Tinker Rising

by Hollis Beck

By night, Victoria terrorizes the streets of Tacoma, Washington as "The Tinker", an up-and-coming supervillain who has yet to find her footing in the crime world. Her career ambitions are complicated when she comes to a startling realization: she's very gay, and very lonely. Between her dating woes, taking care of her teenaged ward, and the arrival of a powerful new superhero, Victoria struggles to find the work...

By night, Victoria terrorizes the streets of Tacoma, Washington as "The Tinker", an up-and-coming supervillain who has yet to find her footing in the crime world. Her career ambitions are complicated when she comes to a startling realization: she's very gay, and very lonely. Between her dating woes, taking care of her teenaged ward, and the arrival of a powerful new superhero, Victoria struggles to find the work-life balance she's always dreamed of. A story of searching for connection, developing principles, and adapting to drastic changes in circumstance.

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Tinker Rising

Recommended by

  • Kaela Mei-Shing Garvin: Tinker Rising by Hollis Beck
    “

    A smart, funny, and action-packed queer play! Hollis does a great job pitting good against evil, value systems against each other, and populating this work with dynamic, compelling characters. A fun romp that has something to say. We love a work/life balance narrative filled with superheroes & a lil romance!

    A smart, funny, and action-packed queer play! Hollis does a great job pitting good against evil, value systems against each other, and populating this work with dynamic, compelling characters. A fun romp that has something to say. We love a work/life balance narrative filled with superheroes & a lil romance!

    ”
  • Ashley Lauren Rogers: Tinker Rising by Hollis Beck
    “

    I had the pleasure of being Fight Director for a workshop reading of this piece!

    Tinker Rising blends the comedic and camp aspects of classic superhero and comics culture with a very authentic queer love story that is complicated, emotionally satisfying, and fun as hell!

    I had the pleasure of being Fight Director for a workshop reading of this piece!

    Tinker Rising blends the comedic and camp aspects of classic superhero and comics culture with a very authentic queer love story that is complicated, emotionally satisfying, and fun as hell!

    ”

Character Information

Suggested ensemble doubling:
Casey/Martha
Darcy/Taylor
Stevie/Stephanie
Server/Azure Bolt/Ralph
  • Victoria/The Tinker
    An aspiring supervillain, specializing in robotics engineering. Has recently discovered that she is a lesbian and is attempting to find companionship, with poor results. Intelligent and witty, her drive is tempered by self-loathing, anger and lack of foresight. Stage combat experience a plus, must be comfortable with kissing another woman.
    Late 20's/Early 30's
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Blades
    A young mechanic who has run away from home to become The Tinker's ward and henchperson. Enthusiastic and clever, game for almost anything tossed their way. Desperately thirsting to prove themselves and be seen as an independent adult. Physical comedy experience a plus.
    Late teens
    Any
    Non-binary/trans
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Non-binary
  • April/The Fist
    An established superhero, brimming with confidence and charisma...as long as she's in uniform. Very good at compartmentalizing and hiding her neuroses under a cool, casual veneer. Longs for connection in a world that values her for the things she can do for them. Used to getting what she wants. Stage combat experience a plus, must be comfortable with kissing another woman.
    Late 20's/Early 30's
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • The Antlion
    Victoria's friend and fellow supervillain. He's not very cool. Although he loves to think about the big picture and give advice to others, he's settled into an un-glamorous role as an informant and occasional thief. Set in his ways, hides his innate kindness under a brash and pedantic exterior. Loves his mother.
    Mid-late 30's
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Ensemble
    A 4-5 person ensemble cast of character actors. Roles include women Victoria goes on dates with, various news reporters, a robotic army, an amateur superhero and the Antlion's mother. Stage combat/movement experience is a plus
    All ages
    Any
    Any
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+

Development History

  • Workshop, Crashbox Theater Company, The Tank NYC, 2018
  • Reading, Crashbox Theater Company, 2017