Male, 30s, Eritrean. Joseph is Selam’s husband, her rock, her refuge, the first person who truly made her feel safe. Where Selam’s childhood was survival-focused and burdened with expectation, Joseph’s upbringing was supportive, and less restrictive where he was allowed more freedom. Making his family proud was a goal but not a mandate. He chose that path willingly. This emotional contrast is at the heart of Joseph’s dynamic with Selam. He sees her drowning in grief and refuses to abandon her, but he cannot understand the weight of what she carries, which is years of repression, the trauma of being a parentified child, and the loss of someone she was responsible for. For Joseph, grief is something to be felt and moved through. For Selam, it is a world she’s trapped inside. Joseph has been patient, endlessly so. He supported Selam when Betty lived with them, even when it strained their relationship. He made space for grief. He waited. But now, years later, he’s running out of room to defer his own desires, especially the life they promised to build together. A nursery. A family. A future. He is loving and loyal, but deeply conflicted and unsure if the woman he fell in love with is ever coming back, and unsure how much more he can give without losing himself in her grief. Joseph is the emotional bridge between grief and normalcy, not the enemy, but the limit. He embodies the version of survival that Selam was never afforded. One that is supported, encouraged, and allowed to rest. His struggle is not just with Selam’s loss, but with his own: the loss of a shared future, the loss of a partner, and the possibility that love may not be enough.

Female, 27, any ethnicity. A talented actress struggling under the pressure of a dismissive director, and a tennis ball as a scene partner. She’s frustrated, insecure, and just wants to get it right. She’s the one we’re rooting for to break through. Her frustration is only alleviated by a genuine moment of human-connection. Key Traits: Vulnerable, frustrated, determined, seeking connection, talented but blocked.

Male, 29, East Asian. The guy who hears everything but is treated like he’s not there. He’s great at his job, but feels invisible and marginalized by the director due to his strong, authentic East Asian accent. He’s quiet, keeps to himself, but feels things deeply. The whole story hinges on him finally being heard in the most unexpected way. Tom’s face can say a thousand words with just a look. He makes us feel his quiet hurt and his huge heart, all without much dialogue. Key Traits: Observant, empathetic, patient, marginalized, professionally skilled, emotionally resonant

Male, 45, any ethnicity. A working director defined by a certain contradiction. While he is passionate and highly professional, these qualities are completely undermined by his pretentious attitude and lack of leadership. He is normally caring and considerate, but when under the immense pressure of having to create his vision on schedule, it manifests as severe impatience and a dismissive attitude toward his crew. Key Traits: Being under pressure, professional, passionate, Pretentious, impatient, insensitive, dismissive.

Male, 35, any ethnicity. A professional 1st AD, whose main goal is to keep the production on schedule. While not overtly hostile, he is complicit in the toxic environment, choosing efficiency over confronting the director's poor behavior. He represents the "go along to get along" attitude. Key Traits: Pragmatic, complicit, schedule-oriented

Male, Mid to late 30’s, any ethnicity. He has the distracted, impatient quality of a former alcoholic. He can’t stand in one place too long, focus on anything too intently, or go too long without a cigarette. He’s at a new stage in life, now sober and dedicated to running his cafe business. He feels a complicated need to uphold the memory of his alcoholic father as a stark reminder of who not to be. He makes a sustained daily effort towards gratitude, to appreciate the mundane and the simple pleasure of hard work. This is a new development for himself, as well as a sharp contrast to his more successful, more hedonistic, more carefree younger brother.

Male, Late 20s - early 30s, any ethnicity. Handsome, something of a finance bro. He’s unbothered, detached, pleasure-seeking, self-interested, and has a laid-back charm. Rob likes to have a good time, and he pursues whatever he’s into head-first without calculation and without doubt, just self-determination and self-interest. He doesn’t know what bravery is, because he doesn’t know what fear is. He simply does what he wants, because that’s always worked for him. He likes to party and can do so without the issues with addiction that have plagued his brother and their father. Though his detached personality is of benefit in the context of addiction (or lack thereof), there’s an unacknowledged inability to open up and connect with others on a deep level, and he harbours an attitude of casual dismissal towards the various relationships in his life.

Female, Early 20’s, any ethnicity. Guardian angel. Sister figure. Barista. Darren’s right hand gal at the cafe. She manages various aspects of the business and takes on more than just the basic duties of the job. It won’t be long before she moves on to a better job. Jess is quiet, thoughtful and observant, and can locate the truth in a given situation. She is the perspective through which we observe both Darren and Rob, and it’s through her lingering gaze that we are able to perceive these brothers, in ways that they aren’t aware of with each other or with themselves.

Asian, late 20s to mid 40s. Ideally has theatre experience and ability to memorize and deliver a long monologue.

White, 60s, Male. A bit of a clown, conservative values, easily gets on people’s nerves. (would love to see some frail, unassuming options – Woody Allen vibe)

White, 50s, Female. Theatrical, commanding, confident.

BIPOC, 20s, Female. Liberal, quiet, but has opinions she’s not afraid to stand up for.

Black, 20s, Female. Expressive, assertive

White, 20s, Male. An introverted film bro.

White, 20s to 30s, Female. Sympathetic, though perhaps selective in who she sympathizes with.

East Asian, 40s, Male. A bit clueless, has a distinctive laugh.

All ethnicity/age/gender

Emma is in college. She is intelligent, kind, and hardworking. She works as a private tutor to pay for her mother’s medical treatments. She is innocent yet curious, she’s drawn into Alexander’s dark, controlling world while trying to protect her independence and values. Must be comfortable with scenes involving implied nudity and simulated sex. An Intimacy co-ordinator will be present on set at all times to ensure the safety, consent, and comfort of the actors. All intimate scenes will be choreographed in advance with full transparency and mutual agreement. We encourage submissions from performers of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. This is a character-driven story that explores themes of sexuality, agency, and emotional awakening

Alexander is a powerful and wealthy CEO. He is also a father to Thomas (8 years old). He is cold, controlling, and dangerously charismatic. Alexander keeps a side of his personality hidden, he is into BDSM, which Emma accidentally discovers. Must be comfortable with scenes involving implied nudity and simulated sex. An Intimacy co-ordinator will be present on set at all times to ensure the safety, consent, and comfort of the actors. All intimate scenes will be choreographed in advance with full transparency and mutual agreement. We encourage submissions from performers of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. This is a character-driven story that explores themes of sexuality, agency, and emotional awakening

Alexander’s 8 year old. Alex is refined and precocious. A sweet litttle rich kid. He is an innocent and lonely child. He bonds with Emma, his tutor. Thomas yearns for a maternal figure and he ask Emma to be his new mom. We are looking for a strong actor with theatre experience.