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

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Character Information

This play may not be done with less than 50% actors of color.

  • Dope Fiend
    25-35,
    Male
    Your friendly neighborhood heroin addict with a heart of gold and a pocket full of blackened spoons. Tiny Banger's father.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Jailbird
    32-42,
    Female
    Last locked up for theft under a thousand, not that it's polite to ask. Tiny Banger's mother.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Tiny Banger
    0-10
    First a baby, then ten years old.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Child
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Any gender
  • Corner Boy
    30+,
    Male
    For all your substance needs, and maybe a few others.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s, 50s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Good Apple
    40+,
    Female
    Such a nice cop, like she really cares, you know?
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      40s, 50s, 60s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      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:
    • Age: 
      Any adult age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • 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:
    • Age: 
      Any adult age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Allie Altruist & Others
    Female
    Ensemble track primarily playing ALLIE ALTRUIST, a well-meaning housed woman. Can pair with DAYCARE LADY, MEAN KID'S MOM, and CASEWORKER.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any adult age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female

Development History

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