DOGGIE BOOGIE
Character Descriptions

PRINCIPAL AND SUPPORTING ROLES

The theme of Doggie Boogie is that it’s never too early or too late to go for your dreams. In addition to traditional casting techniques, our casting net will reflect this by including newcomers, television personalities seeking film roles, and film stars looking for a comeback.

Cassie Barbizon – female protagonist (18), bouncy and likeable, Cassie has become accustomed to having all the materials things she needs. However, this comes at a price because her mother believes she can also control her future. With her dog’s help, Cassie learns how to become more independent and follow her dreams. Even more importantly, she recognizes that it is just as important to help others achieve their goals. 

Young Cassie Barbizon - female (11) - a quirky young kid who want to work with dogs.

Karen Barbizon – female (30s), Cassie’s domineering mother and a personal injury lawyer. The death of her husband Jasper shut down her creativity, sending her into “survival mode.” She wants what is best for Cassie and believes that following in her family’s legacy of becoming a lawyer will give her a good life. Karen reveals her real self as she searches for Pijo and realizes that happiness comes from doing what you love, not a title or position. 

Jasper Barbizon – male (20s), is a surfer dude who paints white dogs in spiritual settings based on legend of “The White Wolf” he heard as a kid. When Cassie was born, he and Karen promised each other to protect Cassie’s center, her heart. He died when Cassie was eleven. 

Peter Wolfe – male (30s), quirky and handsome, is Cassie’s Uncle and a dog dancer who owns of Doggie Boogie, a dog dancing school. He has won Krunk and Swing competitions but has never captured a national title. Peter’s dog fell when he was trying to execute at double flip during a national competition; hurting his neck and bruising Peter’s ego. Peter is behind in payments to Doggie Boogie and is about to lose it. Cassie helps him regain his rebellious attitude and go for what he loves. 

Kia Tuel  – female (40s), a free spirit, is the founder of Shangrrrla the holistic doggie healing center. She respects the energy people and animals possess.  She created Shangrrrla because she had a frightening experience with dogs and saw it as a way for her to overcome her fears while helping others. She communicates with Pijo as he guides Cassie and Peter on their healing path. 

Rachelle Bee-Tsar – female (20s), cute and quirky, is Kia’s protégé at Shangrrrla. She brought her dog to Shangrrrla and loved it so much she decided to stay and teach. She becomes Cassie’s best friend and supporter. 

Gertrude Spinner – female (40s), curiously pale with streaked hair is a dog dance super star. A cross between Cruella de Ville and The Wicked Witch of the West, she has won 10 straight national championships by using “controversial training techniques” and implementing the dance secrets handed down to her in the Spinner Dog Dance Bible. Her clothes are detailed with dog hair and she believes that owning your dog’s soul is the only way to train them. She sabotaged Peter Wolf’s routine where his dog was harmed and secretly owns Doggie Boogie’s mortgage – she is intent on shutting it down. 

Roman Spinner – male (18), quiet and cute, is Gertrude’s nephew. Roman wants more than anything to inherit the dog dance bible so he can prove his worth to his Aunt Gertrude. Ultimately, he wants to be recognized and loved. When Gertrude sets him to spy on Peter Wolfe he begins to understand that there is another way to train dogs to dance. He decides to side with Cassie and trains her to compete in the Dog Dance World Invitational. 

Pinkie – female (60s), a craggy Ex-Vega Showgirl, is a dog dance bebop champion. Pinkie is practicing at Doggie Boogie with a stuffed toy pink poodle because her dog died and she has yet to adopt another one. Pinkie helps Cassie and Roman train and convinces Peter to let Cassie compete. 

Their Dog Companions:

Pijo – Cassie’s dog with an uncanny sense of connection and outstanding dancing abilities

Hermes – Peter’s dog who was hurt while attempting a daring dance move

Chaos – Gertrude’s winning dog dancer

Razz – Roman’s loving mutt

Yama – Rachelle’s saved dog

Supporting Characters:

Three Dog Dance Judges –It would be amazing to attract Bob Barker (The Price is Right) and judges from television dance shows such as  ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ ‘American Idol’, or ‘So You Think You Can Dance.’ 

Two Dog Dance Announcers – This would be a fun cameo for Fred Willard and Christopher Guest to work together. Or famous dancers such as Rita Moreno and Charo, or famous ‘movie dancers’ such as Jennifer Beals and Kevin Bacon.

Dog Dancers and their dogs – other dog dancers who participate in the training at Doggie Boogie and compete in the dog dancing events. Cameos by famous people who love their dogs and people from reality shows on television (such as "Dancing With the Stars" going for their second chances) would be awesome. Or legends such as Liza Minnelli and Mikhail Baryshnikov.

Teachers at Shangrrrla – Great cameo roles for anyone who want to play a doggie yoga instructor, acupuncturist, Pilates instructor and masseuse.

Candler Bee-Tsar – (20s) Rachelle’s brother who introduces Cassie to Shangrrrla. He is a white Rasta Dude because he went to medical school in Jamaica and believes the accent turns on girls.

Dr. Loren – (50s) The vet who can’t figure out what’s ailing Pijo.

Greg - (50s) Owner of a pawnshop who loves dogs.

Three Rasta Bongo Players – these three bongo players (Jamaican Musicians?) show up in different scenes and begin the music for Pijo’s final competitive dance.

Cab Driver– (30s) A fun cameo.

Musical Numbers – playing on the theme of it’s never too early or too late to achieve your dreams we will invite up and coming groups, one-hit wonders from the past and famous retired bands to play ‘one more time.