an original play written by Holly and Carson McNeal
a Warren Arts production
September 25-27, 2026
at the Park Theater
McMinnville, Tennessee
What’s it about?
It’s about dancing in caves.
It’s about high school gym class.
It’s about sonic drinks with your friends.
It’s about annoying little sisters.
It’s about parents who don’t seem to understand you.
It’s about the girl next door.
Background
In 1998, in a small Tennessee town, mysterious fumes shut down the local high school. The EPA was called in and ultimately declared it a case of mass hysteria—a figment of the imagination that caused over 100 students and teachers to experience very real symptoms.
Potatoes tells the probably, possibly, maybe “true story” of what really happened. Led by a group of friends on an adventure, an annoying little sister, and a healthy dose of ’90s nostalgia, it’s a celebration of childhood friendships and unlikely heroes.
Tech Auditions
We are looking for a few teens to help with non-acting aspects of the play.
If you don’t want to be ON stage, but you are interested in lighting, sound, set building, etc this is for you!
This is specifically for kids who are not auditioning for an acting role. If you audition for an acting role you cannot audition for this as well.
Open to kids in 8th-12th grades.
Tech Auditions/Interviews will be Sunday, June 14th at 4pm at The Park Theater.
Please click the link below to fill out the Tech Audition Form
Acting
Auditions
Open to kids and adults 8th grade and up
Sunday, June 14th, 3pm
Monday, June 15th, 6pm
at The Park Theater
Auditions will be comprised of reading from the script. No advanced preparations necessary.
Click the link below to fill out your audition form in advance.
Keep scrolling to see the available roles.
Available Roles
Tuck- Lead. Teen boy. enjoys DND. Has an annoying little sister.
Tuck’s friends-
Cody- teen boy. the fun one, outgoing. Tries to impress the girls.
Brian- teen boy. Generally scared, but tags along anyway.
George- teen boy. Exchange student from England.
Charlie (Charlotte)- teen girl. The only girl hanging out with the lead boys. Plays dnd with them. Is generally right. No nonsense.
Tuck’s Family
Dad, Paul- adult male. ER Doctor. Played basketball in high school.
Mom, Sandra- adult female. typical 80s/90s mom. Works in an office. Just went back to work after staying home with the kids.
DND Characters
Ranger- female, adult or teen
Cleric- male, adult or teen
Barbarian:-male, adult or teen
Bard- male, adult or teen
Teen Ensemble
Mandy- teen girl, feeling sick in the nurse’s office.
Sarah- teen girl, feeling sick in the nurse’s office.
Sick Student 1- teen boy or girl feeling sick
Sick Student 2- teen boy or girl feeling sick
Sick Student 3- teen boy or girl feeling sick
Girl 1: teen girl
Girl 2: teen girl
Doug- student, petite, nerdy, teen boy
Adult Ensemble
Coach Dunlap- typical gym coach, adult male.
School Nurse- adult male or female
Receptionist- adult male or female
Mrs. Taylor: adult female, math teacher
Reporter: adult female or male
Superintendent of schools: adult male
EPA dudes- 2 people. Adult or teen. Male or female.
About the Authors
Holly McNeal
Holly McNeal began her theatrical experience at First Baptist's Mothers Day Out in Gallatin, TN in 1987. She was the one whose hat fell off. She is now a home educator to her three children and teaches art at Upper Cumberland Inclusive Homeschool co-op.
She has been active with Warren Arts since 2022 when her children discovered a love of theater. She is often found working in the shadows back stage, and more recently painting sets, making props and assistant directing.
Carson McNeal
Carson gets dragged into all sort of endeavors by his wife, but he doesn’t mind. Usually.
By day, he designs and manufactures farm tools. He now spends his evenings designing and building the coolest set to hit Warren County.
He’s been around Warren Arts since 2022, but got really involved last year when he created the giraffe costumes for The Warren Arts Production of The Lion King Junior.