The Back-Porch Gang
by Overtime Theater

Apr. 02 - Apr. 03 (2022)

One summer morning residents at a retirement complex wave at cars to see if they can get a wave back. This harmless activity takes an unexpected turn when a police officer and a quirky stranger suddenly appear. The residents must now face the past and its impact on the present. Secrets are revealed as they navigate a hilarious maze of resentment, guilt and missed opportunity. Can lost love be rediscovered? Will long-held friendships be sustained? The Back-Porch Gang is a comic take on relationships senior citizens have with family, friends and lovers. It examines the need seniors have to be seen and acknowledged, coupled with a desire to lead a fulfilling life.

A heartwarming comedy written by Ben Scranton and directed by Jade Esteban Estrada.


The Overtime Theater is seeking male and female actors ages 30 and up for its upcoming production of "The Back-Porch Gang," a heartwarming comedy written by Ben Scranton and directed by Jade Esteban Estrada.

 Characters:

Bess Bennett (Female, any ethnicity, age 60-80), a practical, kind, considerate resident.

Wilma Jessup (Female, any ethnicity, age 60-80), a short-tempered, sarcastic but not rude, resident who sees life from a negative slant.

Myrtle Tuttle (Female, any ethnicity, age 60-80), a naïve, innocent person who appears slow on the uptake but wise in other ways.

Lester Higgins (Male, any ethnicity, age 60-80), a talker, upbeat, always “on,” practical joker, essentially good-hearted resident.

Wayne Bridgewater (Male, any ethnicity, age 60-80), a likable, quirky, kind, good-natured misfit, a senior citizen, and a visitor.

Officer Jane Todd (Female, any ethnicity, age 30-40), a police officer who is articulate, competent, a bit of a romantic, and dedicated to her job.

Auditions will take place 3-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, April 2-3, 2022 at the Overtime Theater located at 5409 Bandera Road Suite 205 on the city's Northwest Side.

Rehearsals will be select weeknights from 7-9 p.m. and 3-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays April 10-May 5, 2022. Not all cast members are called to every rehearsal.

Production dates are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays May 6-21, 2022.

Actors must present two, short contrasting monologues and be prepared to read sides from the play. Headshots and resumes may be brought to the audition or can be emailed in advance to Jade Esteban Estrada at director@theovertimetheater.org. Please write “The Back-Porch Gang'' in the subject line.

If unable to attend the audition, Zoom auditions are available by appointment March 31-April 2, 2022.

In adherence to our Covid safety protocol, face masks are recommended during rehearsals.

This is a volunteer position.

Learn about upcoming auditions and shows at the Overtime Theater at theovertimetheater.org.