THE ROCKET MEN

by Crystal Skillman

The Rocket Men is in the middle of a National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere. Phoenix Theatre (Artistic Director: Constance Macy), started the roll in Fall 2025, then the play was done at Synchronicity Theatre (AD: Rachel May). Upcoming in 2026: Angels Theatre Company (AD: Timothy W. Scholl). Oregon Contemporary is the West Coast premiere happening in early 2026. The play was originally commissioned by the Alabama Center for the Arts and has been featured on NPR.

Six women step into the roles of the former Nazis who sent us to the moon to share with us a story about the team that formed the backbone of NASA in the most unlikely of places...North Alabama. A startling new play about the intersection of scientific exploration and moral responsibility, “The Rocket Men” asks what it means “to be an American”.

Six women step into the roles of the former Nazis who sent us to the moon to share with us a story about the team that formed the backbone of NASA in the most unlikely of places...North Alabama. A startling new play about the intersection of scientific exploration and moral responsibility, “The Rocket Men” asks what it means “to be an American”.

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THE ROCKET MEN

Recommended by

  • Deborah Yarchun: THE ROCKET MEN by Crystal Skillman
    “

    A fascinating, theatrically innovative exploration of the complexities of history and the sometimes darker sides of technological advancements. Crystal’s play looks at a side of history few people know about and tackles it in a compelling way – truly worthy of a stage. I can’t wait to see a production of this play!

    A fascinating, theatrically innovative exploration of the complexities of history and the sometimes darker sides of technological advancements. Crystal’s play looks at a side of history few people know about and tackles it in a compelling way – truly worthy of a stage. I can’t wait to see a production of this play!

    ”
  • Kareem Fahmy: THE ROCKET MEN by Crystal Skillman
    “

    An utterly original look at a largely forgotten moment in history. Crystal expertly weaves together threads of science, war, compassion, and regret. Highly recommended.

    An utterly original look at a largely forgotten moment in history. Crystal expertly weaves together threads of science, war, compassion, and regret. Highly recommended.

    ”
  • Larry Bliss: THE ROCKET MEN by Crystal Skillman
    “

    I was drawn to The Rocket Men because of my fascination with America's manned spaceflight program, and stayed for its astonishing theatrics. Crystal's dialogue is razor-sharp and her stage directions project an engrossing spectacle that effortlessly pulls the audience through a complex history of political maneuvers and technical derring-do. The climax is shattering--and sobering.

    I was drawn to The Rocket Men because of my fascination with America's manned spaceflight program, and stayed for its astonishing theatrics. Crystal's dialogue is razor-sharp and her stage directions project an engrossing spectacle that effortlessly pulls the audience through a complex history of political maneuvers and technical derring-do. The climax is shattering--and sobering.

    ”
View all 10 recommendations
These six roles are to be played by female-identifying and non-binary actors who step into their roles. Casting should reflect a diversity of race, ethnic background, physical type, and ability. The character list notes their ages in history, but you don't need to match that age; they can be cast younger, as each actor steps into their role. This casting reflects an examination of the history and asks in history whose names are remembered? Why?

Development History

Production History

  • University, Athens State University, Calhoon College , 2023

Awards

  • O'Neill Play Conference
    Semi-Finalist
    2024