Swimming Off the Big Dock

Rights are available at www.pmwplaywright.com.

Full-Length: (2024) Friends gather at their summer place on Grand Traverse Bay in Michigan on July 20, 1969. But there’s more going on besides the first moon landing. For some, it’s the beginning of a new life, and for others, it’s a time to examine how this group of entitled young adults process the death of one of their own in the war in Vietnam and the everyday...

Rights are available at www.pmwplaywright.com.

Full-Length: (2024) Friends gather at their summer place on Grand Traverse Bay in Michigan on July 20, 1969. But there’s more going on besides the first moon landing. For some, it’s the beginning of a new life, and for others, it’s a time to examine how this group of entitled young adults process the death of one of their own in the war in Vietnam and the everyday hypocrisies that are a foundation of their way of life. One small step, indeed.

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Swimming Off the Big Dock

Recommended by

  • Paul Braverman: Swimming Off the Big Dock

    This highly engaging coming of age story, although set in the late 1960s, is totally relevant to these times. The enormous events of that time intersect the kind of slice-of-life challenges all young adults have to deal with. As always, Williams uses witty dialogue, believable situations and three-dimensional characters to pull us in. You don't need to be a Boomer to root for these characters or to appreciate the excellent writing.

    This highly engaging coming of age story, although set in the late 1960s, is totally relevant to these times. The enormous events of that time intersect the kind of slice-of-life challenges all young adults have to deal with. As always, Williams uses witty dialogue, believable situations and three-dimensional characters to pull us in. You don't need to be a Boomer to root for these characters or to appreciate the excellent writing.

  • Barry Levine: Swimming Off the Big Dock

    Against the background of the late 1960s as seen by the Moon Landing, the Vietnam War, and the Civil Rights Movement this play shows several college-age friends doing what college-age friends often do in any age - hang out, drink alcohol, discuss relationships, etc. Despite being set in the late 1960s and its issues aside, the characters of this play are universal, whether set in the '60s, '80s, or even the 2020's. Very well written and with good characterization. People of all ages will relate.

    Against the background of the late 1960s as seen by the Moon Landing, the Vietnam War, and the Civil Rights Movement this play shows several college-age friends doing what college-age friends often do in any age - hang out, drink alcohol, discuss relationships, etc. Despite being set in the late 1960s and its issues aside, the characters of this play are universal, whether set in the '60s, '80s, or even the 2020's. Very well written and with good characterization. People of all ages will relate.

  • Donald Loftus: Swimming Off the Big Dock

    A richly textured and engaging ensemble piece, Swimming Off the Big Dock captures a pivotal cultural moment with wit, authenticity, and emotional depth. Philip Middleton Williams balances sharp humor with incisive social commentary, bringing complex characters vividly to life. The dialogue crackles with energy, while the shifting dynamics reveal deeper tensions beneath the surface. A compelling, thought-provoking play that resonates well beyond its setting.

    A richly textured and engaging ensemble piece, Swimming Off the Big Dock captures a pivotal cultural moment with wit, authenticity, and emotional depth. Philip Middleton Williams balances sharp humor with incisive social commentary, bringing complex characters vividly to life. The dialogue crackles with energy, while the shifting dynamics reveal deeper tensions beneath the surface. A compelling, thought-provoking play that resonates well beyond its setting.

View all 22 recommendations

Character Information

  • Janey Goodwin
    Entitled and knows it. College student.
    Character Age
    Early 20's
  • Ruthie Logan
    Also entitled but doesn't care. College student.
    Character Age
    Early 20's
  • Charley Hughes
    Playful but also smart. College student.
    Character Age
    Early 20's
  • Frank Weaver
    Houseguest of Charley; a bit shy. College student.
    Character Age
    Early 20's
  • Greg Anderson
    Frat boy/Jock. College student.
    Character Age
    Early 20's
  • Betsy Wotkyns
    Almost out of high school.
    Character Age
    Late Teens
  • Kirk Wotkyns
    Larger, stronger than Greg. First year law student.
    Character Age
    Early 20's
  • Sally Wotkyns
    Kirk and Betsy's mother. Acts a lot younger.
    Character Age
    Early 40's

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Trinity Theatre Company, Year 2025

Production History

  • Type Workshop, Organization Valdez Theatre Conference, Year 2026