Express - Auditions Closed

​As a part of our Young Artists' Initiative, Media Context will work with its partners to create an interactive game from one of our students' original ideas:

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Synopsis

A luxury train is derailed by a murderer who threatens to kill one passenger per hour. An amateur detective must catch them before they strike again.​

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Eighteen-year-old Wes Stevenson, whose parents are a pair of esteemed investigators, has assisted his relatives with several challenging cases.

​In order to thank him for his help, his parents reward him with first-class tickets for the Aurora Maglev, a luxurious monorail that transports its wealthy passengers on a cross-country tour.
 
What started as a lavish vacation is derailed by a grisly tragedy – Once the monorail malfunctions on an isolated route, the wealthy director of the Aurora Maglev is murdered by a killer who threatens to kill one passenger every hour.
 
Joined by Pallavi, a rookie nightguard, Louise, a resourceful attendant, and Cornell, the son of the murdered director, Wes works to close his biggest case yet. But, with the clock ticking down on the train’s terrified passengers, can Wes catch the killer before they strike again?

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Character List
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Wes
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Gender: Male
Age: 18
Accent: Standard American

Intelligent and resourceful, Wes was mentored by two of the best detectives in the country, and can draw evidence from details that others may overlook. Despite his youth, he is skilled at analysing crime scenes, verifying bona fides, and solving challenging cases.
 
Although Wes is a promising investigator, he is still a novice detective. Coupled with his reserved, bashful nature, his lack of experience causes those around him to question his abilities.
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Lines:
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1. (Neutral) We’ll compile the passengers’ alibis and establish their bona fides. With any luck, we’ll find the killer within the hour.
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2. (Happy) That’s just as I expected! We’re one step closer to closing this case.
   
   
3. (Sad) My parents were always there to fill in the gaps. I can’t solve this crime by myself.
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4. (Urgent) Quick, through that door! He’s heading for the sleeper car!

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Louise
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Gender: Female
Age: 18
Accent: Standard American

Louise, a university student who majors in hospitality, is interned as an attendant on the Aurora Maglev.
 
Bubbly and beautiful, Louise charms her passengers with a smile, and is always ready to serve. However, as soon as tragedy strikes, Louise drops her submissive, cheerful persona in order to protect those on board.
 
Once the murders occur, she commands her new friends like a general in battle, and does not care if her brazen personality gets on their nerves.
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Lines:
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1. (Neutral) Welcome aboard the Aurora. How may I be of assistance?
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2. (Happy) That’s right, sir! The entire train is equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Our facilities are designed to care for our passengers.
   
   
3. (Nervous) Ladies and gentlemen, we’re currently experiencing technical difficulties. For your safety, please stay in your rooms until further notice.
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4. (Angry) That’s enough! If we can’t catch the killer within the next five minutes, the director won’t be the only victim on this train.  

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Cornell
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Gender: Male
Age: 28
Accent: Standard American

Ambitious and confident, Cornell is the son of the murdered director of the Aurora Maglev, and the heir to his vast fortune.
 
Despite his father’s grisly death, Cornell remains calm in front of the train’s passengers, and conducts his investigation with professional tact. Coupled with his weak alibi and suspicious motive, Cornell’s confident nature seems a little too suspicious, causing Wes to question if he was involved with the crime.
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Lines:
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1. (Neutral) The Aurora is a remarkable feat of engineering. Not only is it faster than most Maglevs, but its facilities are regarded as the best in the country. 
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2. (Happy) Here’s your drink, sir. Compliments of the Aurora Maglev.
   
   
3. (Urgent) Wes, over here! We’ve found another clue.
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4. (Angry) He wasn’t just my father. He was my best friend. How could I possibly be his murderer?

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Pallavi
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Gender: Female
Age: 28
Accent: Standard American

Pallavi, whose father is chief of security on the Aurora Maglev, is a recent addition to the train’s team of nightguards.
 
Given that the Maglev’s director was murdered under her father’s supervision, Pallavi fears that this crime may damage his career. Stalwart and brave, Pallavi aims to protect her father’s reputation by catching the murderer, even if her strong resolve drives her to make risky decisions. 
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Lines:
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1. (Neutral) My father leads the Aurora’s security division. I’m just a rookie on his team.
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2. (Surprised) You’re the son of the Stevenson detectives? (Chuckles) I suppose we both have big shoes to fill. 
   
   
3. (Sad) The director was a good man. I’m sorry for your loss.
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4. (Angry) My father developed the Aurora’s security system. Once the public discovers that a murderer has disabled it, his career will be over!

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Audition Deadline

The cutoff date for auditions is Monday, 27th January 2020 at 10:00pm EST (Eastern Standard Time). ​No more auditions will be accepted after that date.
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Audition Requirements

• High quality recording. No pops, clicks or buzzes.

• Save the lines as “CharacterName_FirstLast_linenumber.mp3” (e.g. Wes_FrankL_01.mp3).

 

• Place lines in a zip/rar folder labeled “CharacterName_YourName_Audition” before emailing.

 

• Send your audition, your name, and email you wish us to contact you with, to admin@mediacontex.com. Label your Email Subject as “Express - *your name*”​​​. 

​If you have any questions, please contact our casting partner - Tiffany at hello@story-sight.com. 
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​Thank you for your support!​​
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FAQ

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