Casting Call for the MLP Radio Play ‘No Place Like Home’ AUDITIONS ARE OPEN UNTIL JUNE 30th 2014 (MIDNIGHT PST) HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR AUDITION Send your auditions to [email protected] in the following acceptable formats: 1. .mp3 2. .wav 3. YouTube video When auditioning, make sure you only read for parts you wish to audition for. You can audition for as many parts as you like but please make sure to put each audition in a separate .mp3/.wav file or YouTube video. Please keep in mind that, if you do send your audition via YouTube and are chosen for a role, you must be able to produce .mp3s/.wavs for the play itself. If sending .mp3 or .wav files, please name the files with the role you’re auditioning for and your name in brackets after it. E.g. Twilight Sparkle (Scribbler).mp3 Noteworthy (Christopher Golden).wav This makes it easier for me to organise auditions when it comes to finally choosing cast members (and understudies). ^_^ It is important that you leave at least 3 seconds of silence at the start of each audition! This is so I can get an idea of the quality of your microphone, levels of background noise and how much audio clean-up is required. Auditions are individual. By all means, encourage others to audition (there are certainly enough roles to go around) but don’t send in files with more than one person speaking. When emailing your audition please make sure to put in the subject line Audition For ‘No Place Like Home’ and include the following information in the email along with the attached file/link: 1. Your preferred username (This is the name I will be using to credit you if chosen. It might be the same as your YouTube name, it might not be. This is the opportunity to tell me). 2. The role(s) you’re auditioning for. 3. Your email address.

REMEMBER: YOU ARE AUDITIONING FOR A PLAY THAT INVOLVES A FEMALE/FEMALE PAIRING AND SOME DARK THEMES. THIS IS NOT GRIMDARK OR CLOP BUT IF YOU ARE UNCOMFORTABLE WITH THE SUBJECT MATTER, YOU ARE NOT OBLIGATED TO AUDITION. ALSO REMEMBER: There will be several instances where one-line characters will also be necessary. These will be known as ‘walla roles’ but will still be individually credited in the final product. If you are offered a walla role, this means you may be playing more than one singleline characters across a number of episodes plus you will be producing the background noises in crowd scenes. These are still really important roles, as the scope of this play is really big and all voices are necessary to pull off that scope and make it believable! PLEASE NOTE THAT SAMPLE LINES HERE ARE NOT NECESSARILY LINES FROM THE FINAL PLAY

LIST OF CHARACTERS AVAILABLE FOR AUDITION Lyra Heartstrings (Major Role) FEMALE

Vital Details: Lyra is the main character of the play in a number of ways: she is the one transported to another universe, after all, and her struggle to cope with all the changes there forms a huge part of the plot. She is clumsy and forgetful but good-hearted and loyal. Lyra is no shrinking violet and does not back down from a fight – which might be a good thing, since the new world brings plenty she just can’t seem to get away from. She misses Bon-Bon and has trouble accepting that the ponies she encounters are not the way she remembers them. The VA chosen to play her will need to be able to show a wide range of emotions, ranging from bubbly absentmindedness, confusion and fear, right through into outright fury. There will also be some shouting involved, so prospective VAs must be able to do this without reducing the quality of their recordings by clipping. Sample Line #1: (nervous and covering it with false cheer) No, no, I didn’t forget! What would make you think I forgot? I didn’t forget! Nope. No siree. Not me. I, uh, just gotta go … pick something up (cuts herself off) – no, no, drop something off … uh ... at work! Yeah, that’s it. I didn’t realise it was so late. I’ll just … just go do that and then I’ll, uh, meet you at the park, okay? Sample Line #2: (in a panic) Nutbunnies! I totally forgot! How could I forget? I am the worst marefriend ever! Urgh, get a grip of yourself, Lyra. Focus! Gotta get a gift! Gotta get a gift! Gotta get a gift! Gotta get a gift! But where? What the hay can I get her now so she won’t

suspect I totally forgot our anniversary? C’mon, brain! Don’t fail me now! Um … um … argh, I can’t think! This is too much pressure! Sample Line #3: (frightened) This is all wrong! It shouldn’t be like this. Where am I? Somepony, please tell me: where am I? Sample Line #4: (angry) Don’t you dare tell me who I can and can’t love! You may be the grand high muckity-muck in this city, but you so don’t get to dictate what I feel! Okay? Okay? Sample #5: (happy) This is so awesome!

Bon-Bon (Major Role) – FEMALE

Vital Details: There are two versions of Bon-Bon in the play: the organised, sometimes grumpy but contented confectioner of Ponyville who loves Lyra with all her heart (left image) and the emotionally and physically scarred, hard-hearted mech pilot from the alternate universe (right image). The VA chosen to play her must be able to show both sides of her personality. Sample Line #1: I went to all this trouble because I knew she’d forget. I knew that no matter how much I reminded her, it’d probably slip her mind. She can remember all the notes from an entire concerto – for her instrument and all the others in the orchestra – but I have to tell her three times in a row to put her dishes in the sink or wipes her hooves when she comes in from the rain. I’m used to it by now. Four years together is long enough to learn somepony’s quirks. I know Lyra doesn’t mean to be absent-minded. If she could change it, she’d never be late for work again and we’d never run out of toilet paper. Sample Line #2: (emotionless) I have no idea what she could have been talking about, ma’am. I don’t know any unicorn called Lyra Heartstrings. Sample Line #3: (frightened) Who are you? How are you talking inside my head? Sample Line #4: (angry and frustrated) Get away from me! I don’t know who you are, nor do I want to! If you touch me again, I will snap off your hoof and throw it over the edge of this cliff! Sample Line #5: (desperate shout) Lyraaaaaaa!

Twilight Sparkle (Major Role) FEMALE

Vital Details: As with Bon-Bon, there are two version of Twilight in the play. Unlike Bon-Bon, however, Twilight’s personality doesn’t differ too much between universes. She is still the neurotic, intelligent worrywart we know and love, though in the alternate universe there was no Princess Celestia to change her into an alicorn. Her connection with Lyra means she plays a large and active role in the story. Sample Line #1: (growing more and more frantic as the line goes on) It's fine. It'll all be fine. The day isn't over yet. You still have time to send the princess a friendship report. But it will be over soon! (groans) It'll be all over! My time in Ponyville! My advanced studies! No, no. You're a good student. You can do this. Ooh! But what if I can't? You can. You just have to keep it together, Twilight. Keep. It. Together! Sample Line #2: (angry) Get out of my city! (grunts like firing a powerful spell) I don’t care how much power you possess. I don’t care how many followers you have. I don’t care what spells you know, what resources you have or how many enemies you’ve defeated in the past. You threatened my city and the ponies I care about and now you’re going to pay. Sample Line #3: (sad) She doesn’t remember me, Shining. She looked right at me and … and it was like we were strangers meeting for the first time. I don’t know what to do. (starts to cry) I don’t know what to do … Sample Line #4: (happy but nervous) No need to be nervous. This is a happy day! I remember my first day at the academy. I was so excited, I walked into a door and had to be taken to the infirmary. Oh! But I’m sure you’ll be fine. Uh … I mean … you seem really … graceful?

Applejack (Major Role) FEMALE

Vital Details: Much like Twilight, the Applejacks in each universe share certain characteristics: they’re both devoted to their families, they both have a strong work ethic and they’re both proud of being earth ponies. The only real difference is what they channel that hard work and determination into different careers: Ponyville’s Applejack is farmer through and through, whereas the alternate universe’s Applejack has had to give that up to try to restore her brother’s name after a terrible tragedy. There is yelling and grunting involved in this role, as the alternate universe Applejack is now a mech pilot and more willing than her Ponyville counterpart to fight on the front lines to defend her family. Sample Line #1: (chuckling) Sugarcube, it’d take more than bumpin’ into you to damage me. I’m tougher than unwatered ground in high summer. Are you all right? I think I might’ve caught you with my hoof there. (grunts as if hoisting someone off the ground) Here, let me help you up so’s I can take a look. Sample Line #2: (angry) Apple Bloom! What the hoo-haa do you think you’re playing at? You march your butt right back onto that train and go home, missy! Now! Sample Line #3: (frightened) Pinkie? Is that … is that you in there? Pinkie, talk to me. Don’t do this. It’s me, Applejack. I’m your friend, remember? Pinkie! PINKIE PIE! Sample Line #4: (sad) Mac, sooner or later you’re gonna have to talk to somepony. You can’t keep everythin’ bottled up inside forever. Please, Mac; quit pushin’ me away. I’m your sister an’ I love you. If you’re hurtin’, I’m hurtin’.

Ivory Scroll (Mid Role) FEMALE

Vital Details: As close to an antagonist as the first half of the play gets, Ivory Scroll (Mayor Mare in her Ponyville incarnation) is the leader of the earth pony mech programme and isn’t afraid to get her hooves dirty in the name of her kind. To her, the survival of the earth ponies is everything and worth any cost, even if that means sacrificing a few things along the way. Though she does have moments of grandiosity when playing to a crowd, she is less flamboyant and more serious than her Ponyville counterpart and there are occasions when her VA will have to show genuine anger – usually when talking to the earth pony council.

Sample Line #1: (calm) You are where you were before. We felt it best not to move you while you were unconscious. Lotus got a little … carried away. It won’t happen again. Sample Line #2: (angry) Intruders! Sound the alarms! Voice recognition Ivory Scroll! Sample Line #3: (excited) That's right! Ponyville has a new hero. A mysterious mare that has done well by our fair city today. I dub this new masked hero "The Mysterious Mare Do Well"!

Aloe (Minor Role) FEMALE

Vital Details: Originally from the distant settlement of Ore, Aloe and her sister moved to Steel City years ago and now work as Ivory Scroll’s subordinates. Aloe is, amongst other things, a master chemist and the brain to her sister’s brawn. Sample Line #1: (calm) Side effects may be present. Her speech may be impaired. She will be disoriented and may slur her words but she will be entirely truthful. My serum has a one hundred percent success rate. Sample Line #2: (nervous) I … I can’t explain it, ma’am. This has never happened before! Sample Line #3: (hissing angrily) Don’t take your bad mood out on me, Lotus. If you’re not happy about how you’re treated, do something to better yourself. Maybe if you had more skills than just hitting things, you’ve be more valued.

Lotus Blossom (Minor Role) FEMALE

Vital Details: Originally from the distant settlement of Ore, Aloe and her sister moved to Steel City years ago and now work as Ivory Scroll’s subordinates. Lotus nurses a jealousy of her sister, believing that Ivory Scroll looks down on her because she can’t match Aloe’s skills as a scientist. She is quick to anger and so often gets into trouble for flying off the handle too quickly. Sample Line #1: (muttering under her breath) Maybe you are not so perfect after all, dear sister. Sample Line #2: (happy) Miss Zecora, I would love to get the recipe for this bath. It's simply luxurious! Sample Line #3: (shouting) It is not fair! It is not fair! It is not FAIR!

Golden Harvest (Minor Role) FEMALE

Vital Details: Golden Harvest’s personality is cheerful with a sarcastic edge, as she tries to cope with a constantly and inexplicably food-free fridge and larder. In the alternate earth, she works hard to make sure the earth pony civilisation survives. Sample Line #1: (sarcastic) I do eat more than just carrots, you know. Sample Line #2: (happy) That sounds wonderful!

Sample Line #3: (worried) Oh dear. This isn’t good. This isn’t good at all! Someone call the guards, quick!

Apple Bloom (Mid Role) FEMALE

Vital Details: We only see the Apple Bloom of the alternate universe in the play, though her personality is the same as show canon. She is constantly getting into mischief on a quest to get her cutie mark, which leads her to leave her family home and travel to Steel City on her own to see whether her brother and sister can help her. Sample Line #1: (whiny) I want my cutie mark! And I want it now!” Sample Line #2: (cheerfully excited to confused and worried) Applejack! Applejack! I travelled all the way here by myself! Ain’t you proud of me? I didn’t get lost or nuthin’! I found the train station, checked the timetable, bought a ticket with the money I done saved an’ got on! An’ when that there ticket stamper guy said ‘tickets please’ I gave my lil’ bitty paper ticket to him an’ he stamped it an’ said I was real smart for my age an’ … an’ … an’ … why do you look so mad? Did I do sumthin’ wrong? Sample Line #3: (sad) Why ain’t I smilin’? I ain’t smilin’ because I hate it here! I ain’t got no friends, my brother an’ sister are too busy to spend any time with me, I ain’t book-smart enough to do well in school an’ those two fillies, Diamond Tiara an’ Silver Spoon? They’re awful to me every day when the teacher ain’t lookin’. I wish I’d never come to this stupid city.

Fluttershy (Mid Role) FEMALE

Vital Details: Fluttershy is still the kind and gentle pony we know, though life has made her even more timid and frightened than her Ponyville counterpart. Despite pegasus culture promoting toughness and aggression, she is still not a fighter and so has spent her life a near-constant victim of bullies and tormenters. Her VA must be able to voice her trademark squeaks as well as her regular voice. Sample Line #1: (happy) Dear Princess Celestia, sometimes you can feel like what you have to offer is too little to make a difference, but today, I learned that everypony's contribution is important, no matter how small. If you just keep your head high, do your best, and believe in yourself, anything can happen! Sample Line #2: (angry) How dare you! Listen here, mister. Just because you're big doesn't mean you get to be a bully. You may have huge teeth, and sharp scales, and snore smoke, and breathe fire. But you do not-- I repeat-- You do not! Hurt! My! Friends! You got that? Sample Line #3: (frightened and panicky) Oh dear! Oh my! Um, don’t move. You might have broken bones or … or something. Don’t move! Oh, think, Fluttershy, think! What’s a pony supposed to do at a time like this? Sample line #4: (frightened squeak)

Rarity (Mid Role) FEMALE

Vital Details: Rarity is proud to be a unicorn, darling. Whatever would give you any idea she wouldn’t be? She lives her life as boldly and stylishly as the Rarity of Ponyville, with outbursts of generosity undiminished in the slightest by her embarrassing parents or little sister. Sample Line #1: (crying and whiny) I used to be somepony. I used to be respected! I made dresses. Beautiful, beautiful dresses. But now, everypony is laughing at me. I'm nothing but a laughing stock! ...Leave me alone! I want to be alone! I want to wallow in, whatever it is that ponies are supposed to wallow in! Do ponies wallow in pity? Oh, listen to me! I don't even know what I'm supposed to wallow in! (sobbing) I'm so pathetic! Sample Line #2: (angry) As Celestia is my witness, I shall never be sisterless again! Sample Line #3: (nervous and uncertain) I … didn't know you could burn juice.

Sample Line #4: (happy) I do so wish it was permanent! Did you see how my mane just absolutely sparkled?

Sweetie Belle (Minor Role) FEMALE

Vital Details: Sweetie Belle wants nothing more than to get her cutie mark and find her special talent – mainly so she can get into the academy and do something that will get her out of her sister’s shadow. She loves Rarity dearly, but it’s hard being the younger sibling of a prodigy. The sooner she gets her mark, the better! Sample Line #1: (nervous) You're making grape juice? Rarity would call the fashion police on me if I got grape juice anywhere near her precious outfits! Sample Line #2: (happy) We're gonna have the bestest time two sisters could ever have! Sample Line #3: (angry) It’s kind of hard to be the best pony you can be while your big sister is busy being the best pony she can be and it’s better than anypony you will ever be!

Scootaloo (Minor Role) FEMALE

Vital Details: Being a pegasus who can’t fly in Ponyville is one thing. Being a pegasus who can’t fly in Pegasopolis is another. Pegasopolis is not a place where weakness is welcome, though it is a place where it’s dealt with quickly and completely. Scootaloo’s dreams of someday being as badass as her idol, Rainbow Dash, may have much deadlier consequences than she realises.

Sample Line #1: (happy) Winners or not, we still have the chance to be awesome! Sample Line #2: (disappointed and then confused) No matter what we try, we always end up without our cutie marks. And, surprisingly often, covered in tree sap. Sample Line #3: (angry) You get away from her! Right! Now! I mean it! I may not be able to fly but I can headbutt just fine! And I have a very hard head!

Pinkie Pie (Major Role) FEMALE

Vital Details: Pinkie Pie is the ever-smiling, upbeat friend who keeps Applejack afloat when things are getting her down – which is why she is Applejack’s co-pilot whenever they head out to fight. Pinkie is not a natural warrior, or at least that’s what one might think when first meeting her. Put her in a mech, however, and suddenly she’s a sure-shot with a serious streak and a hankering to kick some pegasus tail. It’s almost as if she’s two different ponies in one body … Sample Line #1: (happy) Isn't this exciting? Are you excited because I'm excited I've never been so excited, well, except for the time that I saw you walking into town and I went [gasp] but I mean really, who could top that? Sample Line #2: (angry) Applejack! You Pinkie Promised! Nopony breaks a Pinkie Promise! Nopony! Sample Line #3: (scared) Applejack, they’re coming too fast! Our rear cannon is out! I can’t hit them all with just the front lasers! What do we do? Sample Line #4: (sad) My friends laugh with me, not at me. Sample Line #5: (Pinkamina) You don’t want to do that. You really, really don’t want to do that. You see, you just hurt my friend. And I don’t like it when ponies hurt my friends. I don’t like it at all.

Rainbow Dash (Mid Role) FEMALE

Vital Details: Rainbow Dash is an up-and-coming warrior in Pegasopolis. She is marked for great things by her superiors and regularly out-flies her peers – which is why nopony can figure out why she is so protective of the wall-eyed, clumsy mare who is always hanging around her and getting in everypony else’s way. Whatever the reason, Rainbow Dash is a force to be reckoned with and heaven help any earth pony who tries to take her on, mech or not. Sample Line #1: (angry) No disrespect ma'am, but there's a big difference between pushing yourself as hard as you can, and just being reckless. And if being reckless is what gets rewarded around here, if that's what it means to be a Wonderbolt, then I don't want any part of it. Sample Line #2: (comforting and awkward) You’re not such a bad flier, Ditzy. C’mon. Yeah, you’re no me but, well, nopony is. Uh, I mean … I’m me and you’re you! You can do a lot of stuff I can’t, like … uh … like … well, your food is always the best when it’s your turn on kitchen duty. I mean … uh … wow, I’m bad at this. Sample Line #3: (excited) Go, Ditzy, go! Woo-hoo! Yeah!

Ditzy Doo (Major Role) FEMALE

Vital Details:

Ditzy tries to be a good warrior, she honestly does. Even she admit, though, that if not for Rainbow Dash helping her train and covering for her mistakes, she would have been given the heave-ho a long time ago. Her grim determination to prove herself as somepony worth something is matched only by the kind streak that will likely always make that impossible. If only there were some other way she could make a difference in the world … Sample Line #1: (sad) Let’s face it, Dash; I’m a failure. I’ve always been a failure. I’ll always be a failure. Yeah, you’re right: you’re you and I’m me. You’re awesome and I’m … not. Sample Line #2: (panicked) A unicorn? Here? And an earth pony! H-Hold it right there! I’m warning you! I-I know how to use this spear s-so don’t move! Sample Line #3: (happy) I can’t believe I just did that. I cannot believe I just did that! Did you see me? It was real, wasn’t it? I really did all that? I’m not just dreaming? Because if this is a dream, I really, really don’t want to wake up! Sample Line #4: (shouting military style) Sir! Yes, sir!

Sunset Shimmer (Minor Role) FEMALE

Vital Details: Sunset Shimmer is one of the most powerful unicorns ever to go through the academy and she knows it. Her talent for fire magic and quick temper make her a dangerous enemy for any who cross her. A true mean girl, she takes pleasure in letting other unicorns know their place and seems able to tolerate only one of her peers – and it certainly isn’t Twilight I’m-so-special Sparkle! Sample Line #1: (chuckling) You really are pathetic. It's no wonder your best friends are all stray animals. Sample Line #2: (angry) Hmpf. I have better things to do than socialize. I'm going to re-read 'Advanced Elemental Magical Practices' and then practice for my advanced summoning spells exam. What are you studying for? Nothing, that's what. Sample Line #3: (crying) I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I didn't know that would happen! I didn’t … p-please help her … I’m … I don’t know how to … please! Help her!

Trixie Lulamoon (Minor Role) FEMALE

Vital Details: Trixie would like to think she and Sunset Shimmer are equals in their friendship. She will tell anyone who asks that they are, too. She will also be the first to ignore how she concedes to almost all of Sunset’s wishes and does what she’s told 99% of the time. The Great and Powerful Trixie plays second fiddle to nopony and she’ll burn your tail off with her fireworks if you try to say otherwise! Sample Line #1: (annoyed) The Great and Powerful Trixie doesn't have all day, Twilight! Sample Line #2: (sad) It's the least I could do. I treated you and your friends so horribly when I was wearing that Alicorn Amulet... I just couldn't control myself. You can forgive me, can't you? Sample Line #3: (boastful) Huh. You may have vanquished an ursa "minor", but you will never have the amazing, show-stopping ability of the Great and Powerful Trixie!

Twinkleshine (Mid Role) FEMALE

Vital Details: Twinkleshine is a mysterious mare who seems to wander the halls of Starswirl Academy unbound by the same rules as everypony else. Most students find her creepy and try to avoid her, which doesn’t seem to bother her at all. She talks in riddles and can often be found staring at the sky or into empty space as if she can sense something unperceivable to anypony else.

Though her cutie mark seems to imply she affinity with stargazing, she remains secretive about the true nature of her magic. Her voice is higher pitched, breathy and prone to giggles. Sample Line #1: Oh, you’re not disturbing me, Lyra Heartstrings. I wasn’t really reading. I just like to sit in the library. Have you ever just sat still in an empty library before? After a while, the books start singing. Sometimes they sing to you but most of the time they just sing at you. They only sing to ponies they like and trust. So far I’ve got the tune but not the lyrics. You should ask Twilight Sparkle about what kind of words books can sing to somepony they truly love. Sample Line #2: Oh, Lyra Heartstrings understands, Twilight Sparkle. She just doesn't comprehend. Sample Line #3: Have you come to watch the lights with me? If you’re very, very lucky, they might tell me something to pass on to you. They don’t always. They’re … capricious. Yes, that’s the word. Capricious. Erratic. Fickle. Rhymes with pickle. Sickle. Chickle. Is chickle a word? I’m not sure. It sounds a bit like chuckle. A chuckle isn’t the same as a giggle, you know. A chuckle sounds like this – heh-heh-heh-heh. Whereas a giggle sounds like this – hee-hee-hee-hee. I like to giggle. It’s good for the soul. Very different. What were we talking about again?

Spitfire (Minor Role) FEMALE

Vital Details: A high ranking pegasus, Spitfire takes no dung from nopony and can use any weapon available to back up her words. She isn’t happy about recent changes in Pegasopolan politics and so spends much of her time sounding irritated and barking orders at subordinates. Sample Line #1: (aggressive) Well looky what we got here. Bet you all think you're Wonderbolt material, don't you? Think you got what it takes to be an elite flier? Well then, let me be the first to tell you … you don't! If you had what it took to be an elite flier you'd already be a Wonderbolt! Sample Line #2: (muttering) I’m not happy about this either, Soarin’, but my hooves are tied. We just have to make the best of it and try not to buck the bozos right in their creepy beaks whenever they try to open them.

Sample Line #3: (happy) Well Rainbow Dash, looks like your skills saved us again. Uh, well at least, they saved Soarin's apple pie.

Gilda (Mid Role) FEMALE

Vital Details: Gilda can’t believe she has been shipped out to bunk with these dumb pegasi weaklings and isn’t afraid to let anyone know about it. Her grievances are many, her voice loud and her claws just itching to knock somepony’s block off to prove how much she shouldn’t be here. When she meets Ditzy Doo and Rainbow Dash, however, she may need to back up her words with actual action in front of all their superiors. This role requires fighting grunts and noises, as well as a battle cry.

Sample Line #1: Don't you know how to take "get lost" for an answer? Dash doesn't need to hang with a dweeb like you now that I'm around Sample Line #2: Twilight is a princess now, you guys! She's off to the Crystal Empire and doesn't need a bunch of silly Ponyville friends like you holding her back. She told me so herself. So leave her alone! Sample Line #3: This is your idea of a good time? I've never met a lamer bunch of dweebs in all my life! ...and Pinkie Pie, you, you are queen lame-o with your weak little party pranks! Did you really think you can make me lose my cool?! Well, Dash and I have ten times as much cool as the rest of you put together! Come on, Dash, we're bailing on this pathetic scene.

Granny Smith (Minor Role) FEMALE

Vital Details: The matriarch of the Apple Family, Granny Smith’s decisions don’t always make sense by everyone can rest assured they are made with the good of everypony in mind. Even at a distance, she can make her grand-daughter Applejack snap to attention with a well-chosen word, though she is far gentler with her grandson since the accident. Sample Line #1: Has anypony seen my travellin' bonnet? Sample Line #2: Time was, I was an aquapony all-star! In fact, I was the only Apple to ever come close to breaking the Equestria high-diving record! Falling six stories into a deep dish pie pan takes a toll on the hindquarters. Oh, I was so sore, it took years before I could even look at the water again! Just the idea of swimmin' makes my whole body ache! Besides, these old legs can't even paddle fast enough to stay afloat. Sample Line #3: (angry) Now what in tarnation did you do that for?

Diamond Tiara (Minor Role) FEMALE

Vital Details: Diamond Tiara revels in the fact that her father is one of the biggest gem merchants in all of Earthica and a pony on the council. She can almost overlook the fact that he employs so many icky Diamond Dogs to mine the gems, since she gets so many shiny trinkets out of it. Full of her own self-importance, she is just as much a bully as her Ponyville counterpart and sets her sights on the country hick filly who is new in town …

Sample Line #1: (annoyed) I don't know why we had to sit through a lecture about getting a cutie mark. I mean, waiting for your cutie mark is sooo last week. Sample Line #2: Sorry you can't make it! We'll take some pictures for you from the winner's circle! Sample Line #3: Blank flanks, blank flanks, blank flanks!

Silver Spoon (Minor Role) FEMALE

Vital Details: Silver Spoon’s family might not be into gems, but being in the metal business in a city that caters to the mech operation is no small thing. She capitulates to Diamond Tiara on nearly everything, happy to be able to lord it over their classmates without the responsibility of decisions resting on her shoulders. She doesn’t even baulk what Diamond Tiara sets her sights on the new girl with the funny accent. Sample Line #1: It's not like being the only pony there without a cutie mark would be, like, the most embarrassing thing ever Sample Line #2: The problem is, I mean, she's like, totally not special. Sample Line #3: Well, we still think you're losers, right Diamond Tiara? Bump! Bump! Sugar Lump ...?

Maud Pie (Minor Role) FEMALE

Vital Details: Maud is still Pinkie’s favourite sister in the alternate Equestria and she would still do anything for her little sister too. Now if only Pinkie could get her to leave the family mining operation and come visit her in Steel City, everything would be perfect! Sample Line #1: It's a rock. His name is Boulder. Sample Line #2: How can you not want to work with rocks? Do you know what kind of hidden wonders they contain? Sample Line #3: Pinkie, promise me you’ll take care of yourself. The mech programme is no place to mess around and take stupid chances in the name of fun. I mean it. Promise me you will take extra care to stay safe at all times.

Minuette (Minor Role) FEMALE

Vital Details: Minuette is sarcastic and short-tempered. She is a member of Shining Armour’s elite security force and the resident explosives expert. Sample Line #1: (urgent tone) Captain, I think they drugged her. No way she can walk on her own, let alone teleport! Sample Line #2: (yelling as she throws a flash-spell) Now you see us, now you don’t! Ngg! Sample Line #3: (grim) We keep out of the fight. We don’t have any stake in it. Why put our ponies at risk when we have nothing to gain from it except loss and heartache? I don’t know where you’re getting these weird ideas from, Lyra, but if you think that making some pretty speech about unity and everpony having four hooves and yaddayadda-yadda is going to change anypony’s mind, you’re dreaming.

Pinkie’s Mom (Minor Role) FEMALE

Vital Details: Pinkie’s mother still lives at home with the rest of her family, speaking to her youngest daughter primarily through videophone and seeming more uncomfortable about it every time. She is an older mare with very little sense of humour, which should reflect in her voice. Sample Line #1: (worried) Pinkie, dear, are you sure you still want to stay there? You know you can come home at any time, right? Sample Line #2: (calling in a singsong voice) Girls! Dinner’s ready! Go wash your hooves and then help set the table! Sample Line #3: (grumbling) Those Diamond Dogs … always leaving muddy footprints on my nice clean floors … I don’t mind feeding them but … ngg … Igneous, can’t you speak with them? We have an extra bristly welcome mat for a reason!

Doctor Redheart (Minor Role) FEMALE

Vital Details: Doctor Redheart is the primary medical help for everypony involved in the mech programme, including their extended family. She is in charge of pilots’ physical and mental wellbeing and typically makes sure they are coping properly with their training regime. It is in her power to pull someone out of the programme on medical grounds, which she has done on several occasions – and then had to argue her decisions with Ivory Scroll. As such, Redheart is often overworked and overtired, though she tries to maintain a sunny disposition even as she is yawning her way through the morning briefing.

Sample Line #1: (kind and coaxing) Shh, shh, it’s okay, Macintosh. Nopony is going to hurt you. You’re in the hospital. It’s safe here. Now put that down before somepony gets hurt, okay? Focus on me. On me. Not on your sister. On me. There now. My name’s Doctor Redheart. Nice to meet you. Sample Line #2: (brisk and no-nonsense) She can’t be moved. I don’t care about deadlines or bottom lines or any other sort of lines! She’s my patient and if I say she can’t be moved, she can’t be moved. Sample Line #3: (cheerful) Good morning! I’m Doctor Redheart. And how are we feeling today?

Cheerilee (Mid Role) FEMALE

Vital Details: Whatever the universe, Cheerilee is the kindly schoolteacher who wants the best for her students. If she could have one other wish, however, it would be for Big Mac to talk to her again after he cut her out of his life so completely. Maybe now his little sister is in her class, she will finally get that chance. Sample Line #1: (cheerful) It's all right, Sweetie Belle. I have lots of good friends and wonderful students who care about me very much. I'm going to have an absolutely terrific Hearts and Hooves Day. All right, everypony; who's ready to play "pin the heart on the pony"? Sample Line #2: (frustrated) Why won’t you talk to me? Why did you just cut me out of your life? Why? No, you don’t get to walk away from me this time, Mac! I’ve aited too long already. Tell! Me! Why! Sample Line #3: (melancholy) Sometimes things just don’t turn out the way you hope, sweetheart. It happens. That’s life. The trick is to pick yourself up and carry on. (sighs) I wish someone would teach me that trick.

Mrs Cake (Minor Role) FEMALE

Vital Details: Cup Cake is a caterer from Steel City who does her best to make sure all ponies, but especially those on the mech programme, don’t always have to suffer the slop of the mess hall. Sample Line #1: Take good care of our two precious little ginger snaps! Sample Line #2: Now, dearie, are you sure I can’t interest you in some moon pies? Lemon muffins? Almond pastries? Chocolate croissants? Custard slices? Not even a piece of shortcake? Sample Line #3: Quick! The princess’s teacup is empty! Where’s the teapot?

Ms Harshwhinny (Minor Role) FEMALE

Vital Details: A member of the earth pony council. Her blunt way of talking and tough attitude haven’t exactly made her many friends amongst the other councillors, but she has a way of getting results that makes her a valuable asset. Sample Line #1: Ms. Dash, will you please curb your over-enthusiastic outbursts? Sample Line #2: Princess Cadence? So, this is where you've been! I will have you know this is by far the worst welcome I've had in all my years! Sample Line #3: Ivory Scroll, you simply must see sense! We cannot give over any more gems to your programme, no matter how important you purport it to be. No, I don’t want to hear it. Keep your no-doubt excruciatingly planned speech; I’m not convinced your ‘mech programme’ is the valuable asset you keep saying it is.

Queen Chrysalis (Minor Role) FEMALE

Vital Details: Chrysalis does not appear until much, much later in the play, which her VA needs to be aware of. Her voice is identical to her canon counterpart. Sample Line #1: (scornful) What a lovely but absolutely ridiculous sentiment. Sample Line #2: (laughing) Right you are, Princess. And as queen of the changelings, it is up to me to find food for my subjects. Equestria has more love than any place I've ever encountered. My fellow changelings will be able to devour so much of it that we will gain more power than we have ever dreamed of! Sample Line #3: (sarcastic) You do realise the reception has been canceled, don't you?

Doctor ‘Screw Loose’ Sprocket (Mid Role) FEMALE/MALE

Vital Details: Nopony is quite sure whether Doctor Sprocket is an effeminate stallion or masculine mare. What they do know is that in the world robotics, Doctor Sprocket is the best – if borderline

insane – mind in all of Earthica and beyond. This character is very over the top eccentric, which should reflect in the VA’s performance. Sample Line #1: (angry) Who are you? What do you want? Why are you hanging around my laboratory? Guards! Guards! Get your tails down here and save me and my brilliant brain, already! Sample Line #2: (giggling) My greatest creation. You have no idea what you’re dealing with. None whatsoever! I almost feel sorry for you. (sniggers) Almost. (laughs uproariously) Sample Line #3: (shouting) Time Turner! Get your lazy flank in here and help me!

Time Turner (Minor Role) MALE

Vital Details: Time Turner is Doctor Sprocket’s beleaguered and stressed assistant. He typically has to translate Sprocket’s babbling into language other ponies can understand. Being assistant to a genius is hard but being assistant to a rude, antisocial, eccentric genius is the pits. If not for his love of science, Time Turner probably would have left years ago. As it is, he endures the daily troubles so that he can follow his dreams and work with the cutting edge technology available only to those on the mech programme. Sample Line #1: (disinterested) Doctor Sprocket wants to see you. Said it was urgent. You’d better move your flank. Sample Line #2: (perky) You have no idea how good it is to finally have someone I can talk to about this stuff! I mean, yes, there’s Doctor Sprocket but … well, one does not simply … converse with the doctor. Rather bad for the mind. And quite possibly the body. Sample Line #3: (nervous) Doctor Sprocket, I don’t think we can do it. The tech … I kno how far it’s come but she’s too far gone for it to take. I mean, just look at her! Maybe … (as if he can barely bring himself to say it) ngg, maybe it would be better to just put her out of her misery.

Igneous Rock - Pinkie’s Dad (Minor Role) MALE

Vital Details: Pinkie’s father still lives at home with the rest of her family, speaking to his youngest daughter primarily through videophone and seeming more uncomfortable about it every time. He is an older stallion with very little sense of humour, which should reflect in his voice. Sample Line #1: (severe) These are rocks. You break ‘em here, move ‘em there and then repeat the process until the pile is gone. Think you can cope with that? Sample Line #2: (as if on the phone) Pinkie Pie, your mother wants me to tell you that you’re free to come home any time you want. What’s that honey? Yes, I’m telling her. I said I would, didn’t I? Huh? What? I’m not asking her that! Because I’m her father, that’s why. It’s not right for a father to ask his daughter that kind of … okay, okay, I’ll do it. (sighs) Pinkie Pie, your mother says make sure you keep away from any of those stallion pilots. They’re bad business for a nice girl like you to get mixed up with. Sample Line #3: (anxious and angry) That’s my daughter in there! Let me through! Dang it, get your hooves off me. I want to see my daughter!

Soarin’ (Minor Role) MALE

Vital Details: Soarin’ is Spitfire’s wingpony and strongest supporter, though he’s less likely to do as she does and hit somepony for being stupid. He, like her, has his doubts about recent changes but is more willing to see whether something positive can come from them. Of the two superiors, he is the pony underlings are more likely to come to for answers and/or support. Sample Line #1: (disappointed but trying to be cheerful) You sure have nice friends. Nopony's been by to visit me. Eh, too busy practicing, I guess. Sample Line #2: (happy) I'll take that big apple pie! Sample Line #3: (angry) Hey, lay off her! What gives you the right to come in here and start picking on somepony you don’t even know? Back off, beaky!

Magnum (Minor Role) MALE

Vital Details: Magnum is the proud father of Rarity and Sweetie Belle. He is also a member of Shining Armour’s elite security force. His VA needs to be able to pull off both a believable belly laugh and fighting noises in addition to regular lines. Sample Line #1: (frustrated) Horseapples! I wasn’t fast enough. Captain, our time window just got smaller. Sample Line #2: (proud) Why, nopony this side of anywhere is more talented at sewing than my little girl! Why, just last week, she fixed up one of my shirts so nice I’m scared to ear it in case I mess it up! (laughs at own joke) Sample Line #3: (kind and fatherly) Now, Sweetie Belle, you know we love you and your sister both the same. I’m sorry if you thought we were prouder of Rarity. We … I didn’t mean to make you feel that way. I’m sorry, honey. Can you forgive me?

Shining Armour (Mid Role) MALE

Vital Details: The head of Unicornia’s elite security force, Shining Armour couldn’t be prouder of his little sister and all she has achieved. He is loyal to a fault and would fight to the last ounce of his strength for those he cares about and his duty.

Sample Line #1: (anxious and alarmed) Ponyfeathers, what did they do to you? Sample Line #2: (joking) You've got to stop saving my rump like this. It's starting to get embarrassing. Sample Line #3: (affectionate) None of this would've been possible without you, little sis. Love ya, Twily. Sample Line #4: (angry to confident and knowing) I’m giving you one chance to get away from my sister. I have a fireball spell primed and aimed at your head. Sure, you might be able to fire your own spell at me, and maybe I wouldn’t have time to get out of the way, but can you fire yours, dodge mine and avoid hers? Because she may look like a damsel in distress right no, but I know she probably already has a dozen different spells primed in her horn to let fly at you at the first opportunity. (chuckles) Oh buddy, did you pick on the wrong ponies today.

Big Macintosh (Major Role) MALE

Vital Details: Big Mac was once the most outstanding pilot in the entire mech programme. Now he works as a technician and mechanic and the closest he ever gets to a mech is when he has to paint them with a fresh coat of anti-magic paint. He refuses to talk about the tragedy that resulted in this change of circumstances, which worries Applejack to distraction. His VA will need to be able to pull off Big Mac’s usual monosyllabic responses but also genuine emotions as Big

Mac’s nightmares and repressed memories slowly start to break free. There is some shouting involved and also some crying, though this is much later on. Sample Line #1: (angry) You should be ashamed of yourself, humiliatin' your sister 'n' me like that. We don't wanna talk to any y'all right now so take your little gossip column and your embarrassing photographs and just go away! Sample Line #2: (happy) Yay, the zap apples are comin'! Sample Line #3: Eeyup. Nnnope. Sample Line #4: (confident) What’s the matter? You sound like you’re worried I’ll beat your record. Heh. Naw, I’m just messin’ with ya, buddy. Lock an’ load! Sample Line #5: (horrified and frightened) Where are ya? (coughs) I can’t see where you are! Applejack, talk to me! Tell me you’re okay! Applejack! Sis! Where are you!?

Noteworthy (Major Role) MALE

Vital Details: Noteworthy in Ponyville is Lyra’s boss and owner of the instrument shop ‘Music Makers’. He is an older stallion with a sarcastic sense of humour, a quick wit and an even quicker mouth. In the alternate universe he is a mechanic, Big Mac’s superior and, though more subdued, still plays a key role in the plot. He also has a soft spot for Bon-Bon, being one of the only ponies to treat her like she is still a pony after her upgrades. Sample Line #1: (confused) Lyra, you wrote that on the calendar yourself. That’s why I gave you today off, remember? Speaking of which, why the heck are you here? You aren’t supposed to mind the shop until tomorrow. Sample Line #2: (embarrassed) I … uh … ponyfeathers, Lyra, I’m not that old. Sample Line #3: (affectionately mocking) Lyra, not many ponies think like you do. Sample Line #4: (sad) Ponies fall in love all the time. They think everything’s magical and wonderful and will last forever because this time, their time, it’s real. Realer than all the other times any other pony has thought their love was real only to find out it wasn’t. And then, when things go wrong (as they always do), the fall is steep and the landing hard. Love? Don’t bother. It’s not worth the broken bones when you hit the ground afterwards.

Commander Claw (Minor Role) MALE

Vital Details: Commander Claw is leader of the first contingent of griffins in Pegasopolis. He is quiet for a griffin, which only makes him more dangerous as an adversary. His voice is growly and a deep pitch. Sample Line #1: (menacing) You. What’s your name? Answer me quickly, pony. I am not one for patience. Sample Line #2: (bored) This entire city is lacking compared with Stalwart. There one can find anything for the right price. Here … I imagine not. Sample Line #3: (giving orders) Red team! Blue team! To your posts! Now! Now! Now!

Diamond Dogs (Minor Roles) MALE

Vital Details: The Diamond Dogs are numerous and share Steel City with the ponies, working in the mines searching for gems and the precious stones that keep the entire mech programme running. Though their skills are vital, they are often looked down on by the earth ponies.

Sample Line #1: We hunt for gems. But you are a better hunter. So now we hunt... for you! Sample Line #2: Get me the baubles! Get me the beads! Get me the trinkets! Where is the treasure!? Sample Line #3: What are you doing? We said dig!

Crunch (Mid Role) MALE

Vital Details: A young diamond dog who befriends Apple Bloom, one of the only ponies not to treat him like an outsider. He is young and immature, unable to walk on his hind legs yet and apt to yap when excited. Sample Line #1: I’m not good at digging yet. My dad says I have to go to school instead, but no other Diamond Dogs go to school! I’m the only one here. I keep asking him not to make me go, but he has these funny ideas about how Diamond Dogs should be able to read and write like ponies. Sample Line #2: You … you want to play? With me? Like … a game? Sample Line #3: This was the bestest best day ever! I … I can’t help myself! I just gotta – (howls a puppyish howl)

Starswirl the Bearded (Mid Role) MALE

Vital Details: The master sorcerer of Unicornia, Starswirl is a mysterious figure who talks to few and keeps his secrets close. He has a special fondness for Twilight Sparkle, who shows more promise than any other unicorn to pass through his school. His VA will need to be able to sound old

and wise without also sounding doddery or frail. Though older than anypony can tell, Starswirl the Bearded is still a pony to be reckoned with. Sample Line #1: Never doubt yourself, Princess. You'll do great things for your subjects. We all know that. Sample Line #2: Urgh … I'm too old for this. Sample Line #3: (distracted) Yes, yes, quite. It’s, ah, good to have you here. Indeed. I’m sorry I couldn’t meet you when you first arrived. I’d – hmm, now where did I put that … ah, here it is! I’d like you to find the time to come by my office in the next day or so. We have things we need to talk about. Sample Line #4: (shouting) You cannot stand against my magic, fiend! I’ve faced down stronger creatures than you! And where are they now? Gone! Nothing more than memories and stories to scare foals!

Braeburn (Minor Role) MALE

Vital Details: Braeburn lives back home and is Granny Smith’s right hand pony now that all three of her grandchildren have left home. He is still a cheerful stallion, though wary of Granny’s moods. Sample Line #1: (worried) Don’t you ask me to talk to Granny! You know what she’s like first thing in the morning before she’s had her coffee! Sample Line #2: (cheerful) Cousin Applejack, mind yer manners, you have yet ta introduce me to your compadres! Shame on you! Sample Line #3: (sad) Them buffalo, they want us settler ponies to take every single tree you see here off this land. They sure as hay don't want any new ones added in.

Doctor Stable (Minor Role) MALE

Vital Details: Doctor Stable is a responsible, kindly stallion with a tone of voice that can put anypony at their ease.

Sample Line #1: She's going to be fine. Luckily she has friends like you who got her over here in a jiffy.

Sample Line #2: I think I know what the trouble is. A severe case of lazy-itis. Sample Line #3: Rainbow Dash, what in the world is going on? Why are you stealing slippers?

Caramel (Mid Role) MALE

Vital Details: Caramel has some connection to Big Mac that will be revealed later on in the play. He is Crème Brulee’s younger brother. His VA needs to sound young and must be able to pull off a reasonable shout into the microphone without clipping. Sample Line #1: (angry) You always say that! Sample Line #2: (awed) Wow! That’s awesome! I can’t believe how … how awesome this is! Sample Line #3: (shouting) leave me alone!

Crème Brulee (Minor Role) MALE

Vital Details: Crème Brulee has some connection to Big Mac that will be revealed later on in the play. He is Caramel’s older brother. His VA must be able to pull off a reasonable shout into the microphone without clipping. Sample Line #1: (cheerful) Just doing my job, ma’am. Sample Line #2: (anxious) I came to see if you needed any help. Sample Line #3: (embarrassed) Uh … quick, Brulee, think of something clever to say! Um … um … hi. Sample Line #4: (shouting) Lock and load!

Thunderlane (Minor Role) MALE

Vital Details: A fellow pegasus in Pegasopolis, Thunderlane simply can’t understand why Rainbow Dash won’t give up on Ditzy and be his wingpony instead. Sample Line #1: It wasn't me, it was Blossomforth! Sample Line #2: Too bad we can only compete in one event, but rules are rules. Sample Line #3: C’mon, Rainbow Dash. You know you’re better than this.

Blueblood (Minor Role) MALE

Vital Details: Blueblood is a high-ranking pony in Unicornia, owing to his direct ancestral connection to its founder, Princess platinum. Too bad that means he thinks that his destiny is to be with the most powerful mare around to continue the ancient bloodline; a mare whom he will pursue relentlessly until she accepts his hoof in marriage. Sample Line #1: My royal lips have touched common carnival fare! Sample Line #2: Ewww...! Uh, stay back! I just had myself groomed! Sample Line #3: Fear not, fair maidens! I shall protect you, or else my name isn’t Prince Cobalt Sanguinary Blueblood!

Mr Cake (Minor Role) MALE

Vital Details: Carrot Cake is a caterer from Steel City who does his best to make sure all ponies, but especially those on the mech programme, don’t always have to suffer the slop of the mess hall. Sample Line #1: Now, Pinkie, are you sure you really understand the responsibility of watching over two babies? Sample Line #2: Well hi there, Applejack! And who’s this? Hmm, this filly has something of the Apple family about her. Would I be right in guessing you’re Applejack’s little sister? Sample Line #3: Honeybun, could you come down here a second? There’s been an, uh, accident. With the sugar. And Pinkie Pie. (pause) Hurry!

Spike (Minor Role) MALE

Vital Details: Spike only appears in the Ponyville segment of the play (i.e. the first episode). However, he does have a lot of lines in that episode. Sample Line #1: (cheerful) P.S.: Obviously, Spike did not have to learn a lesson, because he is the most awesome friend a pony could ask for. Unlike everypony else, he took things seriously and— Uh, yeah. I'll just, um... Sample Line #2: (frightened) Can you do that? Can you explode twice? Sample Line #3: (sarcastic) A book in a library. Imagine that.

Filthy Rich (Minor Role) MALE

Vital Details: A member of the earth pony council, Filthy Rich is a powerful voice in how things are run in Steel City and dotes on his daughter to the point of being blind to her flaws.

Sample Line #1: Ivory Scroll, while I understand your point of view, it is simply a case of finance – cost and need. You and your programme have needs, yes, but you cost a lot. Do you see where I’m coming from? Sample Line #2: Diamond, sweetie, leave those ponies alone and come here please. I want to introduce you to someone. Sample Line #3: I can trace my family line all the way back to Chancellor Puddinghead himself! I don’t have to stand here and listen to somepony like you!

King Sombra (Minor Role) MALE

Vital Details: Sombra does not appear until much, much later in the play, which his VA needs to be aware of. His voice is deep and threatening and his VA needs to be able to pull off a convincing maniacal evil laugh. Sample Line #1: My crystal slaves... Sample Line #2: You speak of cowardice. Have you forgotten whose domain you are in? Sample Line #3: Submit? Just like you to your sister? I admire your resolve. You are strong. Far more fit to rule, far more deserving of respect than Celestia. You have an opportunity now to take her place. Together, we can show the nation what it truly means to fear the night.