Looking for Supporting Actors for Temple University BFA Ensemble Dramedy Thesis

Job Title: Looking for Supporting Actors for Temple University BFA Ensemble Dramedy Thesis

Compensation: Volunteer

Job Category: Cast

Project Name: DEFINITION.

Contact: Tyler Small

Phone: 6098328204

Email: definitionthefilm@gmail.com

For more information or sides, email:
definitionthefilm@gmail.com OR thesmallclassicscollection@gmail.com

Casting supporting roles for the Temple University BFA senior thesis film, “DEFINITION.”, written and directed by T.C. Moore.

Rehearsals throughout the second half of November, full month of December, and first half of January; shoots Jan. 10-17 in Philadelphia, PA on and near Temple University’s campus. NOTE: More information on locales will be further discussed later on.

Covers catering costs as well as availability of the final festival cut.

LOGLINE: An overzealous woman fends off against the inner backstage turmoils and materializations of her anxiety as the hour approaches on her anticipated stage performance.

SYNOPSIS: What defines you?

22-year old Hana Turner cannot believe that she is actually participating in one of the most anticipated shows of the year: the Darkhorse University Performance Show. As this dream comes true and starts to unfold, as do the nightmares that come with it.

Weights lying around,

cards flying in the air,

influencers running rampant,

and stuntmen falling from rafters are the least of her problems. How will she react when all these pressures and thoughts start to become otherworldly — or in this case, otherwordly?

60 minutes and counting ‘til showtime, folks…

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS (for sides, to send video reels to, or more information, email definitionthefilm@gmail.com):

Pastor Stokes (supporting, he/him, black, 35-60) – The Pastor of a fleeting community and estranged father of Femi, Pastor Stokes is a man constantly questioning his beliefs and life choices. He holds a stern attitude resulting from his career yet is still trying to refind his voice, therefore he is also constantly on the verge of tears. (Must be comfortable with scenes of emotional intensity, hugging, and brief dancing.)

Femi Stokes (supporting, she/her, black, 18-26) – Femi Stokes is, without a doubt, the most important supporting character in this short film. A lone dancer with a church background, Femi is always looking for someone whenever we see her. She’s constantly texting on her phone, looking around the stage crowd, asking the show’s AD for someone’s arrival, etc. Her importance results from the idea of who exactly we perform for, and how we will react when we fail in front of them. (Must be comfortable with scenes of emotional intensity, physical action, hugging, and dancing.)

Ally (supporting, she/her, any ethnicity, 18-30) – Ally is the performance show’s assistant director, being quick to show how firm, commanding, and yet stressed she is in keeping the show afloat. After the director is forced out of the show due to an unexpected injury, Ally is technically left in charge of the crew and endures the unexpected challenges the same way as everyone else. She also serves as one of the film’s earlier antagonists, but we quickly learn that is only because of her allegiance to time as well. (Must be comfortable with scenes of emotional intensity and physical action._

Trumpet Guy (supporting, he/him, any ethnicity, 18-30) – A tall, muscular trumpeter whose music empowers the score throughout the opening montage and rest of the film. (Must be comfortable with scenes of emotional intensity, physical action, hugging, and kissing.)

Primeveire (supporting, she/her, any ethnicity, 18-26) – 1/4 of the French Improv Quartet, Primeveire is full of the childlike wonder and energy that many individuals constantly forget about as they grow older. Her zany and electric energy can be too much, however, especially towards her best friend Abelia. (Must be comfortable with scenes of emotional intensity and physical action.)

Abelia (supporting, she/her, any ethnicity, 18-26) – 1/4 of the French Improv Quartet, Abelia tries to be the voice of reason in this electric group only to be literally pushed by Primeveire. She quickly shows off her “Three Stooges”-like antics and how bizarre this quartet can truly get. (Must be comfortable with emotional intensity and physical action.)

Reinette (supporting, she/her, any ethnicity, 18-26) – 1/4 of the French Improv Quartet, Reinette is the most energetic out of the group, often seen doing unbelievable moves and constantly looking around. (Must be comfortable with emotional intensity, flexibility, and physical action.)

Emeraude (supporting, she/her, any ethnicity, 18-26) – 1/4 of the French Improv Quartet, Emeraude is just as chaotic as her cohorts but typically prefers to speak in English in order to address the audience. (Must be comfortable with scenes of emotional intensity and physical action.)

Tess (supporting, she/her, any ethnicity, 18-26) – Tess is the university’s strongest and most terrifying student… with the biggest heart imaginable. She is looking forward to showcasing her strength in their largest performance show yet, but the words of her trainer continue to get to her before, after, and even during her performance. (Must be comfortable with scenes of emotional intensity, physical action – fake weights – and picking someone up.)

The Trainer (supporting, he/him, any ethnicity, 40+) – A middle-aged coach and guardian-like being that wants nothing but the best for his biggest prospect, Tess. However, his aggression can easily get the best of him. (Must be comfortable with scenes of emotional intensity.)

Magician (supporting, he/him, any ethnicity, 18-26) – A quiet, mysterious individual who always has his eyes set on something, or someone… (Must be comfortable with scenes of emotional intensity, physical action, and being picked up.)

Kevin Biggums (supporting, he/him, black, 18-26) – The eccentric hypeman and social media star of the performance show, he’s loud, proud, and loves to be the center of attention. He’s rarely seen without his trusty cameraman and best friend, and it’s during these moments we see the true humanity of Biggums – yes, that’s actually his last name. (Must be comfortable with scenes of emotional intensity, physical action, and hugging.)

Cameraman (supporting, he/him, any ethnicity, 18-26) – The cameraman and longtime friend of Kevin Biggums, he follows his every move on and off the stage. (Must be comfortable with physical action and hugging.)

Harrison (supporting, he/him, ethnicity, 18-26) – Harrison is a stand-up comedian who always has something funny to say, but really just tries to make the best out of any situation that arises. Under this quirky demeanor lies a man who is struggling to keep it together, and just wants the best for his family.

Stage Actor (supporting, he/him, any ethnicity, 18-30) – A tall, hefty man and method actor who refuses to break character until his costume is completely taken off. He is the stage partner of Stage Actress, and the two’s annoying yet awe-struck performances captivate the performers and crew throughout the film. (Must be comfortable with scenes of emotional intensity, physical action, yelling, and hugging.

Stage Actress (supporting, she/her, any ethnicity, 18-30) – A tall woman and method actor who refuses to break character until her costume is completely taken off. She is the stage partner of Stage Actor, and the two’s annoying yet awe-struck performances captivate the performers and crew throughout the film. (Must be comfortable with scenes of emotionally intensity, physical action, yelling, and hugging.)

Stuntman #1 (supporting, he/him, any ethnicity, 18-26) – Stuntman #1 is a man on a mission, and that mission is to perform the greatest stunt of all time in front of the biggest crowd possible. He is often seen arguing with his cousin and adopted brother, Stuntman #2, and their collisions lead to an incident that affects their entire relationship. (Must be comfortable with scenes of emotional intensity, yelling, and physical action.)

Stuntman #2 (supporting, he/him, any ethnicity, 18-26) – Stuntman #2 only looks up to his cousin and adoptive brother, Stuntman #1. He is always quick to protect him when it comes to his abrasive stunts and ideas. When an incident happens between the two that leave Stuntman #1 in a broken state, Stuntman #2 must step up and make both of their recent efforts worth it. (Must be comfortable with scenes of emotional intensity, yelling, and physical action.)

Lia Bowman (supporting, she/her, black, 18-30) – Co-leader of the slam poetry group and wife of Turner Haywood (Trumpet Guy) with a stern, powerful demeanor that already holds a heavy presence in the first two minutes . Her eye contact in the opening montage and subsequent cameos throughout the film suggests that she is aware of an audience beyond the audience shown in the film. Something along the fourth wall, perhaps… (Must be comfortable with scenes of emotional intensity, yelling, hugging, and kissing.)

Lia Flowers (supporting, she/her, black, 18-30) – Co-leader of the group with the same first name, similar demeanor as her cohorts, and 4th-wall sharing abilities.

Lia Pressley (supporting, she/her, black, 18-30) – Co-leader of the group with —— you’re not gonna believe this —— the same first name, demeanor, and fourth wall breaks as her two peers.

The Announcer (supporting, he/him, any ethnicity, 18+) – The Announcer almost acts as a narrator in a way, his deep, powerful, booming voice being heard throughout the course of the film. (WORK FROM HOME role)

Bonus Roles (Day Players, any gender, any ethnicity, any age) – one-liner/silent roles including stage crew and backup dancers (not actually performing)