Male and Female Actors Needed for a Film

Chandler Lewis (16) — A thoughtful, humble new student whose courage and everyday kindness inspire the Ripple Project and transform his school.

Emma Brooks (16) — An observant student filmmaker who documents the movement while learning important lessons about consent, privacy, and responsibility.

* B.J. Carter/Brandon Carter (17) — A popular basketball star whose jealousy and fear of becoming irrelevant lead him to create the anonymous account “The Current.” A demanding role with a strong accountability arc.

Lucas Bennett (16) — A quiet, isolated and gifted young writer who expresses his pain anonymously before finding the courage to use his own voice.

Malik Johnson (17) — The confident, humorous varsity basketball captain who becomes Chandler’s first friend and a dependable Ripple Project leader.

Diego Ramirez (16) — A sensitive, imaginative artist whose drawings, mural designs, and creativity give the Ripple Project its visual identity.

Zoe Parker (16) — A sharp, confident student council vice president and skilled organizer who understands leadership, social media, and mobilizing students.

Trey — B.J.’s teammate and friend who reinforces B.J.’s status as the school’s expected winner and observes his growing jealousy.

Freshman Boy — The frightened student Chandler saves from an approaching van, making Chandler an unexpected school hero.

Shy Freshman Girl — A lonely student whose experience demonstrates the Ripple Project’s personal and emotional impact.

Incoming Freshman — A nervous prospective student whose hopeful message shows that the Ripple Project will continue after Chandler leaves.

Student #1 and Student #2 — Upperclassmen whose opening exchange reveals students’ cynical attitude toward the school’s respect campaign.

Hallway Student — Recognizes Chandler as the student from the viral rescue and helps establish his sudden visibility.

Student On Screen #1 — Shares how being personally acknowledged created a sense of belonging.

Student On Screen #2 — Describes someone asking whether they were okay and remaining long enough to hear the honest answer.

Student On Screen #3 — Admits taking responsibility and apologizing to someone they hurt.

Student On Screen #4 — Explains choosing not to participate in cruel jokes about others.

Principal Barnes (50s) — A thoughtful, fair-minded principal who supports student leadership while navigating pressure from parents and district officials.

Coach Reynolds — A firm but compassionate basketball coach who challenges B.J. to understand that true leadership is greater than popularity or winning.

Mrs. Whitaker (40s) — An encouraging English teacher who recognizes students’ potential and teaches that courage sometimes means refusing to remain silent.

Ms. Carter — The calm, empathetic school counselor who helps Lucas process his isolation and understand that he does not have to carry his pain alone.

Dr. Helen Gray — The composed chair of the district hearing who leads the formal review of the Ripple Project and delivers the board’s decision.

Mr. Caldwell — A skeptical district board member who questions whether the Ripple Project has increased conflict and votes against its continuation.

Mr. Hawkins — A concerned faculty member who worries that the Ripple Project may unintentionally become another popularity contest.

District Official — A firm district representative monitoring parent complaints, student conflict, social media attention, and the school’s response.

Lucas’s Mother — A loving and proud parent who emotionally supports Lucas after he finds the courage to speak publicly.

School Secretary — Reports the measurable decrease in disciplinary referrals after the Ripple Project begins.

Teacher at District Hearing — A veteran educator who testifies that belonging is an essential part of education.

Concerned Parent — Supports the Ripple Project but challenges Emma and the school over filming students without clear consent.

Freshman Girl’s Mother — An emotional, largely non-speaking role representing the family impact of bullying and isolation

B.J.’s Parents — Attend the district hearing as B.J. publicly accepts responsibility for creating “The Current.”

District Board Members — Officials who question witnesses, deliberate, and vote on whether the Ripple Project should continue.

* Palmetto Harbor High students * Freshmen and upperclassmen * Basketball players and younger players * Teachers and department heads * Student volunteers and mentors * Student council members * Band, robotics, drama-club and art students * Parents and community members * District hearing attendees * Reporters and camera crews * Custodians * Charleston waterfront pedestrians, workers and musicians