August Wilson’s Two Trains Running

Directed by Jimmie Woody. Studio Theater, February 27, 2026 through March 29, 2026. Presented in arrangement with Concord Theatricals

Finalist! 1992 Pulitzer Prize in Drama. Memphis Lee’s coffee shop lies in Pittsburgh’s Hill District, a neighborhood on the brink of economic development. Like most neighborhood hang outs, you’ll find the sage elder statesman, an ex-con, a numbers runner, a quiet waitress with a past, and a man with a disability who is looking for his ham. Compared to works by Chekhov, in this drama Wilson reveals the hopes and dreams of a community on the brink of change in the 1960s.

“Wilson’s most delicate and mature work.” Time

Season Tickets and Flex Passes for the 2025-2026 Professional Theater Season range in price from $136 to $384 and are available for purchase now for renewing subscribers at 216-521-2540. Season tickets and flex passes go on sale to new subscribers on June 2, 2025. Tickets to individual shows will go on sale to the public on July 1, 2025, at 216-521-2540 and Beckcenter.org.

Curtain times are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Preview performances are 7:30 p.m. the Thursday before opening night, with general admission seating for just $15. Smart Seats are available for each performance at just $15 per person. For more information on the 2025-2026 Professional Theater Season please visit beckcenter.org.

AUDITION NOTICE:

Two Trains Running
by August Wilson
Directed by: Jimmie Woody
Presented by: The Beck Center for the Arts

Performance Dates: February 27 – March 29, 2026

Location: Studio Theater, Beck Center for the Arts, 17801 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood, OH 44107

About the Play

Set in 1969 Pittsburgh, Two Trains Running captures a pivotal moment in a neighborhood on the brink of change. The story unfolds in Memphis Lee’s diner — once a vibrant community hub — now facing demolition as the city advances its plans for urban renewal. Through Wilson’s rich, poetic dialogue, the characters wrestle with dreams, dignity, survival, and the shifting tides of Black identity and economic justice.

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Audition Details:

Dates & Times

·  Saturday, November 15 at 1:30 PM

·  Monday, November 17 at 6:30 PM

Preparation:
Prepare one contemporary monologue (maximum 2 minutes, preferably by August Wilson) if possible. 
If not---Sides/Monologues from the play will also be provided to read.

To Schedule an Audition:

Email Scott Spence at scotts@beckcenter.org or scottdavidspence@gmail.com 

Please include your headshot and résumé when scheduling if possible.

All roles are Open!!! No Equity contracts are available for this production. Actors will receive a stipend for their participation. Rehearsals will begin in Mid January.

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 Character Breakdown

Memphis Lee (55–75)
Owner of the diner and a proud man battling the city’s attempt to take his property through eminent domain. A man of principle who refuses to be cheated.

Risa (25–35)
A quiet, introspective waitress at the diner. Scarred both physically and emotionally, she cuts her legs as an act of autonomy against objectification.

Sterling Johnson (25–40)
A recently released ex-convict with optimism and charisma. Determined to find purpose, build community, and win Risa’s affection.

Holloway (55–75)
An elder of wisdom and reflection — the neighborhood philosopher. Offers insight, humor, and perspective, grounding the others in spiritual truth.

Wolf (30–45)
A flashy, streetwise numbers runner and gossip. Always in the know, he thrives on the movement and hustle of the community.

West (55–75)
The local undertaker — disciplined, well-to-do, and pragmatic. Represents stability and practicality in contrast to Memphis’s idealism.

Hambone (30–65)
A man with intellectual disabilities who constantly repeats his demand for justice: “He gonna give me my ham!” A symbol of persistence and dignity denied.