CHARACTERS

THIS TIME AROUND

CASTING BREAKDOWN & AUDITION SIDES

Written by Jamall McMillan & Colton Duke
Based on Evolve
© 2026 MSVE Studios LLC

 

CASTING VISION

The casting should feel like an authentic Atlanta ensemble with strong chemistry, particularly among the core relationships. The comedy should come naturally from personality and circumstance rather than from actors "playing the joke."

Primary casting priorities:

• Strong romantic chemistry between Victor and Courtney

• Actors who can transition naturally between comedy and emotional drama

• Strong improvisational/comedic instincts

• Authentic Atlanta personality and conversational rhythm

• Ability to handle relationship conflict without becoming melodramatic

• Strong ensemble chemistry among Victor, Adam, Javon, JKing and Renae

• Strong comedic contrast between Victor and characters such as Kiki, Chase, Lexi and Denice

 

TIER 1 — MAIN CAST

 

 

1. COURTNEY

Lead | Female | Late 20s–30s

Courtney is intelligent, creative, attractive and talented, but emotionally stuck in a seven-year relationship with Chase. She is a writer, singer and model who must learn to stop defining herself through a relationship and rediscover her own identity.

Casting notes:
The actress must be able to play wounded, funny, skeptical, romantic and ultimately empowered. Chemistry with Victor is absolutely essential.

 

AUDITION SIDE — EXT. PARK

VICTOR
(after a moment)
Well...you sure know how to pick them

COURTNEY
(feeling conflicted)
Yeah

VICTOR
But I’m glad that you left him behind. You clearly deserve someone better

Courtney just stares off into the distance in deep thought. Victor tries to distract her by sort of flirting. Emphasis on sort of.

COURTNEY
Yeah I pray I find that one day

Victor looks at the camera like, WTF

VICTOR
(trying to interject)
Ummm...maybe you already have

COURTNEY
I kept hoping he would change. Silly me for thinking that a man would ever treat me right

VICTOR
(feeling it even more)
Court...maybe...just an idea...I could...possibly...be that person

COURTNEY
(being dismissive)
Victor, look, I...

She tries to think of something to say, but her lack of words actually speaks volumes.

COURTNEY
I think I should go.

She gets up and starts to walk off. Victor tries to grab her hand, but she pulls away.

VICTOR
Courtney wait! Court! (She pauses)...Do you trust me?

COURTNEY
Of course I trust you, but it’s bigger than that.

VICTOR
(sounding overly romcom)
But do you trust me to love you?

COURTNEY
I don’t even know what love is anymore.

VICTOR
Then let me show you.

Courtney feels conflicted. Deep down, she wants to try, but she is fighting it. Feeling the push and pull between her past and a potential future.

COURTNEY
Do you even love yourself?

VICTOR
(stunned)
I...I think so...no wait, I do...Yeah, I do...maybe...but I can love you through

COURTNEY
How can you possibly love anyone if you don’t know how to love yourself first?

Victor is speechless for a moment.

VICTOR
Then we can learn to do that together

Courtney hears the sincerity in his voice, but the truth is neither of them is truly ready for that.

COURTNEY
Maybe one day. But for now I need some time to figure things out.

VICTOR
But---

COURTNEY
I just need some time for me. Please give me that.

She turns away and leaves.

What we should see: emotional intelligence, restraint, vulnerability and the ability to command the scene without becoming overly dramatic.

 

​

2. ADAM

Main Supporting | Male | Late 20s–30s

Adam is Victor's closest male friend and the voice of reason—although he constantly jokes about Victor's romantic dysfunction. He is loyal, blunt and highly comedic.

Casting notes:
Needs effortless "best friend" chemistry and strong deadpan timing.

AUDITION SIDE — EXT. PARKING LOT

ADAM
So are you two like a couple now? I mean, you guys literally spend all the time in the world together.

VICTOR
No, we're just enjoying the friendship right now. Although I really do like her. I just don't want to rush anything, honestly. This time around...I want it to be right.

ADAM
No, you're just scared to ask her out

VICTOR
me...scared...ha

JKING
Yeah, man, you just need to tell her how you feel.

VICTOR
I mean I would, but we have a good thing going on right now

JKING
Bruh, what thing? You spend all this time together without taking that step, and you're gonna be stuck in the friend zone.

VICTOR
That's what my sister said, but I think she's wrong.

ADAM
How often has she been wrong?

VICTOR
(thinking hard)
Well...There was that one time...but...it doesn't matter; she is. Y'all make it sound like a sci-fi prison. ooohhhhh the "friend zone"

JAVON
The friend zone...

 

 

3. DASIA

Main Supporting | Female | Late 20s–30s

Dasia is Courtney's grounded best friend. She is much more willing than Lexi to challenge Courtney's unhealthy relationship with Chase and encourage her to move forward.

Casting notes:
Should have strong reactions and chemistry with Lexi and Courtney. She is the "girl, that's crazy" voice of the group.

​

AUDITION SIDE — INT. GYM

DASIA
No, she was wasting her time with Chase.

LEXI
Chase was the best thing to ever happen to her, and now she will be wishing she stayed with him. Mark my words.

COURTNEY
Lexi, if he's so great, then why don't you date him?

Dasia laughs.

LEXI
I'm just saying. When he blows up, don't say I didn't tell you.

COURTNEY
Whatever, and besides, Victor is the complete opposite of him. He's sweet, compassionate, and has the biggest heart of any man I've ever met. I really enjoy being around him.

LEXI
Wow, girl, are you trying to date him now?

There is an awkward silence in the room while they await her answer.

COURTNEY
I'm just saying he's showing me something better.

DASIA
That's right, Court. I always told you that you could do better.

LEXI
Whatever. If Chase is soooo bad, then why did you date him in the first place?

COURTNEY
Because you wouldn't stop talking about him until I did!

DASIA
That part.

LEXI
Well...I just want the best for my girl. Besides, I know there is a small part of you that misses him.

 

 

4. DENICE

Supporting | Female | 20s–30s

Denice is Chase's latest romantic/sexual distraction and aspiring singer. She is gullible, enthusiastic, funny and completely unaware of Chase's pattern.

Casting notes:
Needs excellent comic timing and an ability to play naive without making the character unlikeable.

 

AUDITION SIDE — INT. CHASE APARTMENT

DENICE
Babe, who could that possibly be?

CHASE
Probably one of your adoring fans. They know you're the next Beyoncé.

Denice blushes and starts feeling herself.

Chase goes to the door.

 

Chase opens the door to reveal...Courtney.

 

CHASE
(shocked but enjoying that she's there)
Chastity...damn, it’s good to see you.

 

COURTNEY
Hey Chase. Can we talk?

 

Courtney peeks in to see Denice looking at her like she wants to kill her.

 

COURTNEY
Alone?

 

CHASE
Hey, give us some privacy.

 

Denice gets an attitude, then goes over to the corner, faces it, and then plugs her ears with her fingers like she can't hear anything.

 

CHASE
Come on in.

 

Courtney enters, stunned by what she just witnessed.

 

CHASE
So, I missed you, babe.

 

DENICE
(quickly turns around)
I thought I was your babe!

 

CHASE
You are when she's not here.

 

DENICE
But she's never here.

 

CHASE
Exactly.

 

DENICE
(has a slow moment and then it clicks)
Oh yeah, I get you!

 

She then turns back around to the corner.

 

 

5. JAVON

Supporting | Female | 20s–30s

Javon is part of Victor's KaryME friend circle and has an exaggeratedly emotional perspective on relationships. Her "friend zone" story becomes one of the screenplay's funniest and most memorable moments.

 

Casting notes:
Excellent comedic actor with the ability to play sincere melodrama for laughs. Can cry on que

 

AUDITION SIDE — EXT. PARKING LOT

 

VICTOR
That's what my sister said, but I think she's wrong.

 

ADAM
How often has she been wrong?

 

VICTOR
(thinking hard)
Well...There was that one time...but...it doesn't matter; she is. Y'all make it sound like a sci-fi prison. ooohhhhh the "friend zone"

 

JAVON
The friend zone...

Everyone pauses and looks over at her.

 

JAVON
I remember when I, myself, Javon, was stuck in the friend zone. I really loved him, you know? I was so...so afraid to tell him. He came to me and poured his heart out. Gushing, rivers, monsoons, a...geyser of love, and I couldn't...I just couldn't take it. (beat) So I friend-zoned him. But I regret it. Don't be afraid to love, Victor. Don't be afraid to love.

 

There is an awkward silence.

 

JKING
Yeah man, umm can you take me to the airport now? I already had to change my flight twice because you were late.

 

 

​

 

6. SHIRLEY

Supporting | Female | 60s

Shirley is Victor and Renae's mother. She is authoritative, funny, spiritually grounded and completely unafraid to call her children out.

 

Casting notes:
A commanding comedic presence. She needs to feel like the mother who can stop a room simply by entering it.

 

AUDITION SIDE — INT. VICTOR LIVING ROOM

SHIRLEY
I’m right here!

 

VICTOR
Oh hey, Mom! How long have you been there?

 

SHIRLEY
I’m always here. It’s my house.

 

VICTOR
Facts...

 

RENAE
You right...

 

SHIRLEY
And yes, you’re right. You’ve been tiptoeing around asking that girl out, knowing that the both of you haven’t been ready for anything. She’s been one foot in and one foot out of her relationship while holding on to you, and you have been so afraid of rejection that you act like you are together, when she has obviously friendzoned you---

 

RENAE
That part.

 

VICTOR
Shut up.

 

SHIRLEY
Your problem is you’ve been making these women your god instead of strengthening your relationship with God.

 

VICTOR
(offputting)
Pfft. No, I haven’t.

 

SHIRLEY
Boy, when was the last time that you went to church?

 

VICTOR
I went last...it was that one Sunday...they were talking about something in the Bible...3rd Philadephians 76...

 

RENAE
That’s a basketball team.

 

SHIRLEY
And it’s been over a year since you’ve been messing around with that girl.

 

VICTOR
(coming to reality)
Oh yeah, that’s right.

 

SHIRLEY
And you’re coming to church this Sunday. You have nothing going on anyway.

 

VICTOR
I have to drive; gotta pay these bills. And besides I get assaulted everytime I go to your church.

 

SHIRLEY
You stay at my house and haven’t paid one bill, so like I said, you’re coming to church.

 

VICTOR
I am absolutely not going---

 

​

 

TIER 2 — SUPPORTING CAST

 

PASTOR

Supporting | Male | 50s–60s

An energetic Pentecostal pastor whose sermon becomes an almost surreal revelation for Victor.

Casting: Strong preacher's voice, physical comedy and improvisational energy.

 

AUDITION SIDE

PASTOR
See, you have to learn to let go...and let GAWD!

The church erupts.

 

PASTOR
When you hold on to something too long, it begins to strain you. Eventually you have to release it. And when you release it GAWD can place something even greater in your hands.

 

PASTOR
See---

 

PASTOR
It’s like baking...a cake. If you don’t use the right stuff, if you take it out too soon, it’s not going to settle right.

 

PASTOR
You have to use the right set of ingredients. Have it at the right temperature. Leave it in all the way until it’s done. And I’m not talking about what you’re thinking, sista Johnson. Get your mind in the Spirit. (beat) If you want that sweet finished product, you have to wait on it. It may not come when you want it to, but when GAWD makes it right, it’s the most pleasing thing in the world.

 

CHURCH WOMAN
A...FREAKING...MAN!!!

 

VICTOR
Wow, that felt like he was talking to me.

 

PASTOR
That’s because I am.

 

VICTOR
What the?

 

PASTOR
You’ve been so focused on making her happy, but are you doing what makes YOU happy?

 

VICTOR
Ummmm...

 

PASTOR
You have to seek first the kingdom of GAWD and AWLL, say ALLLL.

 

 

 

RUBY

Supporting / Specialty | Female | Adult

Ruby is a loud, impatient KaryME passenger who has no problem verbally attacking Victor.

Casting: Big personality and strong improv/comedic instincts.

 

AUDITION SIDE

RENAE
Victor...look, when a woman cheats on you with your best friend...your roommate...your acting coach... You probably wanna hang that up.

 

VICTOR
She just had a few lapses in judgment.

 

RENAE
And your brother.

 

RENAE
Multiple lapses Vic.

 

VICTOR
She apologized for them, though, and love is loving people beyond their... Look, that stop sign is crooked.

Suddenly we hear a random voice from behind them.

 

RUBY
Soooo... I know what is about to be crooked: your face if you don't take me to my doctor's appointment!

 

RENAE
Is this your passenger!

 

VICTOR
I knew that I was forgetting about something.

 

RUBY
I'm going to make you forget a lot of things if you don't get me out here now!

Ruby keeps scolding Victor as he finishes his talk with his sister.

 

VICTOR
I think I'm going to go.

 

RENAE
Ya think!

 

Victor starts the car and drives away quickly.

 

RENAE
And you better not go back to that woman!

 

VICTOR
People do crazy things when they're in love!

 

 

 

 

 

 

TIER 3 — DAY PLAYERS / FEATURED ROLES

 

 

RIDER

Day Player | Female | Adult

An eccentric KaryME passenger who is suspicious of Victor and hilariously defensive about accepting help.

Audition focus: improvisational comedy, eccentricity and attitude.

 

AUDITION SIDE

RIDER
Yeah, Big Daddy, you gonna love what I have planned for your special day...Baybee Iz gots your strawberries, the whipped cream, and that Heinz 47 sauce---

 

VICTOR
(confused)
Heinz 47? what?

 

RIDER
And...I got that Chateau St. Michel tonight! Yeah, baby, no more Bearfoot.

She struggles to get out of the car carrying the bags.

 

VICTOR
Ummm, would you like some help?

 

RIDER
No! Creeper! I got a man to help me. Besides, I am scrong, black, independent woman. (To Phone) Yeah, I-N-D-P-I-N-D-A-N-T. Yes you got a good one Baybee.

 

VICTOR
I'm just saying, you have a lot of bags. I can help you carry them---

 

RIDER
Look bruh, I don't need you knowing where I live.

 

VICTOR
I literally have your address. That's how we got here.

 

RIDER
Iz gots this! ok. And I don't know where your hands have been. You could have the Coronary for all I know.

​

 

REPORTER

Day Player | Female | Adult

A local news reporter covering Valentine's Day at Hammond Park who accidentally gets an emotionally devastated Victor on camera.

Casting: Professional broadcast presence with strong ability to react quickly.

 

AUDITION SIDE

REPORTER
And today is the day for love! We are out here at Hammond Park for the Park Your Love Experience. They are passing out flowers, and people are just enjoying the vibes.

 

The reporter notices Victor walking and decides to pull him for a chat.

 

REPORTER
Sir, you look like someone who loves love. What do you want people to know about this special day?

 

VICTOR
(snatching the microphone)
I want to say that love sucks! It is a fake thing made to get your hopes high and drown them in the deepest oceans of pain and despair...beep love.

 

He storms off, leaving the reporter stumped.

 

REPORTER
From Life to...

 

 

 

CHURCH WOMAN

Day Player | Female | 50s–70s

An enthusiastic church member who becomes part of the chaotic Pentecostal church sequence.

Casting: Huge personality, physical comedy and authentic church energy.

 

AUDITION SIDE

PASTOR
See, you have to learn to let go...and let GAWD!

The church erupts.

 

CHURCH WOMAN
YES PASTAH!!!

 

The pastor continues.

 

PASTOR
When you hold on to something too long, it begins to strain you. Eventually you have to release it. And when you release it GAWD can place something even greater in your hands.

 

The woman begins hitting Victor more violently and “falling out in the spirit” all over him.

 

PASTOR
See---

 

CHURCH WOMAN
(yelling at the top of her lungs)
YOU BETTER PREACH!

 

VICTOR
He hasn’t even said anything.

 

PASTOR
It’s like baking...a cake.

 

CHURCH WOMAN
A...FREAKING...MAN!!!

 

 

RANDOM GUY

Day Player | Male | Adult

Kiki's travel companion who casually exposes the fact that she is still behaving exactly as she always has.

 

AUDITION SIDE

RANDOM GUY
Kiki, let’s go; we've got to make our flight. Baecation on deck!

 

Victor isn't even mad, nor surprised, and closes the door.

 

KIKI
It’s a missionary position trip!

Kiki yells through the door while knocking.

 

VICTOR
Close the door...check.

Casting: Casual confidence; the comedy comes from how normal he treats the absurd situation.

 

 

​

 

 

 

​

 

CASTING DIRECTOR'S NOTES

VICTOR + COURTNEY

This is the most important chemistry test in the entire casting process.

Don't cast them separately based solely on individual auditions. Once strong individual finalists are identified, put them together for chemistry reads.

The audience needs to believe that:

• Victor genuinely falls for Courtney.

• Courtney feels safe with Victor.

• They enjoy each other's company.

• There is romantic tension even when neither is explicitly pursuing the other.

• Their friendship could realistically become something deeper.

 

VICTOR + RENAE

Their sibling chemistry should feel effortless. They should be able to interrupt each other, roast each other and still communicate genuine love.

 

 

COURTNEY + LEXI + DASIA

This trio needs to feel like they have been friends for years. Their conversations should feel spontaneous rather than performed.

 

CHASE + COURTNEY

The audience needs to understand why Courtney stayed with Chase for seven years despite his behavior. Chase can't simply be played as a terrible person. He needs charm, history and enough charisma that his relationship with Courtney once made sense.

 

KIKI

Do not underplay Kiki. She is one of the script's strongest opportunities for broad comedy. The performer needs to commit completely to the absurdity.

 

JAVON + ADAM + JKING

The male ensemble should feel like an authentic friend group. Their scenes should have a loose, conversational rhythm and allow room for reactions and comedic pauses.

 

AUDITIONER 1

This role is a major comedic casting opportunity despite being a day player. The actor should be memorable enough that audiences recognize him immediately when he later appears as Victor's KaryME driver.