About the Show: 

When a lifelong fan sits down to record an audition video for the hit TV show Survivor, a case of writer's block has him struggling to understand what story is his to tell. So he turns to the show's trusted host, Jeff Probst, who has an instinct for exactly what the audience wants to hear. As the two work together and dive into the past, the line between what's real and what's just a performance begins to blur. As the stage transforms into a literal jungle, what starts as an honest, personal reflection gets produced into something more... watchable.

Worth Playing For is a play about who gets to tell your story, the danger of surrendering that power, and what it says about an audience that can't turn away.

(This work explores themes of domestic violence, disordered eating, and recovery)

Learn more about the production here.

Performance and Rehearsal Dates: 

Worth Playing For will premiere as part of Playground's 5th Annual Free-Play Festival 

First Rehearsal: 
June 15, 2026

Tech Rehearsal: 

July 29, 2026 - 8pm 

Performances will be held: 

August 2, 2026 - 4pm 

August 8, 2026 - 12pm 

August 16, 2026 - 2pm 

Performance Venue: Potrero Stage, 1695 18th Street, San Francisco, CA 94107

Character Descriptions: 

COLIN — The narrator and central figure of the play. Colin is the playwright's autobiographical stand-in: a young queer man navigating childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood. Grounded, vulnerable, and deeply human. This role requires emotional honesty, strong storytelling instincts, and the ability to hold humor and heartbreak at the same time.

JEFF / ENSEMBLE — Open to performers of all gender expressions, ethnicities, and ages. This actor plays Jeff Probst (host of Survivor) and transforms throughout the play into multiple figures from the playwright's life: parents, mentors, doctors, friends. Highly physical role requiring quick character transitions and strong physical instincts. Prior knowledge of Survivor is not required.

Audition Process:

Sign up for an audition slot here or email worthplayingforplay@gmail.com

Auditions will be held by appointment via Zoom from April 15 - May 4, 2026.

Available auditions slots include: 

Monday-Friday: 4pm-8pm

Saturday: 9am-12pm

Sunday: 2pm-5pm

Please come prepared to share a brief monologue of your choosing. 

Pay Rate:

Performers will receive a $500 stipend.