Cockfight

by Kelsey Austin

In the Delaware Bay area of Southern New Jersey, inhabitants make ends meet by
stitching together part-time, low-paying jobs. When Randy acquires chickens to raise for
profit, instigator Storm advises Randy to start an illegal cockfighting ring. Randy enlists the help of loyal
friend Buster and borrows money from his sister Roberta. Even ex-girlfriend Gert is coerced by Storm to
take part. Greed and...

In the Delaware Bay area of Southern New Jersey, inhabitants make ends meet by
stitching together part-time, low-paying jobs. When Randy acquires chickens to raise for
profit, instigator Storm advises Randy to start an illegal cockfighting ring. Randy enlists the help of loyal
friend Buster and borrows money from his sister Roberta. Even ex-girlfriend Gert is coerced by Storm to
take part. Greed and desperation rise up, relationships tangle, and Randy and his ring are thrown into a
downward spiral.

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Cockfight

Recommended by

  • Emilio Williams: Cockfight by Kelsey Austin
    “

    Austin brings us once more into the most desperate and least discussed corners of our failing America. Austin's work doesn't shy away from showcasing those failings in a way that is filled with humanity. After all, this is not "their" failing, and our success: this is our collective failure as a culture. American needs this mirror more than ever. The cockfights would make for a perfect match for any director or theater company interested in integrating puppetry. The five roles are stellar.

    Austin brings us once more into the most desperate and least discussed corners of our failing America. Austin's work doesn't shy away from showcasing those failings in a way that is filled with humanity. After all, this is not "their" failing, and our success: this is our collective failure as a culture. American needs this mirror more than ever. The cockfights would make for a perfect match for any director or theater company interested in integrating puppetry. The five roles are stellar.

    ”
  • Mia McCullough: Cockfight by Kelsey Austin
    “

    Cockfight is an intimate look at a subculture most theatergoers know nothing about. The characters are complex and flawed and compelling. Very juicy acting roles.

    Cockfight is an intimate look at a subculture most theatergoers know nothing about. The characters are complex and flawed and compelling. Very juicy acting roles.

    ”
RANDY Bird-like with facial hair, he wears an old plaid flannel of reds and
oranges, blue jeans, and boots. He's a dreamer who gets caught up in the
rush. 40s

BUSTER Randy's loyal friend. The hopeless romantic has a string of old
girlfriends and stutters when flustered. He wears a tan thermal, a hoodie
jacket, tired jeans, and dingy sneakers. 40s

STORM Confident advisor and master manipulator, his presence commands
attention. He wears a grey thermal shirt and brush jacket, faded black
jeans, and heavy boots. Late 30s

ROBERTA Randy's older, quirky sister. This strong force wears a bright red lip.
Her teased hair is sprayed high and mighty. She
has on a fitted ribbed shirt, a flannel, leggings, and platform ankle boots.
She puts up a good fight. 40s

GERT Roberta's co-worker and Randy's ex-girlfriend, she's smart and capable,
but is undervalued and stuck. She sports boot-cut jeans and a flannel.
Late 30s

Development History

  • Reading, Facility Theatre, 2023
  • Reading, The Blue Parrot with Facility Theatre, 2022