"August Wilson's Jitney"
Set in Pittsburgh’s Hill District in 1977, Jitney is a powerful and deeply human drama by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson. The play takes place inside an unlicensed taxi station, where a group of Black men earn their living driving members of the community to places traditional taxi companies refuse to serve. At the center of the story is Becker, the respected manager of the jitney station, who struggles to hold the business and its drivers together as the neighborhood faces redevelopment and the station is threatened with demolition. His world is further shaken by the return of his son, Booster, after twenty years in prison, forcing father and son to confront years of anger, disappointment, loss, and unresolved pain. Filled with humor, heartbreak, conflict, and hope, Jitney explores family, forgiveness, responsibility, masculinity, love, economic survival, community, and the meaning of legacy.
5 roles
Becker’s son, recently released after serving twenty years in prison. Intelligent, proud, intense, and emotionally complicated, Booster returns hoping to reconnect with his father. Their relationship becomes one of the emotional centers of the play. Actor needs: Strong dramatic range, vulnerability, intensity, and the ability to hold his own opposite a powerful Becker.
Youngblood’s girlfriend and the mother of their child. Intelligent, direct, loving, and unwilling to accept excuses, Rena wants stability and honesty from the man she loves. She challenges Youngblood to understand that providing for a family involves more than money—it requires trust, communication, and partnership. Actor needs: Strong dramatic presence, warmth, emotional honesty, and excellent chemistry with Youngblood.
A Korean War veteran and longtime jitney driver. Doub is thoughtful, observant, practical, and often serves as a calming presence when tensions rise around the station. His experiences have given him a measured understanding of life and people. Actor needs: Grounded presence, maturity, subtle humor, and strong listening/reacting skills
A numbers runner who uses the jitney station as a base for conducting his business. Stylish, confident, quick-witted, and entrepreneurial, Shealy brings humor and energy whenever he enters the room. Actor needs: Charisma, strong comic instincts, personality, and confident stage presence.
A local hotel doorman and regular jitney customer. Philmore frequently comes through the station needing a ride and provides some memorable moments of humor and community life. Actor needs: Strong character instincts and comic timing. Although smaller than several of the principal roles, Philmore should make an immediate impression.
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