Website Strawdog Theatre Company
Written by Mac Rogers / Directed by Noah Elman
Astronaut Bill Cooke returns from the first manned mission to Mars bearing secrets and illicit cargo. Now his wife and teenage children are all that stand between Bill and a shocking action that will alter not only their lives, but also all of humanity. Advance Man is the first part of Mac Rogers’ science fiction epic The Honeycomb Trilogy, three stand-alone plays set in the same universe chronicling a primal conflict – at once intimate and global – that will redefine the nature of the human race.
Setting
Coral Gables, Florida, a few years in the future. The play takes place in the Cooke family’s living room.
*This is the first in a trilogy of plays. If cast, actors will have right of first refusal for plays two and three in Fall of 2027 with a similar production timeline and should anticipate returning for the whole cycle.*
Material to Prepare:
What to Prepare: We are only accepting video submissions. Actors should prepare one (1) contemporary dramatic monologue, no longer than 90 seconds.
We are only accepting video submissions. Actors should prepare one (1) contemporary dramatic monologue, no longer than 90 seconds. Please slate your name and character role at the top of your video. Video should be submitted as an Unlisted Youtube/Vimeo Link or Google Drive link with permissions set to "anyone with link can view".
Time Commitment:
Rehearsals: July 13 - August 5, 2026 (Sat - Wed, weekday evenings, weekend daytime)
Tech: August 7 - 13, 2026
Previews: August 14 - 16, 2026
Press Opening: August 21, 2026
Performances: August 14 - September 27, 2026
Character Type/Restrictions:
BILL COOKE: He/him. 30s - 50s. Any ethnicity. An astronaut who was the first human to walk on Mars; now driven, secretive, and manipulative. (Track: 2: Jimmy 3: Budeen)
AMELIA COOKE: She/her. 30s - 50s. Any ethnicity. Bill’s wife, who suspects her husband of having an affair due to his distance and secrets. (Track 2: Amelia; 3: N/A)
RONNIE COOKE: She/her. 20s - 30s (character is18). Any ethnicity. The tough, intelligent teenage daughter of Bill and Amelia. (Track: 2: Ronnie 3: Ronnie)
ABBIE COOKE: He/him, 18 - 20s (character is 15). Any ethnicity. The artistic, soft teenage son of Bill and Amelia. (Track: 2: Abbie 3: Abbie)
CONOR: He/him, 30s - 50s. Any ethnicity. A crew mate currently dealing with the severe aftermath of a stroke, presenting as a largely silent but heavy presence. (Track: 2: Conor 3: N/A)
VALERIE: She/her, late 20s - 40s. Any ethnicity. A logical, brilliant, and controlling "fixer" for the group. (Track: 2: Clem 3: Sharp)
BELINDA: She/her, late 20s - 40s. Any ethnicity. A hot-headed, intense crew mate. (Track: 2: Tash 3: Wilkie)
RAF: He/him, late 20s - 40s. Latino. A bitter former crew mate of Bill. (Track: 2: Peck 3: N/A)
KIP: late 20s - 40s. Any ethnicity. A naive and star-struck billionaire investor. (Track: 2: Dev 3: Zander)
LYNN: 20s - 40s. Any ethnicity. A private investigator who digs into the secrets of the crew. (Track: 2: Fee 3: Fee)
*While the characters in the show are written with specific pronouns or gender identities in mind, we are open and welcome actors of all genders to submit for the role(s) that you feel most called to.*
To apply for this job please visit docs.google.com.