Details
Union:
Union or Non union
Area of media:
Film School
Network:
Paid?:
No
Rates:
Unpaid Student Production
Deadline:
Dec 5, 2025
Auditions:
Self tapes by request
Callbacks:
In-person @ 180 Mill St
Shooting starts:
Feb 1, 2026
Shooting finishes:
Feb 9, 2026 Weekends
Shooting locations:
Toronto
Cities for response:
Toronto
Comments
We can accept union and non-union actors through our student agreement with ACTRA. This is a non-paying student film and no permit is required. Actors will receive a copy of the finished film for their demo reel. We will offer on set meals and transportation to set if needed.
Storyline
A Shoebox Phoenix is a grounded coming of age short film with a fantasy approach. It follows Malcolm, a quiet and imaginative 10-year-old boy navigating the ups and downs of childhood while struggling to complete his poem for school. After witnessing a mysterious burst of light in a parking lot, Malcolm discovers an injured, glowing bird that he believes to be a Phoenix. As he cares for the creature, he devises a plan to sell his favourite pair of shoes to his best friend in order to cover the veterinary fee. This brief magical encounter gives him the needed inspiration to complete his class poem.
Roles
| Role type | Role | Gender & Age range |
| Lead | Malcolm | Male 8 - 12 Years old |
Description Ethnicity: Mixed. Age 10, soft-spoken, observant, and often caught between the chaos of the adults around him and his opinionated friend's. Often sketching in his notebook, Malcolm finds comfort in comic books, hanging out with his friends and is often lost in thought conceiving his own fantasies. The role requires an actor with a wide range of facial expressions, a curious yet imaginative personality with the capability of improve, and the ability to connect with a animatronic Malcolm experiences: moments of wonder (discovering the Phoenix); frustration and disappointment (his parents’ arguments); quiet confidence, curiosity, and emotional vulnerability. This is a performance-driven role with several somber scenes, including moments of stillness, imagination, but also playful bliss amongst other children. Please note these scenes contain mild coarse language. | ||
| Role type | Role | Gender & Age range |
| Principal | Austin | Male 25 - 33 Years old |
Description Austin is a young, exhausted single father barely holding things together. He loves Malcolm but expresses it through sarcasm, deflection, and frustration. He’s not “mean,” but his life pressure leaks into every interaction. Actor must balance comedic irritation, dramatic weight, and warmth that’s buried deep but still visible. Strong naturalistic acting required, nothing theatrical. Chemistry with a child actor is essential. | ||
| Role type | Role | Gender & Age range |
| Principal | Monet | Female 28 - 33 Years old |
Description Ethnicity: Black or Mixed. Monet is grounded, tired, and carrying the emotional load of parenting. She’s stern but deeply loving. Actor must deliver grounded emotional realism. Sharpness in arguments, gentleness with Malcolm. The role is brief but pivotal; Monet provides emotional clarity and anchors the adult world. | ||
| Role type | Role | Gender & Age range |
| Principal | Benji | Male 12 - 13 Years old |
Description Benji is loud, cocky, and performative. The kind of kid who thinks he runs the block. Underneath his energy is insecurity. Actor needs confident comedic timing, rapid-fire delivery, and the ability to play bluster without going cartoonish. Occasional swearing is required. This role has mild coarse language. | ||
| Role type | Role | Gender & Age range |
| Principal | Uzair | Male 8 - 10 Years old |
Description Uzair is sweet, gentle, and anxious. A soft-spoken friend with a noticeable stutter. He’s the sentimental counterbalance to Benji. The actor must be able to deliver a light stutter naturally (or authentically if the actor already has one), and bring emotional honesty. Sensitive casting preferred. Please note these scenes contain mild coarse language. | ||
| Role type | Role | Gender & Age range |
| Principal | VETERINARIAN | All 40 - 70 Years old |
Description A warm, slightly eccentric older vet who interacts with Malcolm like he’s a serious client. She brings light humour and grounding realism. Actor must have an approachable, gentle demeanour and good comedic subtlety. | ||
| Role type | Role | Gender & Age range |
| Principal | Nancy | Female 50 - 60 Years old |
Description Ethnicity: Black. Nancy is a Caribbean grandmother full of attitude, blunt honesty, and chaotic love. She scolds with flair and comedic timing. Actor must bring charisma, rhythm, and an elevated but real Caribbean auntie/grandma energy. Strong comedic instincts required. | ||