Spare the Rod

by Leroy Hood

Spare the Rod tells the epic story of the Church of Willems, a fictional Old Order Anabaptist settlement, and five teenagers who live there: the gifted twins Gideon and Miriam, the eccentric Amos, the compliant Dotty, and the enigmatic Arletta. In an isolated community that abjures modern technology and centers self-sacrifice and martyrdom, each teenager must decide how much of themselves they can bear to give...

Spare the Rod tells the epic story of the Church of Willems, a fictional Old Order Anabaptist settlement, and five teenagers who live there: the gifted twins Gideon and Miriam, the eccentric Amos, the compliant Dotty, and the enigmatic Arletta. In an isolated community that abjures modern technology and centers self-sacrifice and martyrdom, each teenager must decide how much of themselves they can bear to give away in the name of the communal greater good.

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Spare the Rod

Recommended by

  • Erin Malone Turner: Spare the Rod by Leroy Hood
    “

    Spare the Rod is a captivating piece centered in a community that many of us aren't intimately familiar with, but reminds us how even in the most particular places and situations, we can all find someone to identify with. Everyone in this world feels incredibly specific but also relatable. It asks, how do we join together instead of allowing these systems of power to break us down? How do we become who we're meant to be against all odds?

    Spare the Rod is a captivating piece centered in a community that many of us aren't intimately familiar with, but reminds us how even in the most particular places and situations, we can all find someone to identify with. Everyone in this world feels incredibly specific but also relatable. It asks, how do we join together instead of allowing these systems of power to break us down? How do we become who we're meant to be against all odds?

    ”
  • Nicholas Zebrun: Spare the Rod by Leroy Hood
    “

    I had the distinct pleasure of attending a staged reading of SPARE THE ROD and was amazed by the depth, richness, and frankness of its drama. Mr. Hood’s script paints a complex portrait of isolated life in a commune, where free thinking individuals desperately try to break free to become the best versions of themselves. The length is hefty, but well-earned, and should be considered an epic of Theatre Americana that will challenge, provoke, and delight any company who wishes to stage it.

    I had the distinct pleasure of attending a staged reading of SPARE THE ROD and was amazed by the depth, richness, and frankness of its drama. Mr. Hood’s script paints a complex portrait of isolated life in a commune, where free thinking individuals desperately try to break free to become the best versions of themselves. The length is hefty, but well-earned, and should be considered an epic of Theatre Americana that will challenge, provoke, and delight any company who wishes to stage it.

    ”
GIDEON BOWMAN: M, 17. A self-serious young man.

MIRIAM BOWMAN: F, 17. Twin to Gideon. Fiercely competitive and without peace.

AMOS VON FARNE: M, 16. Gideon’s best friend. Squirrely. Obsessed with Richard Pryor.

CLAY BOWMAN: M, 40’s. Father to Gideon and Miriam. Village elder. Hard-working, deliberate.

RUTH STALTER: 40’s. Teacher of the settlement’s students. Compassionate, protective. Redheaded.

ARLETTA STALTER: F, 17. Ruth’s daughter. Beautiful, aloof. Redheaded.

DOTTY GARBER: F, 16. Arletta’s best friend. Leads singing during worship. Shy, compliant.

BROTHER GARBER: M, 50’s-60’s. Father to Dotty. Minister and village elder. Vigilant.

BROTHER VON FARNE: M, 40’s-50’s. Father to Amos. Village elder. A man of business.

SECURITY OFFICER: M, 40’s-60’s. STORE MANAGER: F, 30’s-40’s. THERAPIST: M or F, 30’s-50’s. AUBURN: F, 40’s.


NOTES ON CASTING: Although real-world Anabaptist communities are majority Caucasian (Dutch/German), I highly encourage diverse casting for this play. Also, Brother Garber can double for Security Guard, Ruth can double for Store Manager, and Brother Von Farne can double for Therapist.

Development History

  • Reading, Theatre Arlington, 2024