Welcome to the Troupe
Starfall is a fantasy audio drama about the Carouvel Traveling Acting Troupe, a group of performers who use magical illusions to help bring their shows to life.
It's also about Leona (Ishani Kanetkar), a woman with a giant sword and a mysterious past, who joins this troupe while seeking to build a new life for herself.
It's also about Fel (Sam B. Nguyen), a consistently upbeat stagehand who would do anything to make anyone happy, and Dalyn (Cole Burkhardt), an actor who burned out in his old life and keeps up defensive walls a mile high, and Aksol (Malcolm Jay), a crafter of magical items who's never belonged anywhere but with other creative obsessives, and so many more in this big beautiful ensemble, all of them played by the most incredible cast a show could ask for.
It's a story that takes our troupe across the map of a fictional empire, built on the history of 12 once-distinct kingdoms, as they deal with everything from lizard monsters from the faewoods to theater ghosts with a litany of complaints to corporate inspectors with no love for the arts - all while still trying to put on a good show.
It's an adventure with creative sound design, and a heartfelt story about getting to find out and decide who you are, and just something made with a lot of love from everyone involved.
And season two is coming soon!
About Season Two
Starfall is a fully independent, full cast, full fat audio drama intent on creating the kind of fantasy we'd like to see in the world. In 2021, we produced a 12-episode first season about community, healing, what sound a giant crab monster makes, and why you should never, ever, ever break a mirror in a theater - and now, we're back to do it again!
Season two will feature 12 more episodes about the adventures of the Carouvel Troupe, as well as a bonus episode exploring the history of two of our favorite stagehands and the six-episode miniseries, "Fennel's Food Cart," which takes the form of a messy epistolary food tour around the Falsten Empire.
All in all, there's more episodes, a bigger cast, and more original music to help bring this world to life...and one very tired producer who would like a few dollars to help make it happen.
Money, Money, Money
Starfall is looking to raise a total of $6,500 for season two, broken down in the following areas:
- $3,200 to pay our voice actors for their work this season
- Actors for the show are currently paid at a rate of $15/episode, and amounts raised over our initial goal will first and foremost be used to increase their episodic rate.
- $350 for original music
- We've been working with composer Trace Callahan on developing some music to help elevate certain scenes throughout this season, and $350 will cover the figure quoted for this. Additional funding could also help us secure a fully-scored, wonderfully dramatic penultimate episode for the season.
- $500 for directing assistance
- This season, we will be joined in a more official capacity by director Evan Tess Murray, who will help review table reads and work with our cast individually to help them get the most out of their performances.
- $2,000 for writing, editing, and sound designing from Claudia
Elvidge
- Most of the show's production is also handled by its creator - that's me! While Starfall is very much a labor of love, a stipend to help cover the hours spent writing, sound designing, and generally producing the show could help make that labor a little more sustainable.
- $450 for production upkeep & crowdfunding costs
- This will cover the miscellany involved in supporting the show's presence over the past few years (RSS feed, website/domain fees, sound effect libraries, etc.) as well as offsetting the costs for crowdfunding rewards (postage, stickers & cards, original art, etc.).
But of course, this campaign isn't just about us - it's also about making something fun for our lovely friends and fans to enjoy!
We like to make sure our campaigns have something unique to offer, so one thing you can look forward to is our beautiful Sun & Moon tarot cards featuring Leona and Fel. Designed by illustrator and friend of the show Chris Mepham, these cards will be available with both digital and physical versions at different tiers.
For
those who want something that will help get them more involved with
the world of Starfall, we've created a Kids On Bikes hack called
"Troupes On Carts" that comes loaded with 30 pages of guides
and references on how to run a Falsten-based game - as well as bonus
information on characters and the setting not yet found in the show.
For more behind the scenes information on Starfall and how it comes together, there are two annotated scripts for Scene ii and the as of yet unreleased Scene xiii, and a nearly three hour talkback session between myself and Ishani, Maxime Hendrikse Liu (Elsibel Snow) and Zaire Brown (Inspector Hayver). There are also two, count 'em, two blooper reels demonstrating what a well-oiled machine we are when it comes to recording.
Plus, there's stickers, recipe cards, a handwritten letter from your new best friend Fennel about his recent trip to the coast, and more available for those who are able to support us monetarily.
And for those who aren't able -
What Do? How Help?
Obviously, money is great when it comes to crowdfunding, but we understand that not everyone can help in that arena.
Just as importantly, this is a campaign - a sustained effort that works better the more people get involved. Instead of sending a one-off donation, you could share our myriad of upcoming social media posts promoting the campaign to help us cast a wider net. Or, better yet, you could make your own posts and talk up an audience with your own words about why others should donate.
Just like in Starfall itself, it takes care and attention from so many people to help make a show happen. It's a long way from here to our goal, but we're looking forward to the journey there with you!
Perks
Now we’re cooking, with this totally practical favorite of travelers on the go. At this level, you’ll get:
- Digital Bundle, including: tarot cards, Valentine cards, recipe card, two blooper reels
- Cover art sticker
- Social media shoutout
Squirreled away for a special occasion, and if this isn’t special, we don’t know what is. At this level, you’ll get:
- “Troupes On Carts,” a guidebook for playing in the world of Starfall
- Digital copy of letter from your friend Fennel
- Physical tarot cards featuring original art of Leona & Fel
- Physical “I Sword of Like You” Valentine
- Secret bonus sticker
- Digital Bundle, including: tarot cards, Valentine cards, recipe card, two blooper reels
- Cover art sticker
- Social media shoutout
With mustard and pickles. It’s exactly as fun as it sounds - Sal’s guarantee. At this level, you’ll get:
- Annotated Scripts of Scene ii (S1E2) and Scene xiii (S2E1)
- Handwritten recipe card
- “Troupes On Carts,” a guidebook for playing in the world of Starfall
- Digital copy of letter from your friend Fennel
- Physical tarot cards featuring original art of Leona & Fel
- Physical “I Sword of Like You” Valentine
- Secret bonus sticker
- Digital Bundle, including: tarot cards, Valentine cards, recipe card, two blooper reels
- Cover art sticker
- Social media shoutout
With tea made exactly to your liking. Even if your liking means it's 90% sugar. At this level, you’ll get:
- Recorded talkback sessions about Scenes viii & ix (S1E8-9) between creator and cast
- Handwritten copy of letter from your friend Fennel
- Original handwritten page from a Starfall script
- Annotated Scripts of Scene ii (S1E2) and Scene xiii (S2E1)
- Handwritten recipe card
- “Troupes On Carts,” a guidebook for playing in the world of Starfall
- Digital copy of letter from your friend Fennel
- Physical tarot cards featuring original art of Leona & Fel
- Physical “I Sword of Like You” Valentine
- Secret bonus sticker
- Digital Bundle, including: tarot cards, Valentine cards, recipe card, two blooper reels
- Cover art sticker
- Social media shoutout
We promise this will make sense eventually. At this level, you’ll get:
- Opportunity to name a saint or add a play to be mentioned in the Starfall canon
- Starfall episode of your choosing on cassette
- Recorded talkback sessions about Scenes viii & ix (S1E8-9) between creator and cast
- Handwritten copy of letter from your friend Fennel
- Original handwritten page from a Starfall script
- Annotated Scripts of Scene ii (S1E2) and Scene xiii (S2E1)
- Handwritten recipe card
- “Troupes On Carts,” a guidebook for playing in the world of Starfall
- Digital copy of letter from your friend Fennel
- Physical tarot cards featuring original art of Leona & Fel
- Physical “I Sword of Like You” Valentine
- Secret bonus sticker
- Digital Bundle, including: tarot cards, Valentine cards, recipe card, two blooper reels
- Cover art sticker
- Social media shoutout
- 1 claimed
- 3 remaining
With as much garlic and onions as you want. At this level, you’ll get:
- Executive Producer credit and a thank you in every episode of season two
- "Let Dalyn Say F***," aka, choose a character say a real-world swear this season (within reason)
- Whole notebook with original handwritten Starfall scripts
- Physical copy of "Troupes On Carts"
- Physical copies of annotated scripts
- Opportunity to name a saint or add a play to be mentioned in the Starfall canon
- Starfall episode of your choosing on cassette
- Recorded talkback sessions about Scenes viii & ix (S1E8-9) between creator and cast
- Handwritten copy of letter from your friend Fennel
- Original handwritten page from a Starfall script
- Annotated Scripts of Scene ii (S1E2) and Scene xiii (S2E1)
- Handwritten recipe card
- “Troupes On Carts,” a guidebook for playing in the world of Starfall
- Digital copy of letter from your friend Fennel
- Physical tarot cards featuring original art of Leona & Fel
- Physical “I Sword of Like You” Valentine
- Secret bonus sticker
- Digital Bundle, including: tarot cards, Valentine cards, recipe card, two blooper reels
- Cover art sticker
- Social media shoutout
Highlights
See all activity49Activity
Now we’re cooking, with this totally practical favorite of travelers on the go. At this level, you’ll get:
- Digital Bundle, including: tarot cards, Valentine cards, recipe card, two blooper reels
- Cover art sticker
- Social media shoutout
Squirreled away for a special occasion, and if this isn’t special, we don’t know what is. At this level, you’ll get:
- “Troupes On Carts,” a guidebook for playing in the world of Starfall
- Digital copy of letter from your friend Fennel
- Physical tarot cards featuring original art of Leona & Fel
- Physical “I Sword of Like You” Valentine
- Secret bonus sticker
- Digital Bundle, including: tarot cards, Valentine cards, recipe card, two blooper reels
- Cover art sticker
- Social media shoutout
With mustard and pickles. It’s exactly as fun as it sounds - Sal’s guarantee. At this level, you’ll get:
- Annotated Scripts of Scene ii (S1E2) and Scene xiii (S2E1)
- Handwritten recipe card
- “Troupes On Carts,” a guidebook for playing in the world of Starfall
- Digital copy of letter from your friend Fennel
- Physical tarot cards featuring original art of Leona & Fel
- Physical “I Sword of Like You” Valentine
- Secret bonus sticker
- Digital Bundle, including: tarot cards, Valentine cards, recipe card, two blooper reels
- Cover art sticker
- Social media shoutout
With tea made exactly to your liking. Even if your liking means it's 90% sugar. At this level, you’ll get:
- Recorded talkback sessions about Scenes viii & ix (S1E8-9) between creator and cast
- Handwritten copy of letter from your friend Fennel
- Original handwritten page from a Starfall script
- Annotated Scripts of Scene ii (S1E2) and Scene xiii (S2E1)
- Handwritten recipe card
- “Troupes On Carts,” a guidebook for playing in the world of Starfall
- Digital copy of letter from your friend Fennel
- Physical tarot cards featuring original art of Leona & Fel
- Physical “I Sword of Like You” Valentine
- Secret bonus sticker
- Digital Bundle, including: tarot cards, Valentine cards, recipe card, two blooper reels
- Cover art sticker
- Social media shoutout
We promise this will make sense eventually. At this level, you’ll get:
- Opportunity to name a saint or add a play to be mentioned in the Starfall canon
- Starfall episode of your choosing on cassette
- Recorded talkback sessions about Scenes viii & ix (S1E8-9) between creator and cast
- Handwritten copy of letter from your friend Fennel
- Original handwritten page from a Starfall script
- Annotated Scripts of Scene ii (S1E2) and Scene xiii (S2E1)
- Handwritten recipe card
- “Troupes On Carts,” a guidebook for playing in the world of Starfall
- Digital copy of letter from your friend Fennel
- Physical tarot cards featuring original art of Leona & Fel
- Physical “I Sword of Like You” Valentine
- Secret bonus sticker
- Digital Bundle, including: tarot cards, Valentine cards, recipe card, two blooper reels
- Cover art sticker
- Social media shoutout
- 1 claimed
- 3 remaining
With as much garlic and onions as you want. At this level, you’ll get:
- Executive Producer credit and a thank you in every episode of season two
- "Let Dalyn Say F***," aka, choose a character say a real-world swear this season (within reason)
- Whole notebook with original handwritten Starfall scripts
- Physical copy of "Troupes On Carts"
- Physical copies of annotated scripts
- Opportunity to name a saint or add a play to be mentioned in the Starfall canon
- Starfall episode of your choosing on cassette
- Recorded talkback sessions about Scenes viii & ix (S1E8-9) between creator and cast
- Handwritten copy of letter from your friend Fennel
- Original handwritten page from a Starfall script
- Annotated Scripts of Scene ii (S1E2) and Scene xiii (S2E1)
- Handwritten recipe card
- “Troupes On Carts,” a guidebook for playing in the world of Starfall
- Digital copy of letter from your friend Fennel
- Physical tarot cards featuring original art of Leona & Fel
- Physical “I Sword of Like You” Valentine
- Secret bonus sticker
- Digital Bundle, including: tarot cards, Valentine cards, recipe card, two blooper reels
- Cover art sticker
- Social media shoutout
