLES TURN
Directed by: Tish Monique
Character Gender: Female
Character Age: Between 20-35
Character Race: Black Descent
Log Line or scene set up: Nova lays in the bed conversing with Maurice on the phone. They are having a deep conversation about her personal life. The conversation is very touchy but she opens up to him like she has never done with anyone else.
Character Description: Nova is a very ambitious young lady. She lost her adoptive parents and had an estranged relationship with her brother, causing unforeseen circumstances to affect her future relationships.
MAURICE
Other than film, what is your deepest desire and why?
NOVA
Might be a little too deep but I would love to have a family of my own… and to find my biological parents. My adopted parents died a few years ago and I’ve never felt so lost and alone. My strained relationship with my brother doesn’t help. While I decided to finish school and chase my dreams, he decided to adopt the street life and even start using drugs like cocaine. One day, my brother got so high, he pulled a gun out on me… Ever since then, I haven’t spoken with him.
Character Gender: Male
Character Age: Between 25-40
Character Race: Black Descent
Log Line or scene set up: Maurice sits on the phone with Nova as they have a deep conversation about her life. She expresses her fear of trusting people and he wants to assure her that he will protect her from everything.
Character Description: Maurice is a gentle gangster. He’s a business man with extra business on the side. Even though he may be a beast in the streets, he is a gentle giant to the love of his life, Nova.
NOVA
If someone who once considered me their favorite person can do that to me, how am I supposed to trust a stranger?
MAURICE
Well, baby, you don’t have to be afraid of me. I’m not a stranger, I’m your soulmate. I will protect you with every breath in my body, I will love you with every beat my heart takes and I will give reassurance to any insecurity you may have. I got you my love.
CLOUD WATCHING
Directed by: Ryan Tatone
Character Gender: Male
Character Age: 20s
Character Race: Any
Log line or scene set up: Three Stoners have one day to turn their half-joke, “Cloud Watching Club,” into a town-approved, legitimate organization, or face
the law for loitering (and smoking weed). A group of friends rushes to make posters for a club event they’re legally required to promote, or else face arrest as the pressure builds. Leo, completely unbothered, questions whether it’s even worth trying.
Character Description: Leo is a lackadaisical stoner; lazy to a fault, and carries an attitude that makes it confusing if he truly cares or not. While he genuinely loves his small community and friend group, his default response to stress is avoidance. His chill vibe doesn’t underplay his dialogue as he typically just gets straight to the point.
LEO
Man, I say we cut our losses and just go to jail. We have no friends, it’s just us. It doesn’t even have a time- it just says tomorrow.
Character Gender: Male
Character Age: 20s
Character Race: Any
Log line or scene set up: Three Stoners have one day to turn their half-joke, “Cloud Watching Club,” into a town-approved, legitimate organization, or face the law for loitering (and smoking weed). Early in the film, during a casual hangout, Howard goes on an unprompted and chaotic rant, revealing his volatile personality and being prone to taking his ideas to crazy extremes.
Character Description: Howard is unfiltered and is all bark but no bite. Fueled by misplaced logic and a flair for the dramatic, Howard can turn any conversation into a random argument with increasing stakes. Below that, he is still a good guy and very cordial with those who speak to him with respect. He doesn’t seek answers; you’re supposed to seek his.
HOWARD
They hide behind their amazing hair, the accents, and the little meatballs. You eat ONE meatball and next thing you know, you’re trying to build a fucking dresser with no instructions.
Character Gender: Male
Character Age: 20s
Character Race: Any
Log line or scene set up: Three Stoners have one day to turn their half-joke, “Cloud Watching Club,” into a town-approved, legitimate organization, or face the law for loitering (and smoking weed). After a chaotic night, three stoners wake up in the park expecting arrest—only to discover their fake “Cloud Watching Club” might actually be real.
Character Description: Ostrich is a mostly silent stoner driven by physical comedy and reaction. He makes the most nonsensical and ridiculous deciduous on the mere idea that he can. When he speaks nobody bats an eye but he delivers the most impactful lines of the film. Please mime out the scene given.
OSTRICH
The joint reaches Ostrich, who silently takes it and looks around at them, then the space around him. After a delayed beat of panic, he puts it in his mouth. He freezes immediately. One hand slowly comes up to cover his mouth as he understands the situation he’s locked himself into, eyes wide, completely silent.
Character Gender: Male
Character Age: 20s-30s
Character Race: Any
Log line or scene set up: Three Stoners have one day to turn their half-joke, “Cloud Watching Club,” into a town-approved, legitimate organization, or face the law for loitering (and smoking weed). In the beginning of the film Montague finds them smoking weed and lets them dig themselves into a hole finally revealing his plan.
Character Description: Officer Montague is a small-town cop who takes a lot of pride in enforcing park rules. He is procedural, egotistical, and deeply interested in being respected by those he deems lesser. Beneath his stern exterior, there’s a hint of loneliness and he simply enjoys being the center of attention.
OFFICER MONTAGUE
You know I was going to arrest you. Let’s make it interesting. I want to see this “club” tomorrow. No club and I’ll arrest you. Enjoy your day, gentlemen.
Character Gender: Male
Character Age: 20s-40s
Character Race: Any
Log line or scene set up: Three Stoners have one day to turn their half-joke, “Cloud Watching Club,” into a town-approved, legitimate organization, or face the law for loitering (and smoking weed). At this part the crew go to meet Ostrich’s uncle; Tony, the leader of a pseudo-science religion that might not believe what he preaches.
Character Description: Uncle Tony is an eccentric con man that managed to be the leader of a cult. He is boisterous, friendly, and seems like a kind soul if not for his false ideals he pushes onto people for final gain. He only drops the facade when Ostrich arrives as he loves his only nephew.
UNCLE TONY
If you are here to mock me I suggest you leave before I call security… Oz? Hey! There he is!
Character Gender: Male
Character Age: 20s-30s
Character Race: White
Log line or scene set up: TThree Stoners have one day to turn their half-joke, “Cloud Watching Club,” into a town-approved, legitimate organization, or face the law for loitering (and smoking weed). Toward the end of the film the Swedes make their appearance forcing the trio to deal drugs for them. (for this scene you are technically auditioning for both characters)
Character Description: The Swedes (Mobler and Bohag) are Swedish gangsters new to the community. They are blunt, pompous, and air-headed because of this they act like they’re better than everyone else. Even though they can be viewed as mean they do show a soft spot at the very end of the film.
SWEDES
Hello. Ve are here for ze cloud? You take to address. You do zis, Ve bring many peeps. Truck full. lisabo alhult!
POKER KNIGHT
Directed by: Dax Burke | daxkenobiburke@gmail.com
Log line or set up: Ex competitive poker player, Poker Knight aka Jack Wade, is struggling to find a present for his wife, out of sheer desperation he decides to play one more poker game and win two rings by busting out Gerhard Burkhard.
Character Gender: Female
Character Age: 29
Character Race: N/A
Character Description: The kind and loveable country girl who is just glad to be out of the house and meeting people. She has the warm friendly attitude that defines southern hospitality. She and her husband moved to the city for his work. Though he was reluctant, Dolly saw it as an opportunity to experience something new. Despite her husband’s warnings that cityfolk are dangerous, she is still determined to meet new people. Being a housewife in the country, she had no real friends until she found the group.
DOLLY
Hi, nice to meet you. Names Dolly, Dolly Mare. My husband said I shouldn’t do this but I’ll ask anyway. We need a third player for our poker game over there. Would you mind joining us? Over there we have alcoholic beverages and a box of chips, you can help yourself. The bathroom is right outside if you need it, and the poker chips are by the snacks. Once you’re ready we can get started.
Character Gender: Male
Character Age: 30
Character Race: N/A
Character Description: The legendary Poker Knight who stopped playing competitively because he had no time to spend with his wife. However, when he can’t find a present for her, an invite to a poker game draws him in. The prize is the two alligator rings of Gerdhard Burkhard, The Fortress. Jack is a hyper-focused
player, only in the game to win. Cold and calculating, Jack has a reputation for a reason. As the game goes on, he starts to warm up to the group, all but Gerdhard.
JACK
When Helen died, I lost everything until that dog arrived at my doorstep. A final gift from my wife. In that moment, I revived some semblance of hope. An opportunity to grieve unalone. And your son took that from me. Stole that from me; killed that from me! People keep asking me if I am back, and I haven’t really had an answer, but now yeah I’m thinking I’m back!
Character Gender: Male
Character Age: 30
Character Race: N/A
Character Description: A marine corps veteran with a very gung-ho attitude. A man so overtly enthusiastic, combative, and crazy that only the marine corps could work with him. The type of person to drink cobra blood for fun (note: you will not be drinking cobra blood) or teach a duck how to drink beer. Despite being crazy, he is very loyal to those close to him. However, if the M50 Ontos (bazooka tank aimed with 50 cal spotting rifles) was a person, this is that person.
BROCK
Yeah, we found an IED under our Humvees. Before we could remove it, four Taliban members jumped from behind the trash and fired at us. My buddy had to remove the explosive while we suppressed enemy fire. One Taliban tried to stab me but I grabbed him and broke his arm. My finally buddy removed the improvised explosive. He passed it to me so I strapped it to the guy in my hands and threw him at his friends. They scattered a little too late. It was awesome.
Character Gender: Male
Character Age: 25-35
Character Race: N/A
Character Description: The German poker player who is often called The Fortress. Gerhard is distant and even antagonistic to everyone at the table. He is often quiet and more focused on the game than conversation. Despite being a militaristic narcissist, he does have a sense of honor and respects Jack for showing up.
GERDHARD
It seems you have lost your touch Poker Knight. And here I thought you would be a challenge. Instead you fold like a bitch. It’s not the same competition you’re used to, is it? When I saw you play, I felt pity for you. How easy I could crush you into submission. Turns out I was wrong, you are weaker than I thought.
Character Gender: Male
Character Age: 20
Character Race: N/A
Character Description: Teo was once the son of the most powerful mob boss in the area, Ardi Columbo. After his father was imprisoned for life, Teo was forced to get money through legal means. Teo tries to act all cool and intimidating, but he is really cowardly and nervous. He tries to deny it but everyone knows it.
TEO
You see these, black wraparounds, gold chain, gold watch, I mean business. I am not just some kid, I am an alpha male. A man with power, a man in high places, a man not afraid to bury a body. I see you’re still here, fine. When I am done with you it will take Picasso to identify your body.
*gets punched in the nose*
Ow! Mother fu-ow! Look, just leave me alone.
CREATED TO WONDER
Directed by: Elizabeth Romero | lizromero0820@gmail.com | 810-834-1453
Log Line or scene set up: A woman reflects on her life across three stages; childhood, adulthood, and old age, as her simple wonder at creation deepens into a lifelong understanding of God’s presence in all things.
Character Age: 10
Character Race: N/A
Character Gender: Female
Character Description: A bright and thoughtful young girl who sees the natural world with wonder, warmth, and endless curiosity.
CLARA
Do you think birds ever get tired of singing the same songs every day? I don’t think I would. Sometimes I wish I could fly. Not even really high… just enough to see everything from up there. Do you think God sees everything all at once? Like… EVERYTHING everything?
Character Age: 30s-40s
Character Race: N/A
Character Gender: Female
Character Description: Thoughtful and emotionally grounded, Clara has grown into a reflective woman who finds peace and perspective in nature and in her faith.
CLARA
When I was little, I thought growing up meant I’d finally understand everything. But honestly… I think the older I get, the more I realize how small I am. And weirdly, that doesn’t scare me anymore. Because if God can hold together oceans, storms, entire galaxies… maybe He can hold together my life too.
Character Age: 60s-70s
Character Race: N/A
Character Gender: Female
Character Description: Gentle, warm, and full of quiet wisdom, Clara has spent a lifetime noticing the beauty in the world around her and carries a deep sense of peace.
CLARA
When I was younger, I used to rush through everything. Sunsets, spring mornings… little moments that didn’t seem important at the time. Funny how those become the things you remember most. I think life slows you down eventually.Or maybe… it finally teaches you how to notice things.
THE LIAR’S BAR TRAILER
Directed by: Alex Kessler | Ajkessler127@gmail.com
Character Gender: Female
Character Age: 50s
Character Race: N/A
Log line or scene set up: A private detective must find and rescue a young teen from an underground gamblingring with the help of a rookie P .I.
Character Description: Martha Hochberg: Female, 50s, married to Howard Hochberg. She is a sweet southern woman who is stern yet very caring.
MARTHA
All right. And how do you propose to spend your other Saturday nights? I mean, when there’s no Aunt Martha. And no Saint Joan? And all your friends are having the time of their life at Junior Assemblies?
MARTHA
Hanging around here? Listening to that stupid “Hit Parade”? Bothering the maids when we’re planning to have a party?
MARTHA
Well, you’re obviously not old enough to make an intelligent decision.
MARTHA
But let me tell you a very short story before you do. About your dear Aunt Martha. Who also made a little decision when she was about your age. She decided – if you breathe a word of this, I’ll strangle you – she decided she was in love with her riding master. And so she threw everything up, and ran off with him. To Taos, New Mexico. Where your father had to track her down and drag her back. But it was too late, Carolyn! She had been… overstimulated. And from then on in, she refused to join the workaday world. Now there it is. In a nutshell. So think about it, while I’m ordering the groceries. And decide.
Character Gender: Female
Character Age: 20s
Character Race: N/A
Log line or scene set up: A private detective must find and rescue a young teen from an underground gambling ring with the help of a rookie P .I.
Character Description: Claire Robinson: Female, 20s. A smart and reckless young P .I. with something to prove. She is recently hired by Howard and wants to impress him.
CLAIRE
I want to talk to you about life. It’s just too difficult to be alive, isn’t it, and try to function? There are all these people to deal with. I tried to buy a can of tuna fish in the supermarket, and there was this person standing right in front of where I wanted to reach out to get the tuna fish, and I waited a while, to see if they’d move, and they didn’t—they were looking at tuna fish too, but they were taking a real long time on it, reading the ingredients on each can like they were a book, a pretty boring book if you ask me, but nobody has; so I waited a long while, and they didn’t move, and I couldn’t get to the tuna fish cans; and I thought about asking them to move, but then they seemed so stupid not to have sensed that I needed to get by them that I had this awful fear that it would do no good, no good at all, to ask them, they’d probably say something like, “We’ll move when we’re goddam ready you nagging bitch” and then what would I do? And so then I started to cry out of frustration,
quietly, so as not to disturb anyone, and still, even though I was softly sobbing, this stupid person didn’t grasp that I needed to get by them, and so I reached over with my fist, and I brought it down real hard on his head and screamed: “Would you kindly move asshole!!!”
And the person fell to the ground, and looked totally startled, and some child nearby started to cry, and I was still crying, and I couldn’t imagine making use of the tuna fish now anyway, and so I shouted at the child to stop crying—I mean, it was drawing too much attention to me—and I ran out of the supermarket, and I thought, I’ll take a taxi to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, I need to be surrounded with culture right now, not tuna fish.
Character Gender: Male
Character Age: 50s
Character Race: N/A
Log line or scene set up: A private detective must find and rescue a young teen from an underground gambling ring with the help of a rookie P .I.
Character Description: Howard Hochberg: Male, 50s, private investigator who is used to working alone. He is a rather dramatic older man who is tired and ready to retire.
HOWARD
I was sheriff of this county when I was twenty-five years old. Hard to believe. My grandfather was a lawman; father too. Me and him was sheriffs at the same time; him up in Plano and me out here. I think he’s pretty proud of that. I know I was. Some of the old time sheriffs never even wore a gun. A lotta folks find that hard to believe. Jim Scarborough’d never carried one; that’s the younger Jim. Gaston Boykins wouldn’t wear one up in Comanche County. I always liked to hear about the old-timers. Never missed a chance to do so. You can’t help but compare yourself against the old-timers. Can’t help but wonder how they would have operated these times. There was this boy I sent to the ‘lectric chair at Huntsville Hill here a while back. My arrest and my testimony. He killt a fourteen-year-old girl. Papers said it was a crime of passion but he told me there wasn’t any passion to it. Told me that he’d been planning to kill somebody for about as long as he could remember. Said
that if they turned him out he’d do it again. Said he knew he was going to hell. “Be there in about fifteen minutes”. I don’t know what to make of that. I sure don’t. The crime you see now, it’s hard to even take its measure. It’s not that I’m afraid of it. I always knew you had to be willing to die to even do this job. But, I don’t want to push my chips forward and go out and meet something I don’t understand. A man would have to put his soul at hazard. He’d have to say, “O.K., I’ll be part of this world.”
Character Gender: Male
Character Age: 30s
Character Race: N/A
Log line or scene set up: A private detective must find and rescue a young teen from an underground gambling ring with the help of a rookie P .I.
Character Description: Sterling: Male, 30s. A shady bartender who hosts an underground gambling room.
STERLING
Len, you’ve been gone for almost seven years. Must have felt like seventy for you on the inside, for me it felt the same. I quit cold turkey. Took no scores. Marlo would show his face around here and my job for a year before he finally knew I was for real.
STERLING
I didn’t trust nobody after you got pinched. Edna was all I had as a sure thing and I have to give her credit for taking me on and loving me, and for the first year or two I was actually fooling myself into thinking I was officially legitimate. But there’s that gnawing; aching feeling, like a wound that doesn’t ever heal, it throbs in your dreams, when you’re awake throughout your boring ass average day and you question every second…you keep looking for something because deep down you know this ain’t it, even though everything is figured out and you have the house with the pool and the f’n dog, but this ain’t it man.
STERLING
Now you’re out…I’ve been secretly waiting, praying for this day to finally be here and it’s like for the first time I’m awake, there’s an excitement in the air, I’m alive and I want the action…so, you ask me if I’m all in…Lenny, does a bear sh’t in the woods or what?
Character Gender: Male
Character Age: 30s
Character Race: N/A
Log line or scene set up: A private detective must find and rescue a young teen from an underground gambling ring with the help of a rookie P .I.
Character Description: Vlasta: Male 50s. A mysterious mobster who runs an underground gambling ring. He is greedy and ruthless to anyone who stands before him.
VLASTA
I don’t like my job. But I love my country. Cannot stomach the waste I must answer to…superiors who are superior at nothing, quite frankly. They have no craftsmanship. No acquired gifts. No secret abilities. Their only positions were spoon-fed to them, from their ancestors. But as one does, I obey. I keep my most troubling thoughts to myself in order to function. As we all do, no?
VLASTA
I know my men have worked you over quite a bit. It always comes down to a battle of wills. (puffs his cigar)
VLASTA
How many times have you gone off to visit another place in your mind? Does it help? It helps me. I am no different than you Arco. I get paid to kill and you got caught for killing, but other than that, we are the same. The same kind of man.
VLASTA
You love your country, as do I. You love your wife, as do I. You love your children, as do I. Do you love music? Jazz? The theatre? Cinema? What about a walk through the park on a breezy night? Or the sunset from the terrace of a cafe, with a cappuccino and a side of tiramisu?
VLASTA
You will become the one-hundred and thirteenth man that has been killed inside these walls. An institution of death. So many lost spirits, their shadows walk the nights, still trying to escape, still crying out in anger. When I hear their shrieks I put on those records, pour myself a drink… contempt, you might call it, leaving nothing in my windpipe but promise. A promise to continue doing the work I’ve no choice to do. I promise something, I do it! As any man should. Ahh, but the
excuses! Excuses! Not me. Do you think that’s a good quality for a person to have? I do. I do. I have decided that for one day and for one day only I will let you go, set you free.
SOMETIMES, I WISH I WAS A DOG
Directed by: Vincent Zielinski
Log line or set up: A man, sometimes, wishes he was a dog all because of his stress and worries.
Character Gender: Male
Character Age: 25
Character Race: Any
Character Description: Stan is a single 25 year old man working an average office job living alone in an apartment with his dog named Twix, a tiny little Yorkie. Within all the stress and expectations of his life and job, in a brief moment he lets them down all because he, sometimes, wishes he was a dog causing him to realize the importance of his responsibilities and being human.
Brief Set Up: With the first line it’s the opening of the film and Stan is talking for the first time. It’s his character introduction. The second line he is outside walking his dog across a waterfront. The third line is at the climax of the film where Stan changes as a character after losing and finding his dog..
STAN STILLWELL
(v.o)
Sometimes, I wish I was a dog… Not literally. More so the idea of having no responsibilities or worries.
(v.o)
It’s a complicated vast world but somehow we still feel like the pressure of the world is on us, in reality we’re as small as our dogs.
(v.o)
And at that moment I realized how important my responsibilities were.
PROJECT SEASIDE
Directed by: Jayson Kish
Character Gender: Female
Character Age: 20s-30s
Character Race: Any
Log line or scene set up: She shows up at Adam’s house unannounced, unsure of her exact objective — whether it’s closure, rekindling, or simply answers. The relationship ended too abruptly, leaving too much unsaid. But instead of resolution, she’s met with something worse: being erased.
Character Description: AVA (early 20s) is Adam’s ex-girlfriend — emotionally intelligent, grounded, and worn down by her and her ex boyfriend’s toxic cycle. She chose to walk away months ago for good, but she can’t shake the fact that she still cares.
AVA
Wow. You’re a fucking asshole. I came all the way out here because I still care about you. At the very least I was coming to say sorry for not being the best to you. But forget it. That’s actually crazy.
Character Gender: Male
Character Age: 20s-30s
Character Race: Any
Log line or scene set up: Late at night, a hopeless Adam sees an infomercial promising relief and calls to book an appointment. He arrives at his appointment the next day and explains to a doctor that his ex-girlfriend is all he thinks about.
Character Description: ADAM HINKLEY (early 20s) is a sleep deprived, broken young man struggling to move on from a failed relationship. Haunted by memories of his ex, he seeks relief from dwelling on the past but lacks the strength to move forward.
ADAM
I haven’t seen her since, but she follows me everywhere. She’s my ghost. I need help moving on. I need to stop being haunted.
Character Gender: Male (Open to all genders)
Character Age: 30s-60s
Character Race: Any
Log line or scene set up: Late at night, ADAM, a hopeless young man, watches an infomercial for DR. BRIAN MCKINNEY, who promises guaranteed relief from his problems through a program called Project Seaside. The following is an excerpt from the infomercial Adam sees.
Character Description: DR. BRIAN MCKINNEY (30s-60s) is a polished, charismatic psychiatrist who masks manipulation behind warmth and authority. Once credible, now disgraced, he’s built an underground operation centered around controlling the brain’s “networks.” His true goal isn’t to heal – it’s control, dependency, and financial resurrection.
DR. BRIAN MCKINNEY
Introducing…PROJECT SEA SIDE — a reimagined, cutting-edge wellness program targeting mental health using network control. At McKinney Health, we ensure quality results. Book your first consultation with us for just $499.99 in the next 30 minutes and not only will you receive our official McKinney Health T-shirt, but also a free—yes, FREE—second session on us. No strings attached.
SOFT FOCUS
Directed by: Joshua Russo
Character Gender: Female
Character Age: Late Teens
Character Race: Any
Log line or scene set up: Angie’s father has come back to town to pick up a few things he left at the house. When he arrives they learn he is having trouble with his eyesight. In Angie’s mind he is being dramatic and she does not take it seriously nor does she want to have to help take care of him. Angie’s mother, Sadie, has plans and isn’t able to take Eric to the doctor which leaves Angie to do so. After getting into the car Eric attempts to start a conversation but Angie has no interest and feels as though Eric’s attempt to talk to her is not genuine and makes Angie very upset.
Character Description: Angie is a young woman in her late teens towards the end of high school. Angie has spent all of her teenage years depending only on her mother, but also feeling the need to step up and take care of her mother. This is due to her father, and her mom’s ex-husband being a distant father and being in and out of their lives, in Angie’s mind, whenever he pleases. She does not expect almost anything from him but subconsciously holds out hope that he will mend their
relationship.
ANGIE
I’m doing this because mom told me to not because I want to or because you deserve any help. We can make this drive without the need to speak. Thank you.
Character Gender: Female
Character Age: 40s-50s
Character Race: Any
Log line or scene set up: Eric, Sadie’s ex-husband, comes into town to pick up some things from the house, but Sadie learns he is having trouble with his vision. After a visit to the doctor Eric learns his sight is only getting worse, and may not be coming back. He decides to not take any chances with any procedures to fix his sight. This makes his daughter very upset and Sadie tries to speak some sense into him and gives a desperate plea to Eric.
Character Description: Sadie is an independent woman in her late 40s. Sadie has raised her daughter, Angie, almost completely on her own for at least the last 7 or 8 years. Her and her ex-husband, Eric, split up around 9 years ago and has always been in his own world to the point of almost losing any real relationship with her or their daughter, Angie. Sadie despises how Eric’s actions have led to Angie not having her father in her life as much as she deserves, but understands that it is who he is and though it is awful she knows he is not a terrible person. She holds out hope that he will turn a page and be a better father to Angie.
SADIE
I know where you are right now Eric and you need to find some solid ground right now if not for yourself then for Angie.
Character Gender: N/A
Character Age: 30s-60s
Character Race: N/A
Log line or scene set up: Doctor Herwitz is an optometrist. One day he has a man come in driven by his daughter who is complaining about having trouble with his vision. It started only the day before but is rapidly deteriorating. After running tests he comes back into the room to break the news to the man, Eric.
Character Description: Doctor Herwitz is an intelligent stern doctor who has seen it all. In this scenario he has empathy for Eric but also notices he needs to step up and be solid for his daughter.
DOCTOR
There are operations available to you but you might need to start to accept that your vision may not be able to come back how you are used to, if at all.
Character Gender: Male
Character Age: 40s-50s
Character Race: N/A
Log line or scene set up: Eric has had a long week sleeping in his car and cheap motels. He has been on a trip up north to take pictures of the Manistee forest. He finds himself in another run down motel parking lot and after a few days he finally reaches back out to his daughter after missing multiple calls over the week.
Character Description: Eric is a photographer, in his 40’s, who has lost any substantial connection in his life due to his habit of self isolating and shutting off from others. This is most evident in his relationship with his daughter, Angie, and his ex-wife, Sadie. One day his vision starts to become blurry and before he knows it his vision is almost gone and he must learn to come to terms with that and at the same time repair his relationship with his daughter.
ERIC
I’m sorry I know I meant to call back and it just slipped my mind. I’m sorry.
There is silence on the other end of the phone.
ERIC
I’m sorry I know I can get like this sometimes, I just get lost.
EPHEMERAL
Directed by: Kylie Johnson
Character Gender: Female
Character Age: Late Teens – Early 20s
Character Race: Any
Log line or scene set up: Ivy has found herself in a simulated reality in which she is trying to escape, but every time she reaches for the door, she finds herself reliving the traumatic reason she put herself in the simulation. In this scene, Ivy is experiencing one of those flashbacks where she is trying to reason with her mother about something scary and uncomfortable that happened to her.
Character Description: Ivy feels as though her problems aren’t significant enough to tell anyone else, so she likes to bury all her emotions deep down and ignore them. They still deeply affect her, but she pretends that they don’t.
IVY
You don’t believe your own daughter? Don’t you see anything wrong with that? I just want to feel comfortable in my own home and you won’t even listen to what I have to say.
Character Gender: Female
Character Age: 20s
Character Race: Any
Log line or scene set up: Jules is Ivy’s coworker at the bar. In this scene, she is trying to keep Ivy in the simulation to keep her “safe” from the outside world, but Ivy thinks she has ill intentions and accuses Jules of wanting something from her.
Character Description: Jules’ attitude comes off as having an ulterior motive and slightly condescending, but she really just wants what’s best for Ivy, since this simulation is supposed to be where she can live her best life. Jules doesn’t realize how negative this space is for her, and tries to keep her in.
JULES
Leaving so soon? Didn’t you want this? Isn’t this the life that you dreamed of?
Jules watches as Ivy tries to escape through the door.
JULES
You don’t have to leave. You can stay here where it’s safe.
Character Gender: Female
Character Age: 40s-50s
Character Race: Any
Log line or scene set up: Lindsay is Ivy’s mother who doesn’t believe Ivy when she tells her about a very traumatic event in her life. Lindsay just wants to keep the family together, therefore refuses to see any negatives to the man she chooses to have that family with. In this scene, she is fighting back tears in a conversation with her daughter.
Character Description: Lindsay is very self-centered and only thinks about how issues will affect herself. She is so blinded by her love for her husband that she ignores the feelings of her own daughter.
LINDSAY
You expect me to believe that all of a sudden you were feeling uncomfortable around him just when we decided we wanted to start our own family? It just seems like perfect timing for you, doesn’t it?
THE LEGEND OF THE CANMAN
Directed by: Xander Davies
Character Gender: Female
Character Age: 18-Early 20s
Character Race: Any
Log line or scene set up: Conner takes his friends out into the woods to go hunting for an urban legend but as the night goes on everyone starts to realize that the urban legend might not just be a legend.
Character Description: Jazz is a young college student. She is a caring person but when people say something she doesn’t agree with she can be pretty ignorant. When the scene opens she is in a car giving Conner crap about where he is from.
Jazz sits in the front seat.
JAZZ
Look Conner. I know you’ve lived here for most of your life But let me educate you on your history cause, You’re kind of a stupid Chud ass.
Conner shouts at Jazz
Character Gender: Male
Character Age: 18-Early 20s
Character Race: Any
Log line or scene set up: Conner takes his friends out into the woods to go hunting for an urban legend but as the night goes on everyone starts to realize that the urban legend might not just be a legend.
Character Description: Conner is young, quiet, and nice at first but he has a darker side to him. People have made fun of him his whole life and after being beaten down so much he finally snaps.
CONNER
That’s for sending my crush an AI photo of me with a Micro penis. I could’ve been with the latina baddie you dick!
Character Gender: Male
Character Age: 50+
Character Race: Any
Log line or scene set up: Conner takes his friends out into the woods to go hunting for an urban legend but as the night goes on everyone starts to realize that the urban legend might not just be a legend.
Character Description: The Canman, while a smaller role plays an important part in this film. He is a deranged man hiding behind a soft spoken face he puts on for the public. When the scene opens the Canman is trying to comfort Conner to gain his trust.
The Canman talks with Conner
CANMAN
I’m so sorry you went through that. There’s so much evil in this world. You’re safe here with me.
The Canman touches Conner’s shoulder
LETTERS LEFT IN SILENCE
Directed by: Ryan Mcmanaman
Character Gender: Female
Character Age: Late teens – Early 20s
Character Race: Any
Log line or scene set up: On a warm summer afternoon, Abby writes in her diary under the shade of a tree, quietly venting the feelings she can’t say aloud. Marina lies beside her, relaxed and oblivious to the emotional weight Abby is carrying.
Character Description: Abby is a quiet, introverted young woman who’s hopelessly in love with her childhood best friend, Marina. She loves to read, study, and spend time in nature. Though Marina brings out her adventurous side, Abby struggles with confidence and keeps her feelings hidden, afraid of losing the friendship she treasures the most.
ABBY V.O.
Dear Diary…
Once again, I’m here under this tree, feeling completely helpless. Marina is so close to me, and yet I still can’t say the words. I love you. Can you believe that? Nineteen years of friendship… and she still manages to drive me insane.
Á LA MINUTE
Directed by: Alexander Roy
Character Gender: Male
Character Age: Early to Mid 20s
Character Race: Any
Log line or scene set up: A young man struggling to make it in the culinary business discovers a special ingredient to turn any dish into a masterpiece, the price of such an item’s consumption is slowly developing a craving for human flesh, and the appearance of a monster.
Character Description: LANCE (early to mid 20s) is an aspiring chef that is self taught in his own kitchen. Lance strives to become famous and that is his main objective, he loses his original passion for the idea of cooking and becomes obsessive about making his food perfect. He is a greedy, self centered, ignorant man. This leads to his downfall in the end as his body deteriorates in order to achieve his goal with an unknown ingredient that kills him slowly in order to make his food better.
Important Note: This role requires the actor to wear heavy SFX makeup, so if there is any allergy to latex then please reconsider the role. This is also a non-dialogue, so the sides will involve only movement and no memorization of lines.
Side 1…
Lance leans against the counter, he is struggling to continue chopping vegetables. He is weak and unable to stand correctly, keeling over and coughing trying to steady himself. He looks confused and not all there, yet he continues to attempt to keep cooking.
UNPACKED
Directed by: Ulises Contreras Cardenas
Character Gender: Female
Character Age: 18-20
Character Race: Any
Log line or scene set up: Ellie and Mason are a young couple who decide to move in together, and they face the complications of two people adjusting to their two very different lifestyles.
Character Description: Ellie is 18 – 20 years old, Ellie likes to live her life exactly like her parents raised her. She comes from a loving home where everyone in the house had their own duties and tasks to follow, and everyone did what they were told. Ellie is kind and lovable but can be snappy or emotional when something isn’t going how it’s supposed to, she also has a problem with doubt and overthinking which affects her thought process and decision making.
Scene Setup: Ellie and Mason were making cookie batter when Ellie started being really firm on the “right way” to mix the wet ingredients, Mason is trying to state to Ellie that there is no right way to do it and he wants to do it the way he likes to. Ellie then starts to get frustrated that Mason isn’t listening and she says that he’s going to ruin the cookies. Mason snaps at her for trying to control the way he lives his life. This causes Ellie to get upset, she gets that throat tightening feeling while trying to hold back tears so she doesn’t break down. With a shaky voice she says…
ELLIE
Why are we always arguing all the time? I’m always making you upset about something stupid and then you start yelling and then I start yelling…And then there’s just constant bickering… Why Mason…. I thought we loved each other.
Character Gender: Male
Character Age: 18-20
Character Race: Any
Log line or scene set up: Ellie and Mason are a young couple who decide to move in together, and they face the complications of two people adjusting to their two very different lifestyles.
Character Description: Mason is 18 – 20 years old, Mason grew up in a more closed off household and was never really treated right by his parents, so he decides to live his life completely different from how he was raised. He likes to live his life on the edge, he is a big believer in free will and he never lets anyone change the way he is or how he does things. This however causes him to be kind of messy in his living habits.
Scene Setup: Ellie and Mason were making cookie batter when Ellie started being really firm on the “right way” to mix the wet ingredients, Mason is trying to state to Ellie that there is no right way to do it and he wants to do it the way he likes to. Ellie then starts to get frustrated that Mason isn’t listening and she says that he’s going to ruin the cookies. Mason snaps at her for trying to control the way he lives his life. He’s annoyed and angry at her but he doesn’t want to be mean to Ellie so he holds back…
MASON
Seriously El, why do you always have to argue with me about how I live my life, I do things my way and you do things your way.
NOVEMBER
Directed by: Brandon Turner
Log Line or scene set up: A psychedelic-rock expression of falling in love and the journey one takes to please the other. November is a song written and produced by the Australian psychedelic rock band Psychedelic Porn Crumpets. It is part of their second released album High Visceral Part 2. The song is 6:48 in length and takes listeners into a trippy atmosphere about love and all that someone would do for it. My Music video intends to draw from initial listens with extravagant and mind bending visuals that propel a feeling of love that everyone needs in their life.
I recommend listening to the song before auditioning
Character Gender: Female
Character Age: Early 20s
Character Race: Any
Character Description: May is the girlfriend and upcoming fiancee to November who is expressive visually through outfits and emotional direction. She has no speaking until the very end, leaving November to sing most of the song. Throughout the music video May goes from happily enjoying the physical feeling of Love that is given, to becoming distant by November’s constant showing of Material Love (Through gifts and items). In the end, November is able to put aside his gift giving nature and appreciate May for the person she is. She joins him in singing, solidifying their love.
MAY AND NOVEMBER IN UNISON
6:02-6:07 || All is for love, is for mind
6:07-6:17 || To exist, In a moment Ahhhh
Character Gender: Male
Character Age: Early 20s
Character Race: Any
Character Description: November is the star of the music video, featuring the entire song sung from his perspective. November takes us into his mind of love for May showing his true nature to her through song. November is comfortable in sharing every aspect of his life with May, complementing her and giving her what he thinks she deserves. November is early into the relationship and knows how much he loves May, but struggles to fully appreciate it.
NOVEMBER
1:23-1:29 || Swirling, wrapped in among stars of
1:29-1:33 || Light and Galaxies unknown
1:29-1:33 || It’s so beautiful how everything
1:33-1:42 || Evolves with Love and Grows
86’D
Directed by: Erika Carsella
Log Line or scene set up: A young chef on the verge of reaching her breaking point in a toxic kitchen comes face-to-face with her younger self ’s hidden passion. She’s forced to choose between reclaiming what she left behind or losing that part of her to the life she’s built on the line.
Character Gender: Female
Character Age: 5-10
Character Race: Caucasian, brunette hair
Character Description: A spunky little girl who is fueled by the visual arts, finds herself playing with food toys and getting her hands dirty in the kitchen. She loves spending time with her mom and dad and watching movies as a family. She is calm-tempered, shy around strangers, but has a huge personality when she opens up. She loves to entertain the crowd.
Scene Setup: The scene starts with Ruby sitting in the living room watching a movie. She has a dirty apron on and is called by her mother to come to the kitchen to help her finish cooking dinner. Ruby is enthralled by the TV , but loves cooking with her mom.
Scene Setting: Read this as if she just got caught red-handed watching the TV when she wasn’t supposed to be. Then full of energy and excited to tend to her spaghetti sauce with her mom. Young Ruby does not have that many lines. This will be mostly physical acting with a few lines and one small monologue at the end of the scene.
YOUNG RUBY
Yes, mom! Coming!
Ruby gets on a stool by the stove to taste her sauce.
YOUNG RUBY
Needs salt. Aaaand… a dash of garlic powder.
Later in Ruby’s room, she has a moment with herself in the mirror.
YOUNG RUBY
Wow . just wow . Thank you! Thank you all very much! First and foremost, I want to thank my mom and dad for bringing me into this world; although, I don’t like to think about that. I also want to thank my-
Character Gender: Female
Character Age: 30-45
Character Race: Caucasian, black or brunette hair
Character Description: A loving, kind, nurturing suburban mother of six finds herself wrangling her kids as a full-time job. She’s supportive of all their endeavors, but has a hard time keeping up with them all. She’s a disciplined mother who values job stability and following-through.
Scene Setting: Ruby’s mother calls Ruby back in the kitchen to finish helping get dinner ready. After she seasons and tastes her sauce, her mother gestures her hands in the air.
RUBY’S MOM
“Ruby’s Kitchen.”
Serving the finest spaghetti on this side of the Mississippi.
Ruby’s mother breaks out of character and they both share an honest laugh, deep from the belly. As the laughter subsides, Dotty looks down. Her eyes yearning for something far beyond. Her mother reaches for the stove knob to the sauce and turns it off.
RUBY’S MOM
Why don’t you go clean your room up while the noodles boil. And send your brother to set the table.
Character Gender: Male
Character Age: 30-45
Character Race: Any
Character Description: An ego-centric chef who’s spent his whole career working his way up the kitchen ranks, has the temper of a red-hot-tamale. He thinks because he worked his way through toxic kitchens, that he has the right to give others the same experience.
Scene Setting: The chef is getting heated because Ruby keeps getting distracted during the middle of pick ups.
EXPO CHEF
I said I’m not seeing any ACTION BACK THERE!
A beat.
EXPO CHEF
Did you forget how to cook? Do you need to go back to culinary school?
RUBY
No chef, sorry chef.
EXPO CHEF
Sorry? You’re SORRY? I work twice as hard as you. Twice as long as you, and you’re over here telling me you’re sorry?
BENEATH THE WHISTLE
Directed by: Loredana Conte
Character Gender: Female
Character Age: 25-40
Character Race: Any
Log Line or scene set up: A talented but self-doubting high school wrestler must overcome her fear when a college recruiter arrives, forcing her to finally fight for her dream.
Character Description: Denise Porter is a college recruiter for DCU, attending a wrestling practice, during recruitment day, scouting talent. Confident and observant, she scans the room searching for raw potential. Direct and insightful, she offers honest, motivating advice.
DENISE
Then stop wrestling like you’re scared to lose. You’re thinking too much, you hesitate, and that’s why you’re behind. If you want something like WWE, you can’t wait until you feel ready. You go out there and take it.
Character Gender: Male
Character Age: 30s-40s
Character Race: Any
Log Line or scene set up: A wrestling coach runs intense live matches during recruitment week, where athletes must prove they can perform under pressure in order to compete at the next level.
Character Description: Coach Durand (40s) is a firm, commanding wrestling coach who runs his team with discipline and structure. He values effort, focus, and determination above all else, pushing athletes to prove themselves through hard work rather than raw talent. Even though he’s strict, he genuinely wants to see his wrestlers succeed and reach their full potential.
COACH DURAND
Alright, everyone listen up. For the next 2 weeks we’re doing live challenges. I need the toughest wrestlers on the mat for the Oakland County Tournament. First up: Stefanye and Dakota.
RED LETTER
Directed by: Lincoln Huffman
Character Gender: Female
Character Age: Appearance early 20s
Character Race: Any
Log Line or scene set up: She’s trying to convince Issac to sleep with her. She’s trying to seduce, manipulate, and convince him to go with her.
Character Description: The Woman (early 20s). The woman is a young adult at a college party. She spots an attractive person (ISAAC)and wants to sleep with him, but he constantly rejects her, and she doesn’t take no for an answer.
THE WOMAN
Don’t be so fucking boring, it’s a party. Drink something. Anything.
(beat)
Do you think you’re better than me or something?
Character Gender: Any
Character Age: Appearance of mid-20s to early 50s
Character Race: Any
Log Line or scene set up: Ms. June is recapping the results of the mission as they have succeeded once more and is pleased.
Character Description: ROYCE BRYANT/Mr./Mrs. BRYANT (mid-30s – early 40s), a teacher who is also a therapist, notices a change in Isaac’s personality and wants to help, so he gives him free therapy sessions. He tries to inspire and work with Isaac, as he knows what he is capable of and wants the best for him
ROYCE
For most of the time I’ve known you, you were pretty interactive until the past year and a half.
(Isaac doesn’t respond)
You quit the photography gig. I don’t even know the last time you spoke to your friends.
(Isaac nods)
Okay, try to see your friends again… You know what, how about this.
Character Gender: Any
Character Age: Appearance of early 20s to late 20s
Character Race: Any
Log Line or scene set up: Nolan gave the camera back, and Isaac said that he is sober now. Nolan is trying to stay upbeat as he’s concerned about Isaac.
Character Description: NOLAN/NORA (early -20s to late 20s), Nolan is one of Isaac’s friends who has been concerned with how Isaac has been for a while. A few months back, Isaac lent his camera to him and said do whatever but Nolan still took care of it.
NOLAN/NORA
Yeah, my bad, I forgot you don’t do that since you were pretty messed up last time… Well, I’ve been wanting to give your camera back. You should take some photos again, those are always cool, also I’ll let the rest know you showed up.
Character Gender: Male
Character Age: Early 20s
Character Race: African American/Any
Log Line or scene set up: After he has a flashback of the event that started his mental depression, he snaps at his teacher/therapist, finally showing a large range of emotions in their meetings.
Character Description: ISAAC (early 20s), Issac is a college student who has been cast into a deep depression after an incident at a party, and the people around him are trying to uplift him to get him motivated to get back on track.
ISAAC
Splendid performance, you three. I never had a doubt; now I’ll arrange cover-ups for all the casualties, and the same with property damage. Pat, I’ve heavily underestimated you. I should have given you a promotion a while ago, silly me.
Character Gender: Male
Character Age: Early 20s in appearance
Character Race: African American Preferred/Any
Log Line or scene set up: Marcus is trying to get Isaac to come out and hang out for once, but Isaac just tuned him out, so he’s more worried than annoyed.
Character Description: MARCUS (early 20s), Marcus is Isaac’s best friend and is always outgoing, but he cares a lot for his friends, as Isaac has been distancing himself, but knows boundaries and doesn’t want to push, as he has an idea of what happened on the night it started.
MARCUS
(sighs) A beats and eats festival, at 4:30 pm, and the rest of the group and I, you’ll be there? I really think you should get out, get some fresh air, you know?
ONE THING RIGHT
Directed by: Jack McKellar
Log Line or scene set up: Looking for dancers for a musical sequence. Ability to learn dance choreography and
possibly provide background vocals preferred. The dance scene will take place on a stage.
Instructions:
- Enter your information in the form to audition as a dancer.
- Singing is NOT REQUIRED, but if you’d like to audition to have a singing part, upload a short clip of yourself singing a song of your choice.
Character Gender: Any
Character Age: Any
Character Race: Any
Film description:
(Logline) Greg feels like his life is passing him by. He’ll worry about it tomorrow.
(Synopsis) Greg can’t seem to make a change. When everything starts to fall apart, he realizes that change might have to come along sooner rather than later.
BODIES UNDER THE BRIDGE
Directed by: Kaelin Rochefort
Character Gender: Female
Character Age: 18
Character Race: Any
Scene set up: She is talking to her best friends, complaining about something that shouldn’t bother her.
Character description: CHARLOTTE, a spoiled teenager who always gets her way, her parents are very rich to the point they have bought her an apartment for her Jr. and senior year of high school. Charlotte has a habit of bullying her friends and being a mea girl, yet still always having friends. While she is mean to all of her friends, she is extra awful to Adaline because she is jealous of her, but when something bad happens to her, she is forced to face guilt.
CHARLOTTE
No because she is so fucking annoying, sitting behind me, literally SOBBING, over Kevin. Kevin, are we serious right now? You’re crying over the same boy that one time sent a picture of his ass to the entire school. It was pathetic to watch, to be honest, like grow up.
Character Gender: Female
Character Age: 18
Character Race: Any
Scene set up: Lexi is looking for a top with her other friend Adaline, when Adaline picks up a top and asks for her opinion.
Character description: LEXI is Charlottes best friend and it shows clearly, they are both mean and don’t feel bad a or guilty about it. She isnt exactly the instigator, but she goes along with no hesitation. Lexi is the only person who gets to see the real side of Charlotte.
LEXI
Since when do you wear tube tops? I mean I think it will look nice, but like, I don’t know I just don’t think it matches you personality all that well. Ohh what about this one, its got that flower pattern you always wear. Plus its flowy so you don’t have to worry about bloating.
Character Gender: Female
Character Age: 18
Character Race: Any
Scene set up: The whole friend group is waiting outside of a restaurant, cold and hungry, waiting for Adaline to show up. As the rest of them want to go in and forget about her, Chloe insists they wait.
Character description:CHLOE, lovely girl who is the definition of a pushover. She will try and say something about people being mean but it always seems to backfire on her. Chloe really does like Adaline as a friend but wont stand up for her or herself.
CHLOE
Can we please just wait ten more minutes? I don’t think she ditched us she’s probably running late or something. Did you text Jason, maybe they are running a bit late.
JUST OUT OF REACH
Directed by: Noah Johnson | Offthearkproductions@gmail.com | 810-662-9899
Character Gender: Female
Character Age: 20s in appearance
Character Race: Any
Film description: Told through shadow imagery
Character description: JENNY GREEN, is warm, approachable, and naturally radiant—someone who carries herself with ease and quiet confidence. She has a gentle, positive energy and an effortless grace in the way she moves and interacts with others. Open and kind, Jenny is receptive to the world around her, but not naïve. She has a grounded awareness and a subtle strength beneath her softness. She values connection and authenticity, and while she is friendly and inviting, she does not overextend herself to accommodate others. The role requires an actress who can convey sincerity and emotional clarity with no dialogue, balancing lightness and warmth with an underlying sense of independence and self-respect.
JENNY
Jenny walks up to the table from behind Nick, removing his book from her backpack and continuing closer, she stops behind him and reaches out to tap his shoulder, she hesitates for a moment and begins to follow through. Upon feeling the tap, Nick is drawn back to reality and pauses, looking forward and then turns around looking behind him, jumping a little upon seeing Jenny. She gives a slight wave and reaches out offering his book, Nick hesitates for a moment, looking at it, then back up to her. He slowly extends his hand out and grabs the book, looking at the cover for a moment, then looking back up at Jenny.
Character Gender: Male
Character Age: 20s in appearance
Character Race: Any
Film description: Told through shadow imagery
Character description: NICK LEMMING, is a soft-spoken, introspective man who lives largely inside his own head, marked by quiet sensitivity and self-doubt. He struggles with social interaction, often hesitating or freezing in social moments, his body language closed off and his actions delayed by overthinking. Though reserved on the surface, Nick feels deeply, carrying a strong longing for connection and the courage to act on it. This role requires one who can convey rich internal emotion through subtle physicality, timing, and unspoken expression.
NICK
Nick bumps into Jenny’s back, causing both of them to drop their books onto the ground. Nick snaps back to reality and realizes what he’s done. He puts his hands up in an apologetic manner, and both of them begin picking up each other’s books. They both stand, Nick with a very nervous and alert posture hands the last of the books to Jenny, apologizes again, and quickly walks away with his head down low before she can say thank you and realize that he had left the book he was reading with her.
Character Gender: Male
Character Age: 20s in appearance
Character Race: Any
Film description: Told through shadow imagery
Character description: JACKSON RETORTA, is confident, assertive, and socially effortless, carrying himself with a natural sense of control in any environment. He is outwardly charming and composed, able to step into situations without hesitation, but beneath that confidence lies a more controlling and self-centered edge. Jackson tends to dominate interactions—subtly steering conversations and decisions to his liking—often without considering how it affects others. The role requires an actor who can balance charisma with underlying tension, gradually revealing a more possessive and forceful side through physicality, tone, and behavior rather than overt aggression.
JACKSON
Jackson and Jenny sit at a well decorated table complete with candles casting a slightly fuzzy glow on both of them. Jackson taking a sip from his glass, Jenny talking softly, slightly moving her hands, and after a few moments Jackson cuts her off and talks more firmly with his hand movement, Jenny rests her hand on the table, not giving it much thought. The two continue and enjoy each other’s company.
MAGNUS OPUS
Directed by: Robert “Bosco” Hawkins | 313-200-5405
Log line or scene set up: When a con artist is facing down the barrel of life in prison or death from a Mexican cartel, she must precariously navigate her way out of yet another sticky situation.
Character Gender: Female
Character Age: 40s
Character Race: Black
Character description: Perceived as a business woman, con artist who knows her way around a disguise, she knows how to control every situation.
GLORIA
Good morning. I’m Pamela Jackson, we talked on the phone.
GLORIA
As I was saying on the phone, what we have to offer is a highly sophisticated financial instrument called a security transfer of value and asset class conversion. The security transfer of value invests in every financial market going up around the world and asset class conversion invests in every market around the world going down. The algorithm can make a trade every fraction of a second. I can turn your $250,000 into two million in two weeks. I have a fiduciary responsibility. We get paid after you get paid.
Character Gender: Male
Character Age: 30s
Character Race: Caucasian
Character description: FBI Special Agent Jack Phillips is assigned to taking down Gloria, his mother was a victim of Gloria’s schemes. Intense, loves his work, dedicated.
JACK
Hello, Mom.
JACK
How did the lady look?
JACK
I’ll be by there to show you some pictures.
Character Gender: Male
Character Age: 30s
Character Race: Caucasian
Character description: Veteran DEA agent special agent assigned to sting operations and drug enforcement. Mellow, hip guy who knows his way around the block. With nothing to prove, he fits into every situation. He’s a true chameleon.
WILLIAM
I’m calling the cartel member. You’re Jackie.
WILLIAM
This is Paul. Are we still on for tomorrow?
WILLIAM
I’ll pick you up at 12:30.
Character Gender: Male
Character Age: 40-50
Character Race: Latino
Character description: Secretive and mysterious looming threat from the Mexican cartel who threatens Gloria’s life after she is caught in the middle of this power vacuum with the FBI and DEA.
DIAZ
Yes?
DIAZ
Office towers. Office 512. 2:00PM.
Character Gender: Male
Character Age: 60s
Character Race: Latino
Character description: The veteran who likes to try and play it cool but is always secretly angling for a promotion. He doesn’t like to rock the boat, he’s a status quo type of guy. He’s quick to throw anyone who steps out of line under the bus. He’s a snake but for those who follow his orders, he’s worshipped as a strong leader.
PATTERSON
Where’s the government’s money?
PATTERSON
I received a call this morning. The caller stated, “if the government wants its money back we’re to give you probation. Jack’s mother will get her money back and Jack gets taken off the case. All in writing.
PATTERSON
So… Where’s the government’s money?
PATTERSON
The caller stated I got to 5:00PM or they go public. I can’t afford Washington up my ass.
PATTERSON
Read it and sign it. Now get the fuck out of my office.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes. Actors may audition for multiple productions.
Yes. Use the General Audition option and submit a monologue to be considered across participating productions.
No. Performers of all experience levels are encouraged to review the roles and submit.
Contact the director listed with that film.
Email curtis.clark@motionpicture.edu. Please do not call the school with role-specific questions.
Actors who are cast in roles may receive footage from the completed project, subject to each production timeline.
These are student thesis films produced through the Motion Picture Institute educational program. Casting, scheduling, production requirements, and final selections are handled by the individual student productions.