The Wayward Women

10-MIN PLAY. The Wayward Women are one of country music's biggest, most popular acts until one fateful night when fiery lead singer Morgan makes a major political statement on behalf of the band - including Callie and Bridget - in front of 20,000 fans. The backlash is swift and merciless, and when an unexpected, powerful visitor turns up in their dressing room and puts even more pressure on the group, this trio...

10-MIN PLAY. The Wayward Women are one of country music's biggest, most popular acts until one fateful night when fiery lead singer Morgan makes a major political statement on behalf of the band - including Callie and Bridget - in front of 20,000 fans. The backlash is swift and merciless, and when an unexpected, powerful visitor turns up in their dressing room and puts even more pressure on the group, this trio will have to decide whether to shut up and sing or keep speaking out.

Inspired by the Three Witches from Shakespeare's MACBETH (and a certain real life female country trio), this 10-minute play is a comedic look at what happens when women dare to speak truth to power and the fissures it causes among friends and foes.

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The Wayward Women

Recommended by

  • David L. Williams: The Wayward Women

    Sharp, smart, and funny! A great combination of inspirations leads to a play full of distinct characters with memorable dialogue.

    Sharp, smart, and funny! A great combination of inspirations leads to a play full of distinct characters with memorable dialogue.

Character Information

4 W, 1 M
  • Morgan
    Guitar/lead vocals. 30s. Stubborn, outspoken, strong sense of justice, fairness, and right/wrong. Occasionally "too big for her britches" as the saying goes. Named for The Morrígan, the Celtic phantom goddess of war, death, prophecy, and fate.

    Speaks with Texan accent.
    Character Age
    30s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Callie
    Fiddle/vocals. 30s. "Second fiddle" to Morgan in a lot of ways but still a leader. Practical. Realistic. Named for Cailleach, the Celtic goddess of fall/winter.

    Speaks with Texan accent
    Character Age
    30s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Bridget
    Banjo/vocals. 30s. The peacemaker and mothering presence in the band. Exhibits a quiet strength. Named for Brìghde, the Celtic goddess of spring/summer.

    Speaks with Texan accent.
    Character Age
    30s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Kate
    The band's manager. Blunt, busy, and sexually adventurous. Like a big sister to the band. Named for Hecate, chief goddess of magic and spells. Hecate means "worker from afar" from the Greek word hekatos.

    Speaks with a Texan accent.
    Character Age
    40+
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Female,
    Trans woman
  • The President
    a charming "good ole boy" who's also a blood-thirsty warmonger

    Speaks with Texan accent.
    Character Age
    50+
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any

Development History

  • Type Commission, Organization Phoenix Theatre Ensemble, Year 2019
  • Type Reading, Organization Phoenix Theatre Ensemble, Year 2019

Production History

  • Type Fringe, Organization Queens Short Play Festival, Year 2025

Awards

  • Best Director
    Queens Short Play Festival
    2025
  • 2nd Place
    Queens Short Play Festival
    Finalist
    2025