This American classic explores alternatives that might spring from the demented terrain of the California landscape. Sons of a desert-dwelling alcoholic and a suburban wanderer clash over a film script. Austin, the achiever, is working on a script he has sold to producer Saul Kimmer when his brother Lee, a demented petty thief, drops in. He pitches his own idea for a movie to Kimmer, who then wants Austin to junk his bleak, modern love story and write Lee’s trashy Western tale. Their volatile relationships swirls while staying in their mother’s house in this drama by award-winning playwright Sam Shepard.

When:

• Monday, July 13, 2026 at 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM
• Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM

Where: Lakeside Community Theatre - 6303 Main St, The Colony, TX 75056

Directions: Google Maps to Event Venue Apple Maps to Event Venue

Callbacks: possible callbacks July 15, by invitation only

All auditioners will be asked to perform a scene from the selection of scenes linked below. Scenes do not need to be memorized.

Credits

By Sam Shephard

Production Crew

Director: David J. Wallis
Stage Manager: Carrie Wright
Fight Director: Sunnie Saenz
Set Designer: Douglas Gill
Lighting Designer: Vinchenzo Locascio
Costume Designer: Amanda Carson Green
Props Designer: Elise Knox
Sound Designer: TBA

Auditions Details

• Audition Sign-Up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E48AAAA2FA5F5C61-64549108-lcts
• Audition Sides: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1Vqp1O_wu8tq0ps5ch6nst9pBXtj8Cedw
• All auditioners will be asked to perform a monologue and or scene from the selection of monologues and scenes in the Audition Sides
• Monologues / Scenes do not need to be memorized
• If available, some actors may be asked to read with other actors in other time slots
• Please bring a Headshot and Resume, if available

Actors will receive a small stipend.

COVID-19 Policy

All cast and crew will be expected to follow Covid-19 protocols set forth by LCT. Protocols will be updated as the CDC updates safety recommendations. For everyone’s safety and to ensure the show’s success, we highly recommend that eligible cast and crew members be vaccinated for Covid-19.

Tentative Rehearsals & Performances Calendar

Rehearsals

• Rehearsal Calendar: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ul0DdIgM7nC0Hs-_o0RD5zIM-oyUT8FI/edit
• Begin August 17
• Exact schedule is to be determined
• No conflicts will be accepted beginning September 20
• Tech Week
  
  • September 27
    
    • 9:00 AM - Techs Only / No Actors
    • 1:00 PM - Cue to Cue, Actors / Techs
  • September 28 - October 1 at 6:30 PM - 10:30 PM

Performances

• October 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 at 8:00 PM
• October 17 at 3:00 PM
• Actors are required to attend Strike directly after the closing performance

Characters

Casting Disclaimer: At Lakeside Community Theatre, we believe that storytelling is most powerful when it reflects the rich diversity of the world around us. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and respectful casting process that actively embraces artists of all gender identities, races, ethnicities, religious backgrounds, orientations, body types, abilities, and lived experiences. We encourage performers from all backgrounds to audition and commit to creating a welcoming and affirming environment where everyone feels seen, valued, and heard.

Austin
Late 20s to mid 30s

An aspiring screenwriter in his early thirties, educated at an Ivy League school, and embodies middle-class values such as rationality, self-discipline, and hard work. He is initially self-deprecating, courteous, and orderly, working on a “simple love story” to secure a film deal with producer Saul Kimmer. As his brother Lee intrudes, Austin becomes increasingly insecure, eventually adopting Lee’s chaotic behavior, drinking excessively, and engaging in destructive acts like stealing neighborhood toasters. This transformation highlights his struggle with identity and suppressed creativity.

Lee
Early 40s to mid 50s

Austin’s older brother, is a drifter and petty thief in his forties, recently returned from a nomadic desert life with only a pit bull for company. He is rugged, menacing, and embodies a raw, unrefined existence that contrasts sharply with Austin’s orderly lifestyle. Lee lacks formal education and defined goals but possesses a vivid imagination. He is jealous of Austin’s stability and systematically encroaches on his brother’s space and identity. Lee’s ambition and desire for legitimacy are evident, though he often sabotages his own potential through destructive behavior.

Saul
Late 40s to mid 60s

A Hollywood producer in his late forties, characterized by superficiality and a profit-driven mindset. He is depicted as mercenary and exploitative, shifting his interest from Austin’s screenplay to Lee’s story when it suits him. Saul’s flamboyant attire and cold, unfeeling nature underscore his role as a symbol of Hollywood opportunism and moral ambiguity, further complicating the brothers’ rivalry.

Mom
Late 50s to Late 60s

A detached and somewhat absurd figure, preoccupied with artistic fantasies such as expecting Picasso to visit. She is concerned about her sons’ conflicts but remains largely powerless to intervene. Her presence highlights the disconnect between her creative aspirations and the chaotic reality of her family.