Talen Piner: Scouts, From Idea to Off-Broadway

The project began after Talen had received a one page document with synopsis, characters, and concept from collaborator and playwright, Caityln Joyce @caitlynfullofjoyc). Talen slept on the document for a while before proceeding to write the entire opening number. And in a matter of days an 80’s musical featuring Appalachia’s most notorious cryptid had already begun taking shape. 

In talking with Talen, I learned that the original concept for Scouts was largely unchanged from its initial conception. From previous chats with Talen, I already knew the show depicts queer characters. Considering Scouts is set in 1980’s Appalachia, I asked Talen if the show has a specifically queer plot line. 

According to Talen, while workshopping their ideas the creators of the show maintained a desire to include queer characters but not have that aspect of the characters be the focus of the plot. “We need these queer characters who just are themselves throughout the show, because that’s how you normalize that kind of character,” Talen said. 

Aside from the show itself however, a topic most relevant to Art Grove readers is that of how a person is able to mount a production off-Broadway. How did Scouts get from the work table to the stage? 

The answer is unrelenting determination. Talen shared that there were virtual and in-person workshops throughout 2020 and 2021. In the summer of 2021, Talen and Caitlyn were able to have a full band workshop, which really helped get the show’s characters on their feet. While speaking with Talen, he recalled it was at that moment when he and the rest of the team all felt the story and its characters were becoming a part of the culture of musical theater. After the workshop, they submitted to grants and awards with a new works focus and were not selected for any of them. 

In March 2022, Talen had learned about a 5 week self-residency program with The Players Theatre. After submitting demos, scores, and scripts, a contract was reached with The Players Theatre for July. Although The Players Theatre is hosting the production in their space, the creators of Scouts are responsible for funding the show. A recent fundraiser via Kickstarter raised over $18,000 to cover the expenses of Scouts’ 5 week run this summer. 

Talen shared that he and Caitlyn created their own LLC to house the production and any future ventures they share. 

“Bare bones, we’re doing it ourselves,” Talen said. And so they are indeed. Secret sauce be damned!

Scouts is coming to The Players Theatre this July. Tickets are available for purchase through the box office. Check out the instagram page for Scouts (@themothmanisreal) for updates. A single from the show is also available for streaming on all platforms. 

As for what’s next for Talen Piner? He’s got another project in progress as we speak “Beyond this Place” acts 1 and 2 premiered at Dixon Place last fall September 2022, and is a semi-finalist for the Eugene O'Neill National Theatre conference this summer.