The Tiny Banger

by Lane Michael Stanley

The Tiny Banger tells the story of a homeless family trying to survive in an increasingly hostile city through the lens of Charlie Chaplin’s Tramp archetype. We follow Dope Fiend, Jailbird, and their son Tiny Banger in their efforts to stay together through cycles of homelessness, addiction, and incarceration. As the play goes on, the silent film world strips away, and we encounter the messy, complex world in...

The Tiny Banger tells the story of a homeless family trying to survive in an increasingly hostile city through the lens of Charlie Chaplin’s Tramp archetype. We follow Dope Fiend, Jailbird, and their son Tiny Banger in their efforts to stay together through cycles of homelessness, addiction, and incarceration. As the play goes on, the silent film world strips away, and we encounter the messy, complex world in which the family actually lives.

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The Tiny Banger

Character Information

This play may not be done with less than 50% actors of color.
  • Dope Fiend
    Your friendly neighborhood heroin addict with a heart of gold and a pocket full of blackened spoons. Tiny Banger's father.
    25-35
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Jailbird
    Last locked up for theft under a thousand, not that it's polite to ask. Tiny Banger's mother.
    32-42
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Tiny Banger
    First a baby, then ten years old.
    0-10
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Child
  • Corner Boy
    For all your substance needs, and maybe a few others.
    30+
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Good Apple
    Such a nice cop, like she really cares, you know?
    40+
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Miss Wanda & Others
    Ensemble track primarily playing MISS WANDA, a homeless woman with a vivid imagination. Can pair with MEAN KID and PASSERBY.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Officer Jordan & Others
    Ensemble track primarily playing OFFICER JORDAN, a strict cop recently assigned to the beat. Can pair with BOSS MAN and PASSERBY.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Allie Altruist & Others
    Ensemble track primarily playing ALLIE ALTRUIST, a well-meaning housed woman. Can pair with DAYCARE LADY, MEAN KID'S MOM, and CASEWORKER.
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female

Development History

  • Residency, Cohesion Theatre Company, 2018
  • Reading, Helping Up Mission, 2018
  • Reading, Austin Resource Center for the Homeless, 2018
  • Workshop, Trinity Street Players, 2018