CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
Lexi Everest Dawson - Principle Lead - Female; Age 17
Lexi is the middle Dawson sister. She is known for her kindness and her gentle nature. The play follows Lexi’s point of view as she learns to find her voice and a place of belonging. Lexi is an avid photographer with a gift for capturing her artistic perspective. Lexi’s greatest struggle is her anxiety that often leads to panic attacks and self-isolation. The stress of her circumstances and the lack of stability in her life bring about moments of fear and frustration. As she slowly welcomes connection and learns to trust, Lexi grows to recognize the beauty and power of vulnerability and realizes that she’s not so alone after all. Talented, Self-conscious, Deep-thinker, Teachable
Starla Dawson- Lead - Female; Age 20
Starla is the oldest of the three Dawson girls and she takes her responsibility as a big sister very seriously. She is known for her sacrificial nature as she works to prioritize the needs of her mom, Lexi, and Mia. In an effort to appear strong and poised, though secretly riddled with fear, Starla is reserved and independent. As a self-proclaimed “perfectionist,” Starla finds herself in situations where she must learn to unmask, admit her faults, and be open with those closest to her. It’s in these moments of honesty, that Starla finds the companionship that she’s needed all along. Leader, Critical-thinker, On edge, Dedicated, Hard-working
Mia Dawson- Lead - Female; Age 13
Mia is the baby of the family and you never have to wonder what she is thinking… or feeling. Mia can be explosive as her anxiety surfaces in moments of tension with those around her. Mia’s dramatic nature tends to propel her into impulsive decisions and she is known to seek attention in all directions. Though she can be hot headed, Mia is also the first to forgive. She comes to appreciate the power of true friendship and connection. Mia learns the importance of identifying toxic behavior in herself and others as she works to mature while also maintaining her child-like wonder. Expressive, Inquisitive, Forgiving
Sonia Dawson - Main Supporting - Female; Age 36 - 38
Sonia is the single mother of Mia, Lexi, and Starla. She is extremely hard working and caring. Due to never finishing high school, Sonia struggles to find work and provide for her daughters but she is determined to give them a safe home. When she isn’t working, or spending time with family, she is studying for her GED. When Sonia’s secrets are unexpectedly uncovered, she finds herself in a situation where she must confront her past. As a mom, she learns to become an example of vulnerability and speaking truth in the midst of anxiety and tension. Nurturing, Overwhelmed, Secretive, Teachable
Rowan Patterson - Main Supporting - Male; Age 14 - 15
Rowan is Mia, Lexi, and Starla’s cousin. He is humorous and easy-going. Rowan is extremely observant and likes to be in the middle of the action. He has dyslexia and has been determined to keep up with his classmates and work hard at everything he does, despite how his peers may treat him. Rowan and Mia were really close throughout their childhood but since moving in, Mia hasn’t been very interested in a friendship with him. Rowan learns to initiate deep conversations with frankness and stand up for himself as he holds Mia accountable for her actions while also compassionately pointing her in a better direction. Honest, Friendly, Intuitive, Funny
Markie Patterson - Supporting - Female; Age 38 - 43
Markie is Sonia’s older sister and Rowan’s mom. She is a doctor at a local clinic. Markie is assertive and provides both accountability and encouragement - especially for Sonia. She brings out the best in Sonia as she challenges and supports her. Markie cares about keeping the family together and she knows the value of relationships, especially as someone who has recently lost her husband. Markie deeply treasures memories while also looking to the future. Strong, Full-of Integrity, Warm, Inviting
Knox Venture - Supporting - Male; Age 17
Knox is Lexi’s new friend. Though he is a “supporting role,” in many ways, Knox gives “main character energy.” He is determined to make a positive difference wherever he goes. Knox consistently pushes Lexi to be her best and honest self. Though stuck in a wheelchair, Knox is open about his challenges and he demonstrates vulnerability through telling his story. His witty remarks mixed with his empathetic nature create a safe space for Lexi to share about her anxiety and sort through her thoughts. Knox is captivated by Lexi’s photography and takes initiative to encourage her in her artistic and personal growth. Compassionate, Confident, Endearing, Strong
Flynn Treck- Supporting - Male; Age 18 - 25
Flynn is a manager at the local Family Recreation Center where Starla works. He is very friendly and always up for a good laugh, though he is also quite intuitive and seeks deep conversations. Flynn offers much of the comic relief as he is very passionate about his love of films and he is always initiating conversations about his quirky taste in movies. Everyone loves Flynn… though Starla isn’t quite sure what to think of him. Funny, Movie-buff, Discerning, Uplifting
Aubrey Hawkins- Supporting - Female; Age 14 - 15
Aubrey speaks her mind and doesn’t mind who she hurts in the process. She is charismatic and outgoing in such a way that Mia is drawn to her and wants to earn her approval. Aubrey loves to have a good time but also enjoys exclusivity. She is very critical of others but doesn’t even realize her own faults - she regularly and obviously mispronounces words and hates to be corrected. Bubbly, “Mean-Girl,” Self-Absorbed
Gage Warren- Supporting - Male; Age 14 - 15
Gage is always looking for a good joke – especially if he can make Rowan the punchline. Despite his mean-spirited sense of humor, he still manages to draw people in with his magnetic personality. Gage and Aubrey have been best friends since elementary school and they tend to bring out the worst in eachother. On another note, Gage may or may not be good at freestyle rapping. Clever, Shameless, Comical
Graham Dawson - Supporting - Male; Age 36 - 39
Graham is Mia, Lexi, and Starla’s estranged father who left three years ago. He seemingly abandoned his family without looking back… but that may not be the whole story. Graham’s absence leads to awkward interactions when he suddenly inserts himself into the lives of his wife and kids. Graham is determined to re-build relationships with Starla, Lexi, and Mia. Though perhaps misunderstood, Graham must work to gain the trust of his family. Well-intentioned, Absent, Level-headed, Creative
Ensemble - Males and Females; Ages 13 - 70
Members of the ensemble will be extras in the school and Rec center scenes. They may have short interactions with lead and main roles but will not be mic’d for dialogue.
Voiceover Roles
YouTuber- Age 15 - 30; Written as Female but could be changed to Male
The owner of the “Strategizing Strength” account that both Lexi and Sonia follow. There is one long voiceover where the youtuber shares about an anxiety coping strategy. This may be recorded as a voiceover but may potentially be a film opportunity to be projected on the screen.
Teacher #1 - Adult; Male or Female
Teacher #2- Adult; Male or Female
School Nurse- Adult; Male or Female
Lexi is the middle Dawson sister. She is known for her kindness and her gentle nature. The play follows Lexi’s point of view as she learns to find her voice and a place of belonging. Lexi is an avid photographer with a gift for capturing her artistic perspective. Lexi’s greatest struggle is her anxiety that often leads to panic attacks and self-isolation. The stress of her circumstances and the lack of stability in her life bring about moments of fear and frustration. As she slowly welcomes connection and learns to trust, Lexi grows to recognize the beauty and power of vulnerability and realizes that she’s not so alone after all. Talented, Self-conscious, Deep-thinker, Teachable
Starla Dawson- Lead - Female; Age 20
Starla is the oldest of the three Dawson girls and she takes her responsibility as a big sister very seriously. She is known for her sacrificial nature as she works to prioritize the needs of her mom, Lexi, and Mia. In an effort to appear strong and poised, though secretly riddled with fear, Starla is reserved and independent. As a self-proclaimed “perfectionist,” Starla finds herself in situations where she must learn to unmask, admit her faults, and be open with those closest to her. It’s in these moments of honesty, that Starla finds the companionship that she’s needed all along. Leader, Critical-thinker, On edge, Dedicated, Hard-working
Mia Dawson- Lead - Female; Age 13
Mia is the baby of the family and you never have to wonder what she is thinking… or feeling. Mia can be explosive as her anxiety surfaces in moments of tension with those around her. Mia’s dramatic nature tends to propel her into impulsive decisions and she is known to seek attention in all directions. Though she can be hot headed, Mia is also the first to forgive. She comes to appreciate the power of true friendship and connection. Mia learns the importance of identifying toxic behavior in herself and others as she works to mature while also maintaining her child-like wonder. Expressive, Inquisitive, Forgiving
Sonia Dawson - Main Supporting - Female; Age 36 - 38
Sonia is the single mother of Mia, Lexi, and Starla. She is extremely hard working and caring. Due to never finishing high school, Sonia struggles to find work and provide for her daughters but she is determined to give them a safe home. When she isn’t working, or spending time with family, she is studying for her GED. When Sonia’s secrets are unexpectedly uncovered, she finds herself in a situation where she must confront her past. As a mom, she learns to become an example of vulnerability and speaking truth in the midst of anxiety and tension. Nurturing, Overwhelmed, Secretive, Teachable
Rowan Patterson - Main Supporting - Male; Age 14 - 15
Rowan is Mia, Lexi, and Starla’s cousin. He is humorous and easy-going. Rowan is extremely observant and likes to be in the middle of the action. He has dyslexia and has been determined to keep up with his classmates and work hard at everything he does, despite how his peers may treat him. Rowan and Mia were really close throughout their childhood but since moving in, Mia hasn’t been very interested in a friendship with him. Rowan learns to initiate deep conversations with frankness and stand up for himself as he holds Mia accountable for her actions while also compassionately pointing her in a better direction. Honest, Friendly, Intuitive, Funny
Markie Patterson - Supporting - Female; Age 38 - 43
Markie is Sonia’s older sister and Rowan’s mom. She is a doctor at a local clinic. Markie is assertive and provides both accountability and encouragement - especially for Sonia. She brings out the best in Sonia as she challenges and supports her. Markie cares about keeping the family together and she knows the value of relationships, especially as someone who has recently lost her husband. Markie deeply treasures memories while also looking to the future. Strong, Full-of Integrity, Warm, Inviting
Knox Venture - Supporting - Male; Age 17
Knox is Lexi’s new friend. Though he is a “supporting role,” in many ways, Knox gives “main character energy.” He is determined to make a positive difference wherever he goes. Knox consistently pushes Lexi to be her best and honest self. Though stuck in a wheelchair, Knox is open about his challenges and he demonstrates vulnerability through telling his story. His witty remarks mixed with his empathetic nature create a safe space for Lexi to share about her anxiety and sort through her thoughts. Knox is captivated by Lexi’s photography and takes initiative to encourage her in her artistic and personal growth. Compassionate, Confident, Endearing, Strong
Flynn Treck- Supporting - Male; Age 18 - 25
Flynn is a manager at the local Family Recreation Center where Starla works. He is very friendly and always up for a good laugh, though he is also quite intuitive and seeks deep conversations. Flynn offers much of the comic relief as he is very passionate about his love of films and he is always initiating conversations about his quirky taste in movies. Everyone loves Flynn… though Starla isn’t quite sure what to think of him. Funny, Movie-buff, Discerning, Uplifting
Aubrey Hawkins- Supporting - Female; Age 14 - 15
Aubrey speaks her mind and doesn’t mind who she hurts in the process. She is charismatic and outgoing in such a way that Mia is drawn to her and wants to earn her approval. Aubrey loves to have a good time but also enjoys exclusivity. She is very critical of others but doesn’t even realize her own faults - she regularly and obviously mispronounces words and hates to be corrected. Bubbly, “Mean-Girl,” Self-Absorbed
Gage Warren- Supporting - Male; Age 14 - 15
Gage is always looking for a good joke – especially if he can make Rowan the punchline. Despite his mean-spirited sense of humor, he still manages to draw people in with his magnetic personality. Gage and Aubrey have been best friends since elementary school and they tend to bring out the worst in eachother. On another note, Gage may or may not be good at freestyle rapping. Clever, Shameless, Comical
Graham Dawson - Supporting - Male; Age 36 - 39
Graham is Mia, Lexi, and Starla’s estranged father who left three years ago. He seemingly abandoned his family without looking back… but that may not be the whole story. Graham’s absence leads to awkward interactions when he suddenly inserts himself into the lives of his wife and kids. Graham is determined to re-build relationships with Starla, Lexi, and Mia. Though perhaps misunderstood, Graham must work to gain the trust of his family. Well-intentioned, Absent, Level-headed, Creative
Ensemble - Males and Females; Ages 13 - 70
Members of the ensemble will be extras in the school and Rec center scenes. They may have short interactions with lead and main roles but will not be mic’d for dialogue.
Voiceover Roles
YouTuber- Age 15 - 30; Written as Female but could be changed to Male
The owner of the “Strategizing Strength” account that both Lexi and Sonia follow. There is one long voiceover where the youtuber shares about an anxiety coping strategy. This may be recorded as a voiceover but may potentially be a film opportunity to be projected on the screen.
Teacher #1 - Adult; Male or Female
Teacher #2- Adult; Male or Female
School Nurse- Adult; Male or Female