A Good Farmer

by Sharyn Rothstein
October 16 – 24, 2026

The last show of RCP’s 101st season is A Good Farmer by Sharyn Rothstein directed by Maria Scipione. Set in Elba, New York, this powerful play is a story of two women—a farm owner and an undocumented Mexican immigrant— facing challenges of friendship and survival in a rural town where immigration raids are common.

Performances are October 16 to 26 at the Multi-use Community Cultural Center (MuCCC), 142 Atlantic Avenue in Rochester.

Rochester Community Players
Announces Auditions for “A Good Farmer”
by Sharyn Rothstein

Directed by Maria Scipione

A Good Farmer by Sharyn Rothstein was inspired by a New York Times article in 2006 regarding  increased immigration enforcement on small, family-run farms in Elba, New York. This practice has since escalated making Rothstein’s play yet more relevant as it examines themes of love, friendship, and humanity amidst contentious and often divisive political issues surrounding immigration. It is a moving drama that explores the friendship between Bonnie Johnson, a cabbage farmer, and her unlikely best friend, Carla Gutierrez, an undocumented Mexican immigrant. A Good Farmer is a powerful story about finding the power to face what divides us.

Audition Dates & Time 

Thursday, June 25 – 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Friday, June 26 – 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Callbacks: Sunday, June 28 – 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. 

Audition Location

Abundance Food Co-op – Community Room

571 South Avenue, Rochester, N.Y.

Audition Details

  • Prepared monologue is optional.
  • Sides will be provided.
  • Bring a list of any conflicts for August through October. 

Note: Rochester Community Players supports and encourages diverse and inclusive casting. 

Performance Dates & Location

October 16-24, 2026

Multi-use Community Cultural Center (MuCCC)

Characters & Descriptions

Bonnie (27-34): White woman owner of a cabbage farm. 

Carla (23-30): Latinx woman who is an undocumented farmworker from Mexico.

Rosemary (30s): A PTA mom.

Gabe (30s): Single, unemployed father from a small town.

Lu (any age, race, gender): A nurse.

David (30s): Bonnie’s husband with terminal stomach cancer.

Officer Shirley Sender (any age or race): Woman ICE agent.

Rich Parks (any age, race, gender): State-appointed defense lawyer.

Link to full script: https://drive.google.com/file/d/14_3K1v_gmDW6MExXKsZX648HYyRm5yWR/view

Questions can be sent to rochestercommunityplayers@gmail.com and to Rochester Community Players on Facebook.