The Volunteer by Cassandra Rose

In March 1981, Roger Fisher published an article detailing a new, more personal form of nuclear deterrence: The nuclear launch codes would be surgically placed behind a volunteer's beating heart. The President would have to kill one person before killing millions. With the help of a mysterious Volunteer, Fisher's thought experiment becomes an alternate 1980s reality in this dark political comedy....
In March 1981, Roger Fisher published an article detailing a new, more personal form of nuclear deterrence: The nuclear launch codes would be surgically placed behind a volunteer's beating heart. The President would have to kill one person before killing millions. With the help of a mysterious Volunteer, Fisher's thought experiment becomes an alternate 1980s reality in this dark political comedy. Winner of Stage Left Theatre's Downstage Left Residency. A Finalist for Unicorn Theatre's 2019 In-Progress New Play Reading Series.
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The Volunteer

Recommended by

  • Cheryl Bear:
    6 Apr. 2021
    “ A powerful look at what we're willing to do for survival, even if it means sacrifice. Well done. ”
  • Nick Malakhow:
    13 Sep. 2019
    “ A chilling parable/"what if?" that so thoroughly explores the tendency towards dehumanizing one's enemies in exchange for survival and perpetuation of self-interest. Through her alternate reality, Rose effectively captures the fears and questions raised during the Cold War. The structure of the "guest lectures" gives a unique and theatrical framing to the piece without at all being didactic or obvious. On the contrary--this piece is subtle and full of humanity and nuance! ”
  • Kevin Sparrow:
    16 Aug. 2019
    “ I had the opportunity to see a reading of THE VOLUNTEER at Stage Left Theatre in Chicago, and I was captivated by the dual sides of this story: the brain and the heart. What starts off as a thought experiment becomes a very emotional and humbling experience for everyone involved. This is an incredible play with certainty and a purpose of vision by the playwright that I would love to see in a full production. ”
View all 18 recommendations

Character Information

No more than half of this cast should be white

  • Roger Fisher
    50s-60s,
    Any
    ,
    he/him
    Negotiation expert who proposes a new form of nuclear deterrence.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      50s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • The Volunteer
    20s-40s,
    Latina
    ,
    She/her
    A woman who's volunteered to have nuclear launch codes surgically placed behind her heart. Originally from Tularosa, NM
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • The President
    40s-60s,
    White
    ,
    he/him
    President of the United States during the 1980. Ronald Reagan, except not.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      40s, 50s, 60s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • The Pentagon
    30s-60s,
    Any
    ,
    She/her
    In charge of the security of the United States
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s, 50s, 60s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • The Secret Service
    20s-30s,
    Any
    ,
    he/him
    In charge of the security of the White House and President
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • The First Lady
    40s-60s,
    White
    ,
    She/her
    Married to The President of the United States. Very fashionable
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      40s, 50s, 60s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • The Soviet
    40s-50s,
    Any
    ,
    he/him
    The future leader of the USSR
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      40s, 50s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • The Sister
    20s-30s,
    Latina
    ,
    She/her
    The Volunteer's sister back in Tularosa, NM
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Gender: 
      Female

Development History

Awards