Project: Feature Film “The Man Who Changed the World” a heartfelt story inspired by true events, set to shoot in Colorado early 2025.
Dates: TBA
We are currently looking for talented local actors to fill several small but pivotal supporting roles. These roles include a mix of comedic, heartfelt, and dramatic characters that bring our community-centric story to life. The characters range from neighborhood parents and teenagers to church members and bank professionals, offering a range of opportunities for versatile performers.
Agents: (Whole team on this one, CC [email protected])
{{42 Talent Roles}}
BUD STOECKER (20s, 40s, 80s)
Based on Lawrence Reed “Bud” Stoecker (March 3, 1927 – September 25, 2012),
Part playful dreamer, part maverick, and wholly a family man, Bud Stoecker was a creative risk-taker whose entrepreneurial spirit drove him from engineering liquid nitrogen tanks for NASA to pioneering the pre-cut A-Frame home industry across the Rockies. Described by those who knew him as resilient, selfless, meticulous, and kind, Bud possessed a quirky sense of humor, often breaking out in a “Bud jig” or inventing his own words and games for the kids. However, Bud’s own childhood was far from perfect. At the age of five, after his mother’s death, he was taught to buck up and mask his inner darkness. After serving two years in the Navy, Bud was deeply influenced during his college years by his hero, Buckminster Fuller. He shared an unyielding optimism with Fuller and a heartfelt yearning to improve human living conditions through innovative design. When he falls in love with and marries Charlotte “Lollie” Allen, a woman with her own challenging past, they set out to redefine family based on their experiences, creating a loving, safe home for their children. Bud keeps his family laughing, and Lollie’s influence encourages him to express his emotions freely, affirming that his greatest achievements are not his professional successes but a life rich with connection, support, and shared laughter. His journey with Lollie evolves into a testament to the power of nurturing and unconditional love, requiring an actor who can shift easily from light-hearted physical comedy to deep, introspective wisdom. PROTOTYPE: Young Steve Carrell, Jim Carrey, Steve Martin
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LOLLIE STOECKER (16, 30s)
Based on Charlotte “Lollie” Tilly Allen (December 19, 1929 – May 17, 2008)
Growing up in a troubled home, Lollie Stoecker developed an uncanny sixth sense for sensing and soothing the pains of others, particularly her husband and children, making her the unsung hero of the Stoecker family. Loving, empathic and resilient, she not only supported Bud’s entrepreneurial ventures but also provided the grounding stability their family needed to thrive. Witty and observant, Lollie had a unique way of guiding Bud and her children towards the right decisions subtly, without direct instruction. Her life took a dynamic turn when Bud literally leapt onto a rolling trolley to meet her, initiating a whirlwind of life with Bud that was less about grand adventures and more about celebrating the small miracles and everyday magic that define a nurturing home. Throughout their journey, Lollie’s story is characterized by her silent sacrifices and unwavering support. Protective yet remarkably composed, it takes a great deal to ruffle her. More than just Bud’s counterpart, Lollie was a formidable force in her own right, requiring an actress capable of conveying her subtle but profound inner strength and warmth. Jewish, Russian, Hispanic.
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BUCKMINSTER “BUCKY” FULLER (50s, 80s)
Based on Richard Buckminster Fuller (July 12, 1895 – July 1, 1983)
A 20th-century visionary, R. Buckminster Fuller was hailed as “one of the greatest minds of our times,” and renowned for his comprehensive perspective on the world’s problems. He is perhaps best known for inventing the geodesic dome, a structure that epitomized his approach of “doing
more with less” and demonstrated his commitment to sustainable living practices. Described as a “gentle revolutionist” and “lovable genius,” Fuller’s inventive spirit was matched by his humorous and unconventional presentation styles. He often employed extensive, spontaneous discourses during lectures, which were notably engaging and whimsical, helping to demystify complex scientific ideas and making them more accessible and enjoyable. His approach was deeply influential, challenging traditional academic boundaries and encouraging a more integrated and anticipatory approach to design and problem-solving. This resonated with Bud, as both shared a disdain for conventional limitations and a passion for innovative, forward-thinking solutions. In “The Man Who Changed The World,” Bucky —as he came to be known, serves a pivotal role akin to George Bailey’s angel Clarence in “It’s a Wonderful Life.” More than just an inspiration and mentor, Bucky guides Bud through life-defining moments, helping him embrace nonconformist thinking and comprehensive anticipatory design science. His lecture at Bud’s college marks a profound change in Bud’s life, bonding their souls forevermore. As the story reaches its climax, Fuller subtly leads Bud to the afterlife, reinforcing their deep spiritual connection.
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YOUNG BUD STOECKER (5)
A sweet and curious boy, Young Bud is deeply traumatized when he faces his first Christmas without his mother. As he grapples with her death, he shows intense emotion, including hints of manic behavior. After a stern reprimand from his father, he learns to stifle his tears and “buck up.” This role requires a young actor capable of portraying deep emotions, effectively capturing the conflict between natural grieving and forcing a brave face.
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JOE CONNER (18, 40s)
Just a regular Joe Shmo navigating his college obligations when he’s caught up in Bud’s whirlwind. He’s the quintessential doofus sidekick, always a few steps behind in both action and understanding. Joe often ends up behind the wheel, literally driving Bud around, and metaphorically trying to keep pace with Bud’s infectious energy. With his unremarkable everyman vibe, Joe is relatable but hardly thrilling. A simpleton whose caution can often turn into comedy next to Bud’s bold and creative antics. Lacking the nerve to make bold moves, Joe’s decisions are driven by hesitation and a palpable lack of gusto, which only underscores Bud’s heroics. Despite his limitations, Joe latches onto Bud’s enthusiasm and becomes his business partner later in life, but still struggles to match Bud’s pace and vision. He’s a sucker for a good sales pitch—especially if it’s from a saleswoman.
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YOUNG KATHY STOECKER (17)
The eldest child of Bud and Lollie Stoecker, Kathy inherited her mother’s intuition and has keen insight into her parents’ dynamics. Actively involved in her church and a cheerleader at school, she is also an aspiring physical therapist, driven by a passion to help those around her. Naturally proactive and supportive, she effortlessly assumes the role of the helpful daughter or sister, never waiting to be asked to contribute. Whether she’s adjusting her youngest brother Dean’s tie before
church, working on her gymnast brother Robin’s muscles, or coordinating her siblings during busy family moments, Kathy is always ready to serve. Motivated and responsible, she takes on a job at Mr. Steak to support her college ambitions and help her family financially. In a humorous reveal during church service, Bud discovers Kathy is navigating first love with Jon Bliss, a football player. Cheerleading and ice skating skills a plus.
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KATHY ANN STOECKER BLISS (63)
Now in her sixties, Kathy remains the devoted anchor of her family, embodying the values instilled by her parents. A busy multitasker, Kathy can eat, drink, and be involved in four different conversations at the same time at family gatherings, while still doing everything with intent. Happily married to her high school sweetheart, Jon Bliss, for fifty years, she is the mother of three sons whom she has raised with the same dedication to family unity and support that she learned growing up. Beyond her nurturing role, Kathy is tough and industrious, having worked in Bud’s office during summers and leading her own construction crew. We meet Adult Kathy on a celebratory day, honoring her son Matt’s surprise appearance on Shark Tank —a bold move that reflects Bud’s ingenuity and the enduring legacy of the Stoecker family’s commitment to making a positive impact in the world. A Sagittarius.
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YOUNG STEPHEN REED STOECKER (17)
The second child and first son of Bud and Lollie Stoecker, Stephen stands at a pivotal moment as a high school senior facing the possibility of being drafted into the Vietnam War. He embodies Bud’s left brain analytic skill set, as well as his creative right brain. With strikingly good looks that mirror his father’s; confident blue eyes, sandy hair, and long, lean, stylish appearance, Stephen is the epitome of cool. He’s the kid everyone else wishes they could be. He’s not only admired by his younger brothers for his perfect Beatles-inspired mop top hair do, but also finds himself in the midst of comedic romantic tension with Terry Dangerfield, the provocative neighbor girl. One on screen kiss with Terry. Ice Skating skills a plus.
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STEPHEN STOECKER (61)
Adult Stephen arrives in good spirits to the holiday party at his sister Kathy’s. Married to his off screen wife Patty for 43 years, Stephen is a bit more entrenched in his views of life and family. He is all facts and no fiction kind of guy. Precise in his thinking, stoic in the way he raises his kids and grandkids and even stubborn and overly confident in his views of the world. He is an infinite planner, regardless of the task. Like Bud, an engineer by training, his world could be governed by a slide rule. A Capricorn.
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YOUNG ROBIN ALLEN STOECKER (15)
As the third child of Bud and Lollie, Robin is the quintessential family ‘clown’ and the undeniable life of any party. He embodies a quirky charm reminiscent of his father, viewing the world as one big amusement park. While less disciplined and organized than his siblings, Robin’s free-spirited, adventurous nature is balanced by his surprising prowess as a gymnast. He possesses a meticulous skill that earns him scholarships to his pick of the nation’s top colleges, setting him on a path towards Olympic training. With a knack for physical comedy, Robin is always ready to entertain and bring laughter to his family. The role requires a young actor with strong gymnastic abilities.
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ROBIN STOECKER (59)
Adult Robin Stoecker has evolved into a stylish and hip man, arriving to his sister Kathy’s sporting shades and an English paperboy cap. Now a successful radiologist, Robin retains his zany charm, albeit expressed more subtly than in his youth. His gentle demeanor is especially evident when interacting with his wheelchair-bound father, Bud, and when showing deep gratitude towards his sister Kathy for bringing their father home. The siblings share a special bond, rooted in their early days training together in gymnastics, which continues to influence their dynamic. Robin is the only sibling to have already secured a cemetery plot next to Bud and Lollie’s, reflecting his deep sense of loyalty and family unity. A Taurus.
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YOUNG JOHN MICHEAL STOECKER (13)
Kind, caring, balanced, and very thoughtful, John is a handsome young man, with Lollie’s big brown eyes and unruly curly black hair. His thoughtful, sensitive demeanor earned him the title as: “the family’s quiet conscience.” Closest to his younger brother Dean, the two share a special connection. He is a highly skilled basketball player. The role requires baseball playing and ice skating.
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JOHN STOECKER (57)
Adult John is the first Stoecker child to follow a similar entrepreneurial path as Bud, and to this day he is a solo business owner. A strategic thinker with a tender heart, John stands out as the most adaptable among the Stoecker siblings. He is open to considering new ideas, and thoughtfully processing them before making decisive moves. Despite his business acumen, John is slightly in denial about his father’s declining health, and cautiously checks in with his nephew Matt about Bud’s memory condition. A Leo.
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YOUNG DEAN STOECKER (10)
Known affectionately as “Baby” by his mother Lollie, and with a variety of playful nicknames like Deanarino, Deano, and Deanomite from his father Bud, Dean is the youngest optimist in the Stoecker family. A dreamer but a doer like Bud and a softy like Lollie, Dean is both curious and attentive. He observes and absorbs life’s lessons by watching his older siblings. This year, the responsibility of picking the Christmas tree falls to him, and though his patience is tested by the delay, a magical moment with a homemade ice rink orchestrated by Bud shifts his perspective, showing him that what he has is far superior to the ordinary. Dean plays a crucial role in saving the holiday spirit when he sneakily delivers his father’s blueprints to their neighbor, Frank Shrier Sr., securing the unexpected but necessary assistance their family needs.
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DEAN ARTHUR STOECKER (55)
“Baby Dean,” has matured into a handsome world traveler and lover of culture and music who lives life with unbridled zest and an adventurous spirit. He is generous, and kind, and worked hard to become a successful businessman playing a pivotal role in revolutionizing the data science industry. Dean knows how to make an entrance and brings his trademark flair to Kathy’s holiday gathering, arriving with a box of Kleenex, a bottle of wine, and a large framed photograph of Lollie, highlighting his deeply sentimental nature. A Pisces
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MARILYNN CARTER (16)
African American. Marilynn is Lollie’s neighbor, classmate at Manual High, and her ever-giggling best friend. Impressed by Joe’s Hudson convertible, she doesn’t hesitate to jump in for a ride, leaving Lollie to navigate Bud’s attention solo. Her personality adds a light-hearted and lively dynamic, contrasting Lollie’s more reserved nature.
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FRANK SHRIER SR (40 – 50s)
Patriarch of the Shriers, a family of twelve, who live across the street from the Stoeckers. A hardworking and competitive man, Frank Sr is obsessed with having the best Christmas decorations on the block, Five key scenes, including a comedic car race with Bud and a chaotic battle with an oversized tangle of Christmas lights requiring strong physical comedy skills. Despite his relentless competitive streak, Frank reveals his deeper character when he steps up to support Bud during a pivotal moment, revealing his kindness and community spirit. Strong physical comedy skills and ability to portray depth and warmth in serious moments.
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MADELINE SHRIER (40 – 50s)
Madeline Shrier is the nurturing yet quietly stressed matriarch of the Shrier family, consisting of eleven daughters and one son. Her deepest fear is the potential loss of her only son to the war —a fear that turns into reality when his name is picked in the draft lottery of ’69. This moment leads to a powerful emotional breakdown witnessed by Lollie. Madeline shares warm, supportive moments with Lollie and comedic interactions with Frank. Role requires a strong ability to convey complex emotions, often without words, highlighting Madeline’s silent resilience and inner turmoil.
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SHRIER GIRLS (5-14)
Each with her own unique personality, these spirited sisters bring humor and warmth to every scene. The family’s knack for making the most out of the little they have shines through in the girls’ dresses— all matching and all made from the same material as the curtains in their windows. Character types. Must be comfortable ice skating.
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FRANK SHRIER JR. (18-20)
Frank Jr. is the only son in the Shrier family and stands out as a likable young man. Amidst the uncertainty of the draft during the Vietnam War, he embodies the hopes and fears of his parents. At Bud’s Open House, we learn that Frank Jr. is a talented builder who aspires to work for Bud—a dream abruptly threatened when his name is called in the Vietnam draft lottery.
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GLORIA DANGERFIELD (19, 40s)
An overly made-up bleach blonde who first appears in Bud’s class at the University of Colorado in 1947. Drawing inspiration from Gloria Grahame’s iconic character, Violet Bick, in It’s a Wonderful Life, Gloria reappears in 1969 as the Stoeckers’ neighbor, introducing her borderline trashy behavior into the suburban landscape. Her interactions with Bud, especially when she subtly lures him into her home under the pretense of needing handyman work, ignite jealousy and create turmoil for the otherwise stable and secure Lollie Stoecker.
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TERRY DANGERFIELD (18)
Gloria’s teenage daughter who follows in her mother’s footsteps with tight clothes and provocative behavior. She engages in comedic romantic tension and flirtatious moments leading to one on screen kiss with Stephen Stoecker. Neighborhood interactions, ice skating skills a plus.
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NED DANGERFIELD (50s)
Gloria’s short, pudgy, obedient husband. Character type. One on screen kiss with Gloria. 24
YOUNG JON BLISS (18)
Kathy’s high school sweetheart. A football player who wears his jacket proudly. Earnest, nervous, and heartfelt when he meets Bud and Lollie and asks for Kathy’s hand in marriage at a humorous and inopportune moment during church service.
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JON BLISS (65)
Jon is a happily married man to Kathy and helping their son Matt prepare for a big surprise for the family.
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MATT BLISS (40)
Son of Kathy and Jon Bliss, Matt idolizes his grandfather, Bud, and adores his grandmother, Lollie. As a tribute, he sports a tattoo of Bud on his arm alongside another featuring Bud’s original Christmas tree design. Matt’s entrepreneurial spirit leads him to a memorable appearance on “Shark Tank,” where he pitches Bud’s modern Christmas tree. His presentation and heartfelt dedication cements his status as a worthy successor to Bud’s legacy.
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MR ELDRIDGE (70s)
Mr. Eldridge is a warm and friendly familiar face at Bud and Lollie’s church and owns DeeGees, the local convenience store that Bud frequents. Known for his wise words and kind gestures, he shares a special rapport with Bud, exemplified by his thoughtful gift of a Time magazine featuring Buckminster Fuller. Eldridge is also grieving the recent loss of his wife and hopes to find a new home for his loyal dog, “Ruff,” with Bud’s family. When he arrives at the Stoecker home on Christmas day, he surprises Lollie and the kids with an unexpected gift.
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FATHER RICCI (40 – 50)
An Italian priest with a heavy accent and warm demeanor at Bud and Lollie’s church. His accent, while endearing, often makes it challenging for the congregation to grasp his words, adding a light-hearted element to his profound messages about the ongoing war and the reality of loss. Father Ricci’s appearance at Bud’s Open House night is a humorous surprise that underscores the strong community vibe, as he navigates the festive event with both cheer and a touch of miscommunication. This role requires an actor who can balance humor with emotional depth, portraying a character who is both a spiritual guide and a source of comic relief.
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MITCH DUNFREY (40s)
Head of KOA Campgrounds and a potential client for Bud and Joe. Mitch attends the open house party for Delta Vacation Homes, unaware that the event is orchestrated solely for him. He is genuinely impressed by Bud’s innovative designs. After indulging in too much of Lollie’s mystery nog, he informally commits to the deal, only to unexpectedly withdraw the next day due to the escalating war. A charismatic and influential professional, who is swayed by social charm but also reactive to external pressures.
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WELLS STANWICK (60s)
The only banker who truly understands Bud, Wells is constrained by the decisions of his colleagues who deny Bud a loan. When Bud accidentally leaves his ledger behind, and Wells takes a peek inside, his admiration only grows. Wells decides to take a chance on Bud at the last moment and even makes a visit to the Stoecker home to view the product and finalize a loan. But when unexpected tragedy strikes, it puts everything in jeopardy. In a twist of fate, Stanwick calls on Christmas Day, offering Bud a potential lifeline and hinting at the possibility of a Christmas miracle.
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GEORGE STOECKER (36)
Bud’s father. A stoic and well-meaning man, struggling deeply with his own grief over the loss of Bud’s mother at Christmas. Overwhelmed by the loss he faces, George finds it difficult to provide the emotional support young Bud needs during their shared time of sorrow and instead insists he buck up and bury his pain.
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PROFESSOR DISMISSIVE
An uptight professor at the University of Colorado, wearing a monochromatic beige suit, which perfectly matches his stiff and unyielding attitude.
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CRYENCO BOSS (50)
A hard-nosed, results-oriented executive whose only focus is on the financial bottom line. Despite recognizing Bud’s ingenuity, he prioritizes the company’s immediate fiscal interests over all else. Skeptical of changes that threaten the status quo, especially if they imply financial risk or increased costs, he is dismissive and heartless to Bud, firing him days before Christmas. He is the unsympathetic archetype of a corporate leader who values profit over people’s safety and true progress.
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GERTRUDE ALLEN (30s)
Lollie’s crass and unrefined mother who is loud and abrasive. To the detriment of Lollie’s emotional health, Gertrude clearly favors her older daughter Nora. This role requires an actress with vocally forceful chops, capable of intense emotional expressions that reflect deep-seated resentment and struggle.
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NORA ALLEN (18)
Lollie’s frumpy and cruel older sister, who, despite her vicious attacks on Lollie, is the favored daughter and doted on by their mother.
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JOHNNY ALLEN (13)
Lollie’s youngest brother who answers the phone when Bud calls. Rough around the edges and loves to tease Lollie.
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TED & ART ALLEN (16, 17)
Lollie’s rambunctious, cigarette smoking brothers who play football inside the house and are prone to breaking furniture and making their mother scream.
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TOBIN BLISS (38)
Matt’s brother who helps prepare for the family gathering.
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BANKER 1 – Young and pompous.
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BANKER 2 (60s) – Heavyset and balding.
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BANKER 3 (40s) – Tight-lipped and humorless. 42
MORT FLEMMING (30s) – A slick salesman.
