HERO WORK

(FULL-LENGTH — APPROXIMATE RUNNING TIME 2 HOURS)
Mild-mannered reporter Josh Watkins, a friend of the underdog and scourge of copy editors, moonlights as the city’s superhero The Good Prowler. At night he battles criminals, while during the day he battles deadlines, recalcitrant editors and a shrinking journalism industry. His biggest nemesis: Finding a work-life balance. When a deadly disaster strikes the city...

(FULL-LENGTH — APPROXIMATE RUNNING TIME 2 HOURS)
Mild-mannered reporter Josh Watkins, a friend of the underdog and scourge of copy editors, moonlights as the city’s superhero The Good Prowler. At night he battles criminals, while during the day he battles deadlines, recalcitrant editors and a shrinking journalism industry. His biggest nemesis: Finding a work-life balance. When a deadly disaster strikes the city, Josh must decide which of his identities will do the most good.

Draft updated Aug. 11, 2025.

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HERO WORK

Recommended by

  • Dan West: HERO WORK

    A superhero story where the hero’s secret identity is the one that actually ends up saving the day. When the Good Prowler’s day job interferes with his ability to rescue the victims of a building collapse, it is up to city desk reporter Josh Watkins to battle company bureaucracy, the mayor’s office, and work-life-balance to make sure that justice is served. A terrifically written ensemble piece the delivers on every level. Sometimes the true heroes are the people beneath the masks.

    A superhero story where the hero’s secret identity is the one that actually ends up saving the day. When the Good Prowler’s day job interferes with his ability to rescue the victims of a building collapse, it is up to city desk reporter Josh Watkins to battle company bureaucracy, the mayor’s office, and work-life-balance to make sure that justice is served. A terrifically written ensemble piece the delivers on every level. Sometimes the true heroes are the people beneath the masks.

  • Craig Houk: HERO WORK

    Hero Work is a highly entertaining exploration of where heroism and journalism intersect, shining a light on the courage it takes to challenge corruption and the personal cost of trying to make a difference, all while navigating the demands of work and life in a capitalist society. Boldly theatrical, sharply comedic, and deeply human. Very nice work.

    Hero Work is a highly entertaining exploration of where heroism and journalism intersect, shining a light on the courage it takes to challenge corruption and the personal cost of trying to make a difference, all while navigating the demands of work and life in a capitalist society. Boldly theatrical, sharply comedic, and deeply human. Very nice work.

  • Peter Fenton: HERO WORK

    [12/14/24] Come for the masked vigilante superhero parody, stay for the quiet character study in work/life balance, the gripping local newsroom drama, and scathing critiques of late-stage capitalism and smarmy politicians! Adam Richter's deceptively simple Batman/Spotlight mashup play is witty, thought-provoking, and touchingly human. I loved all the literary references sprinkled throughout, and even learned a couple new words from an uptight copy-editor! I'd love to see this one performed live.

    [12/14/24] Come for the masked vigilante superhero parody, stay for the quiet character study in work/life balance, the gripping local newsroom drama, and scathing critiques of late-stage capitalism and smarmy politicians! Adam Richter's deceptively simple Batman/Spotlight mashup play is witty, thought-provoking, and touchingly human. I loved all the literary references sprinkled throughout, and even learned a couple new words from an uptight copy-editor! I'd love to see this one performed live.

View all 4 recommendations

Character Information

Diversity in casting is expected.
  • JOSH WATKINS
    Character Age
    20s-early 30s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • BLAIR
    The night city editor at the paper where Josh works. Female-identifying, 40s.
    Character Age
    40s or older
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • PHOEBE
    A police reporter at the paper. Female-identifying, any race, 20s-30s.
    Character Age
    20s-30s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • TOWNES BIGELOW
    A real estate mogul and CEO of the newspaper. Any race (but let’s be honest, probably white), male-identifying, late 50s or early 60s.
    Character Age
    50s-60s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    White
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • GORDON
    A copy editor at the paper where Josh works. Male-identifying, mid to late 60s, any race.
    Character Age
    60s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • FRANK VANTZ
    The mayor of the town. Male-identifying, late 60s, any race.
    Character Age
    60s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Male

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Reading Theater Project , Year 2025