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.
  • 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.
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Dope Fiend
    Your friendly neighborhood heroin addict with a heart of gold and a pocket full of blackened spoons. Tiny Banger's father.
    Character Age
    25-35
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Jailbird
    Last locked up for theft under a thousand, not that it's polite to ask. Tiny Banger's mother.
    Character Age
    32-42
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Tiny Banger
    First a baby, then ten years old.
    Character Age
    0-10
  • Corner Boy
    For all your substance needs, and maybe a few others.
    Character Age
    30+
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Good Apple
    Such a nice cop, like she really cares, you know?
    Character Age
    40+
    Character 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.
  • Officer Jordan & Others
    Ensemble track primarily playing OFFICER JORDAN, a strict cop recently assigned to the beat. Can pair with BOSS MAN and PASSERBY.

Development History

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