Squat & Stool

Production Company
Ramar Productions
Producer(s)
Karen Murphy
Director(s)
Ram Rajagopalan
Casting Director(s): 
Ram Rajagopalan, Karen Murphy
Union Status
Non-Union
Project Type
Film
Student Production
No
Compensation Details

$200-$250

Audition Date(s)
April 3rd-7th 2024
Shoot / Performance Date(s)
April 22nd, 23rd, 24th 2025
Shoot / Performance Location(s)
Vancouver
Submission Deadline
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Submission Instructions

Please send your tape, reel, headshot, and resume to us at squat2stool@gmail.com Sides for each character are available at https://tinyurl.com/S2SAudition

Instructions:
1) Record one video file with all required scenes in separate takes (or a single file with brief pauses between transitions).
2) Clearly state your name, age range, and the role(s) you're auditioning for at the beginning.
3) Film the non-verbal portions with the focus on your facial expressions and body language. No need to perform an actual stunt and risk yourself.
4) Perform in good lighting and clear audio (use a neutral background if possible).
5) Get a reader/actor to help you with the other characters when you shoot the self-tape.
6) Record against a plain background without distractions where possible
7) You can use any camera including your smartphone. Just ensure to frame horizontally.

Project Synopsis
Squat & Stool is a quirky comedy about love, first impressions, and the universal struggle for proper posture. When Ria visits her boyfriend’s parents for the first time, she’s determined to make a great impression—but there’s one problem. She’s left behind her squat stool. As the days pass and desperation grows, her increasingly absurd attempts to find a substitute lead to near-disasters, awkward encounters, and mounting suspicion from Ben’s father, William. Just when all hope (and dignity) seems lost, an unexpected hero emerges with the perfect solution— proving that sometimes, the strongest bonds are formed in the most unexpected places.
Additional Information & Safety Protocols: 

For transparency, this film includes light physical comedy and moments of physical intimacy (e.g., playful cuddling, tickling). To ensure a safe and comfortable environment for all actors, we will have both a stunt coordinator and an intimacy coordinator on set. If you have any questions or concerns, we’re happy to discuss them before the shoot.

Character 1
RIA
Age
25-30
Gender
Female
Description
South Asian. Ria is smart, quirky, and slightly neurotic, with an overactive imagination. Originally from India, she’s adapted well to life in Canada—except for one thing: Western toilets. Used to squatting since childhood, she finds herself in a hilariously dire situation when she visits her boyfriend’s parents and realizes she can’t go without her trusty squat stool. As her desperation grows, so do her ridiculous makeshift solutions. She’s warm, lovable, and a little awkward—think Jess from New Girl meets Kristen Wiig in Bridesmaids. Requirements: Strong comedic timing, expressive physical acting, ability to handle awkward humor.
Character 2
BEN
Age
25-30
Gender
Male
Description
Caucasian. Ben is a lovable, easygoing guy who adores Ria but is sometimes hilariously oblivious to her struggles. The classic golden retriever boyfriend—charming, affectionate, but not the most observant when it comes to subtle emotional cues. He’s thrilled to introduce Ria to his parents but remains completely unaware of the internal battle she’s fighting. Think John Krasinski in The Office meets Jason Segel in Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Requirements: Natural comedic charm, strong chemistry with Ria, ability to deliver dry humor.
Character 3
WILLIAM
Age
50s-60s
Gender
Male
Description
Caucasian. William is Ben’s dad—reserved, wise, and observant. He’s a man of few words but misses nothing. A former athlete with an air of quiet authority, he carries himself with the confidence of someone who’s seen it all. Beneath his composed exterior, he has a subtle sense of humor and a surprising level of understanding. He slowly picks up on Ria’s unusual behavior, and in the end, proves to be her unexpected ally. Think Nick Offerman in Parks and Rec meets J.K. Simmons in Juno. Requirements: Strong deadpan delivery, ability to express warmth beneath a stern demeanor.
Character 4
MARGARET
Age
50s-60s
Gender
Female
Description
Caucasian. Margaret is the warm, talkative, effortlessly sophisticated mother of Ben. She’s the type who thrives on making guests feel at home—sometimes too much. She dotes on Ria, offering large portions of homemade meals and suggesting touristy outings, oblivious to the fact that Ria is internally panicking the whole time. Think Julie Walters in Mamma Mia meets Catherine O’Hara in Schitt’s Creek.