SHANE

BY KAREN ZACARIAS

Adapted from the novel by Jack Schaefer

Directed by Chris Leyva

July 17 – August 10, 2025
Thursdays through Sundays @8pm

All Performances Offered for FREE
(Donations Accepted at Intermission)

or Reserve a Chair or Blanket in Advance

ABOUT

Shane is the iconic hero of the American West, a quiet man who takes on the burden of protecting a loving family from wealthy ranchers who want to force them out. Karen Zacarías has faithfully adapted this powerful story for the stage, vividly picturing the frontier life and the struggle of the people who fought to make it theirs.

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CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

OLDER BOB/ BOBBY STARRETT (Latino, Age 25-40s and eight years old) – A man who recalls an incident from his childhood. He is our witness and our guide.

MARIAN STARRETT (Latina, Age 30s: Bobby’s Mexican Mother) – She’s lively, smart, and opinionated teacher … who is trying to raise her son to be a good man.

JOE STARRETT (Latino & White: Age 50-60) – Bobby’s Father. He’s half Mexican and half white. A farmer. He’s a good man who is trying to provide the best life possible for his young wife and son.

SHANE (Black/Latino: Age 35-40) – A mysterious cowboy and gun slinger.

CHRIS JOHNSON (Black, 18-25) – A likable young cowboy trying to rise in Fletcher’s organization. Also ENSEMBLE.

LUKE FLETCHER (White: Age 40-60) – The smart and greedy land-owner who wants the valley for his new enterprise. Also ENSEMBLE.

WINONA STEPHENS (means: Eldest Daughter in Lakota – Native American. 20s- 30s) – A Lakota woman that has been charged by her tribe to negotiate and select better cattle for her people on the reservation. She is an interpreter. Also ENSEMBLE.

JAKE LEDYARD (White) – An untrustworthy traveling salesman of farming equipment. Also plays SAM GRAFTON and ENSEMBLE.

SAM GRAFTON (White) – The fair-minded owner of the Grafton Saloon and General store. Doubles with JAKE LEYDARD character.

ERNIE WRIGHT (White, Aged 30-50) – A likable neighboring homesteader with a temper. Also plays STARK WILSON and ENSEMBLE.

STARK WILSON (White) – The cold-blooded gunslinger hired by Fletcher to manipulate homesteaders into a duel they cannot survive. Doubles with ERNIE.

EXTRAS: SLIM AND CURLY – These 2 extras serve as non-speaking cowboys. They should have a movement background and be part of the fights and threats and scene changes.

SIDES

Familiarize yourself with the sides found here. Sides may be assigned at your audition.