Road Trip by Jan Probst

Allen and Mary clash over differing views of the perfect road trip. When the family gets involved, and the carefully marked map is tossed out, more than the route is changed.
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Road Trip

Recommended by

  • Evan Baughfman:
    8 Dec. 2023
    “ What a clever, comedic premise! A whirlwind of a script with a very funny ending! Published in THE BEST TEN-MINUTE PLAYS 2023! ”
  • Paul Donnelly:
    27 May. 2023
    “ The old school map isn't all that's revealed to be not quite what it seems in this loopy farce. Every escalation in the absurdity brought new waves of laughter. That Mary ultimately takes charge is the perfect button. ”
  • Jaxson Mackling:
    21 May. 2023
    “ PROBST'S play "Road Trip" is a hilarious, fun, and yet somewhat dawning look at what it means to be a huge family going on a road trip, and truly questions the facts of life behind the wheel - the good and the bad.

    A farce at its finest. Almost reminded me of Anne Washburn's Post-Apocalyptic Play...in the sense of the comedy. A lovely piece for any family to enjoy! Well done. Highly recommended!

    Produce this, please! ”
View all 11 recommendations

Character Information

Requires six actors, to complete the crowded, crazy image of the over-full two-door car.
Feel free to mix up the genders, and/or use nonbinary actors. Nontraditional casting is encouraged.

  • Mary T.
    fifties,
    Female
    Allen’s wife of thirty years. A former free spirit, her enthusiasm for life has been dampened over the years.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      50s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Allen T.
    Fifties,
    Male
    Buttoned down in personality and appearance.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      50s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Jack T.
    29,
    Male
    Their son. Twenty-nine years old. He has never quite grown up.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Aunt Pat
    forties or fifties,
    Female
    Mary’s sister.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      40s, 50s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Uncle Joe
    forties or fifties,
    Male
    Allen’s brother.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      40s, 50s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Michael
    29,
    Male
    Jack’s best friend since childhood.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    Valdez Theatre Conference
    ,
    2019
  • Reading
    ,
    Bunnell Street Arts Center
    ,
    2019

Production History