TRUE WEST​

By Sam Shepard

Directed by David J. Wallis

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LAKESIDE COMMUNITY THEATRE

6303 Main Street, The Colony, TX 75056

469-209-5130

LCTTheColony.com 

 

PRODUCTION TEAM

Director: David J. Wallis

Stage Manager: Carrie Wright

Fight Director: Sunnie Saenz

Set Designer: Douglas Gill

Lighting Designer: Vinchenzo Locascio

Costume Designer: Amanda Carson Green

Props Designer: Elise Knox

Sound Designer: TBA

 

SYNOPSIS

This American classic explores alternatives that might spring from the demented terrain of the California landscape. Sons of a desert-dwelling alcoholic and a suburban wanderer clash over a film script. Austin, the achiever, is working on a script he has sold to producer Saul Kimmer when his brother Lee, a demented petty thief, drops in. He pitches his own idea for a movie to Kimmer, who then wants Austin to junk his bleak, modern love story and write Lee’s trashy Western tale. Their volatile relationships swirls while staying in their mother’s house in this drama by award-winning playwright Sam Shepard.

 

CONTENT DISCLAIMER

Strong language and violence

 

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AUDITIONS

Date: July 13 & 14

Time: 7:30pm-10:00pm

Location: Lakeside Community Theatre, 6303-B Main Street, 75056

 

Audition Requirements: All auditioners will be asked to perform a monologue and or scene from the selection of monologues and scenes linked here. Monologues/Scenes do not need to be memorized. If available, some actors may be asked to read with other actors in other time slots.

 

LINK TO AUDITION SLOT SIGN UP

 

LINK TO AUDITION SIDES

 

Please bring a Headshot and Resume, if available.

 

 

CALLBACKS: 

Possible Callbacks Date: July 15th (By invitation ONLY.)

 

Callback Information: All auditioners will be asked to perform a scene from the selection of scenes linked above. Scenes do not need to be memorized.

 

 

 

REHEARSALS

 

LINK TO REHEARSAL CALENDAR

 

General Rehearsal Information: Rehearsals begin August 17, 2026. Exact schedule is to be determined. No conflicts will be accepted beginning September 20th.

 

TECH WEEK: September 27th, 9am, Techs Only/No Actors, 1pm, Cue to Cue, Actors/Techs, and September 28th thru October 1st, 6:30pm-10:30pm

 

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PERFORMANCES

October 2, 3, 9, 10, and 16th 8pm , October 17 at 3pm

 

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OTHER INFORMATION

- Actors are required to attend Strike directly after the closing performance.

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- Actors will receive a small stipend.

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- Casting Disclaimer: At Lakeside Community Theatre, we believe that storytelling is most powerful when it reflects the rich diversity of the world around us. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and respectful casting process that actively embraces artists of all gender identities, races, ethnicities, religious backgrounds, sexual orientations, body types, abilities, and lived experiences. We encourage performers from all backgrounds to audition and commit to creating a welcoming and affirming environment where everyone feels seen, valued, and heard.

 

 

 

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN

 

Austin: (Late 20s to mid 30s) is an aspiring screenwriter in his early thirties, educated at an Ivy League school, and embodies middle-class values such as rationality, self-discipline, and hard work. He is initially self-deprecating, courteous, and orderly, working on a “simple love story” to secure a film deal with producer Saul Kimmer. As his brother Lee intrudes, Austin becomes increasingly insecure, eventually adopting Lee’s chaotic behavior, drinking excessively, and engaging in destructive acts like stealing neighborhood toasters. This transformation highlights his struggle with identity and suppressed creativity.

 

Lee: (Early 40s to mid 50s) Austin’s older brother, is a drifter and petty thief in his forties, recently returned from a nomadic desert life with only a pit bull for company. He is rugged, menacing, and embodies a raw, unrefined existence that contrasts sharply with Austin’s orderly lifestyle. Lee lacks formal education and defined goals but possesses a vivid imagination. He is jealous of Austin’s stability and systematically encroaches on his brother’s space and identity. Lee’s ambition and desire for legitimacy are evident, though he often sabotages his own potential through destructive behavior.

 

Saul: (Late 40s to mid 60s) is a Hollywood producer in his late forties, characterized by superficiality and a profit-driven mindset. He is depicted as mercenary and exploitative, shifting his interest from Austin’s screenplay to Lee’s story when it suits him. Saul’s flamboyant attire and cold, unfeeling nature underscore his role as a symbol of Hollywood opportunism and moral ambiguity, further complicating the brothers’ rivalry.

 

Mom: (Late 50s to Late 60s) is a detached and somewhat absurd figure, preoccupied with artistic fantasies such as expecting Picasso to visit. She is concerned about her sons’ conflicts but remains largely powerless to intervene. Her presence highlights the disconnect between her creative aspirations and the chaotic reality of her family.