Bufflehead Bay ( Full-length Play)

by Sheila Rinear

When a tenacious woman reluctantly returns to the home of her youth in order to help her family and community make a come-back from a disastrous storm, she discovers that what needs the most restoration is her own life. Bufflehead Bay asks: how far must we run before reaching the willingness to hear our homeland calling us back to a truer understanding of who we are and what breathes life into that identity.

When a tenacious woman reluctantly returns to the home of her youth in order to help her family and community make a come-back from a disastrous storm, she discovers that what needs the most restoration is her own life. Bufflehead Bay asks: how far must we run before reaching the willingness to hear our homeland calling us back to a truer understanding of who we are and what breathes life into that identity.

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Bufflehead Bay ( Full-length Play)

Recommended by

  • Cheryl Bear: Bufflehead Bay ( Full-length Play) by Sheila Rinear
    “

    A powerful story of a come-back greater than planned, healing through the trauma for a new day of full acceptance and light. Beautiful work!

    A powerful story of a come-back greater than planned, healing through the trauma for a new day of full acceptance and light. Beautiful work!

    ”
  • Sarah Lawrence: Bufflehead Bay ( Full-length Play) by Sheila Rinear
    “

    This is such a well-crafted play! This is one of the best inter-generational family dramas I have experienced. Rinear refuses to rely on stereotypical characters or situations. The characters are finely drawn, and Rinear throws in some stunning plot twists that keep you on the edge of your seat. She is also a master of atmosphere, and really pulls you in to the mystical allure of the Jersey shore. Now we need a sequel!

    This is such a well-crafted play! This is one of the best inter-generational family dramas I have experienced. Rinear refuses to rely on stereotypical characters or situations. The characters are finely drawn, and Rinear throws in some stunning plot twists that keep you on the edge of your seat. She is also a master of atmosphere, and really pulls you in to the mystical allure of the Jersey shore. Now we need a sequel!

    ”
  • Donna Hoke: Bufflehead Bay ( Full-length Play) by Sheila Rinear
    “

    As a former Jerseyan, I loved being in place with this script! The story and heartache feel real and will resonate with anyone who's had to start over.

    As a former Jerseyan, I loved being in place with this script! The story and heartache feel real and will resonate with anyone who's had to start over.

    ”
View all 5 recommendations

Character Information

Casting for this requires 2 adult females (a mother and a daughter); 2 adult males (the father and the son-in-law). The adult male playing the father can also play the priest. The casting for any of the characters can be, and I urge it be cast with diversity. Any race; any color.
  • Sarah (Sadie to her Dad): Female, 30s.
    Sarah - Using her high energy and strong sass factor, Sarah's spent her married/adult life building a new identity apart from her family and the coastal resort where she grew up. This actor must be able to sing, but not necessarily be a "singer."
    30s
    Any
    Cisgender Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Kit
    Kit: 50s. Sarah's mother who has spent most of her life in relentless self-improvement since nothing she's doing seems to work. Her mantra: "I never should have left the convent." She tries to maintain a good heart but her outlook has been badly damaged by years of living with her husband's active alcoholism.
    50s
    a cis Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Tony
    Tony: Sarah's gentle giant husband and high school sweetheart who, even though he is an up and coming banker in the nearby major city, he's always dreamt of, and still does dream of being a Bayman.
    30s
    a cis Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Matt
    Matt: Sarah's father whom she adores even though his alcoholism caused family upheaval. Matt was swept away in his boat by the storm. This actor must be able to sing but again, not necessarily be a "singer."
    60s
    a cis Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Father Seamus
    The actor who plays Matt can also play the unseen Father Seamus, who speaks with an Irish accent/brogue from the shadows of the confessional.
    Any age
    Any (but probably white)
    Any (but preferably male)
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male

Development History

  • Workshop, The Public Theatre of San Antonio, 2020
  • Reading, The Public Theater of San Antonio, 2020

Awards

  • BUFFLEHEAD BAY IS ON THE RED LIST #10 Drama Stage Play
    Coverfly
    2022
  • Finalist, ScreenCraft Stage Play Contest 2021
    ScreenCraft, Los Angeles
    Finalist
    2021