America in One Room

Casting:

DIEGO — Latino man, early 20s, gay. A “DREAMer” whose parents immigrated from Mexico. Lives in Santa Ana, CA (outside Los Angeles). Student at Cal State, Fullerton studying Graphic Design. Has a semi-serious boyfriend. Has a healthy combo of optimism and cynicism.

FAITH — African-American woman, late 40s. Christian. Married with two young boys. Lives in a fancy suburb outside Atlanta, GA (Avondale Estates). A Human Resources advisor at Georgia-Pacific. Doesn’t like to ruffle feathers.

MIKE — White man, 60s. Married with three grown kids and two grandkids. Worked in auto manufacturing then at a meat processing plant before recently being laid off. Carries a lot of anger and resentment. Longs for a simpler time.

RANI — (“Rani” rhymes with “Johnny”) Indian-American woman, late 30s – early 40s. Married with a baby boy. Former lawyer, now a non-fiction author.

PEARL — White Jewish woman, 70s. Widowed. Two adult children and five grandchildren. Very opinionated. Retired housewife.

SHAWN — African-American man, late 30s. Retired Army Sergeant. Single. Lives in Colorado Springs, CO. Charming, amiable, an easy smiler. Uses a WHEELCHAIR.

KEVIN — Asian-American man, late 30s – early 40s. Works in finance, lives in Chicago, IL. Single. Big, brash, lights up the room.

LISA — Female, 30s. Any race. Single. The Moderator. A peppy, perfectionist. An optimistic “camp counselor.”

JESSICA — White Jewish woman, 50s. Divorced with two teenage girls.  A real estate agent. Considers herself a “woke” liberal. Pearl’s daughter.

VOICE OVER PA SYSTEM — an eager female volunteer from Dallas, TX making announcements.

Setting

Time
The last weekend in September, 2019.

Place
A hotel conference room at a fancy resort outside of Dallas, TX.