Casting the perfect D&D podcast isn’t just about finding skilled roleplayers—it’s about building a team that brings the story to life and draws listeners in. With auditions for Forge of Legends underway, I wanted to share a look behind the scenes at how I’m selecting the right people to make that magic happen.
So far, four of the six audition groups have completed their first play sessions, with two more groups scheduled for next week. Each session gives me a window into each candidate’s strengths, play style, and compatibility with the rest of the team.
As I move into the second round of auditions, I remain committed to a fair, transparent approach. Here’s what I’m looking for in each candidate—and why I feel these qualities are essential to building a dynamic, memorable cast for the journey ahead.
Roleplay & Character Embodiment
Bringing a character to life requires a mix of imagination, dedication, and performance skills. I'm evaluating candidates on their ability to stay in character and express unique personalities through mannerisms, voices, and emotions. This quality is crucial to creating compelling, memorable characters that resonate with listeners and add depth to the story.
Collaboration & Teamwork
D&D is all about teamwork and shared storytelling, and so is a podcast. I'm looking for candidates who show a balance between sharing the spotlight and supporting their castmates. Whether it’s encouraging others, adding to their ideas, or playing off one another in creative ways, collaboration is key to creating a cohesive cast dynamic that feels natural and enjoyable.
Improvisation & Adaptability
D&D is full of twists and surprises, and the best moments often come from players thinking on their feet. Improvisation keeps the story dynamic, while adaptability ensures everyone can roll with unexpected developments. I'm assessing candidates on their ability to respond to in-game twists creatively, keeping the narrative engaging for both castmates and listeners.
Energy & Engagement
An engaging D&D podcast needs a steady flow of energy to keep listeners’ attention. This means enthusiasm, focus, and presence—qualities that keep interactions lively. Candidates are evaluated on their ability to bring consistent energy and engagement, helping to keep conversations and gameplay vibrant and exciting.
Rules Knowledge
While a deep knowledge of D&D rules isn’t required, a basic understanding of mechanics is helpful for keeping gameplay smooth and avoiding interruptions. I'm looking for candidates who can follow the rules and navigate game mechanics efficiently, allowing the story and interactions to flow naturally. This keeps the game enjoyable and reduces disruptions for listeners.
Voice Quality & Clarity
For a podcast, vocal quality is paramount. Candidates are assessed on their vocal clarity, enunciation, and overall audio presence. Clear vocal delivery ensures listeners enjoy a high-quality audio experience without straining to understand. These are the foundational qualities that make a podcast feel professional and enjoyable.
Presence and Camera Friendliness
Since our podcast will also be available on video platforms, on-camera presence is an important consideration. I'm looking for candidates who are comfortable and expressive on camera, able to engage visually with the audience. Expressiveness and confidence on camera enhance the viewing experience and allow viewers to feel connected to each cast member.
Representation
I'm committed to assembling a cast that reflects a range of identities and experiences. Representation is essential for creating relatable and inclusive storytelling that resonates with a broad audience. I aim to integrate diverse perspectives and voices, enriching the narrative with a variety of backgrounds and ideas.
While balanced with other qualities like performance, teamwork, and creativity, my goal is to include a diverse mix of voices, experiences, and backgrounds, ensuring that representation enhances the cast’s overall chemistry and storytelling.
Quality and Creativity of Character and Backstory
Unique, memorable characters with rich backstories add depth and texture to the story. I'm evaluating candidates on the creativity and originality they bring to their characters, ensuring that each character’s personality, background, and motivations align with the tone of the campaign. This is essential for creating compelling story arcs and character-driven moments that keep listeners invested.
Overall Group Fit
Chemistry among cast members is essential for authentic interactions and smooth storytelling. I'm paying close attention to how each candidate meshes with others, observing qualities like personality compatibility, sense of humor, and openness to collaboration. Group fit is a key factor in creating a cast that feels cohesive and enjoyable for both players and the audience.
Conclusion
The casting journey has shown me just how much talent and dedication exists in the TTRPG community. Each candidate has brought something unique, and I’m incredibly grateful for the creativity and effort they've poured into this process. With each round, I’m one step closer to assembling a cast that will make Forge of Legends an unforgettable experience for listeners and viewers alike.
Thank you to everyone who’s been following along! Your support means the world as we work to bring this campaign to life. Stay tuned for updates—I’m excited to reveal the final cast soon and embark on this storytelling adventure together.
Peace,
Dave