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.

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.

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!

SUBMIT AUDITION

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.

SUBMIT AUDITION

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)

SUBMIT AUDITION

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!!

SUBMIT AUDITION

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.

SUBMIT AUDITION

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.

SUBMIT AUDITION

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.

SUBMIT AUDITION

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.

SUBMIT AUDITION

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.

SUBMIT AUDITION

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.

SUBMIT AUDITION

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.

SUBMIT AUDITION

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?

SUBMIT AUDITION

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.

SUBMIT AUDITION

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.

SUBMIT AUDITION

OUT OF TIME (WORKING TITLE)

Directed by: Elizabeth Romero | lizromero0820@gmail.com | 810-834-1453

Log Line or scene set up: A rebellious young woman determined to live freely ignores strange warnings all around her, only to return home and find it’s too late.

Character Age: 20s
Character Race: N/A
Character Gender: Female

Character Description: Veronica Navarro is a young girl who just turned 21. She has grown up in a christian household all her life and strives to live another life though feels very convicted in her actions.

VERONICA
(snaps)
Well what do you want me to say, Mom?! Tell you how I’m going to some party tonight with the same people going to do the same things and I’ll be back tomorrow hungover and do it all over again next week? I may not know what I’m doing exactly. Maybe it’s not the smartest, maybe it’s not even making me happy, but at least for a little while I get to be someone else. Someone people actually notice. Someone who isn’t constantly being told who she should be. I’m tired of feeling stuck in the same life, like if I don’t leave now, I’ll never become anything different.

SUBMIT AUDITION

Character Age: 40s-50s
Character Race: N/A
Character Gender: Female

Character Description: Marisa Navarro is Veronica’s Mother. She’s gentle and soft-spoken. Though loving and patient, there’s a sadness in her that suggests she knows she’s losing Veronica.

MARISA
I just don’t want you to lose what matters most. You’re my only daughter, and lately it feels like I don’t even know how to reach you anymore. I’ve spent so many nights worrying about where you are, who you’re with, whether you’re safe. I know I can’t force you to choose anything. I know you have to make your own decisions now. But no matter how far you go, I will never stop praying for my child.

SUBMIT AUDITION

Character Age: 20s
Character Race: N/A
Character Gender: Female

Character Description: Kimberly Brooks is effortlessly confident and socially at ease, everything that Veronica wants to be. Despite her carefree nature, she has a soft spot for Veronica and wants the best for her.

KIMBERLY
We just want to help you. You haven’t been acting like yourself lately. It’s like I barely recognize you anymore. I miss my best friend. I miss the version of you that didn’t feel like she had to be someone else just to be liked. The girl who was comfortable staying in on Friday nights, watching movies with me, not worrying about where everyone else was or what they were doing. I want things to feel normal again. I don’t care about parties or any of that. I just want my best friend back.

SUBMIT AUDITION

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.

SUBMIT AUDITION

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!

SUBMIT AUDITION

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.

SUBMIT AUDITION

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.

SUBMIT AUDITION

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.

SUBMIT AUDITION

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.

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