NOW AUDITIONING FOR “THE OUTSIDERS”

THE WESTERN RESERVE PLAYHOUSE ANNOUNCES AUDITIONS FOR THE FIRST PLAY IN OUR 2026/2027 SEASON BUILT BY US

THE OUTSIDERS

A Play by Christopher Segel

From the novel by S.E. Hinton

Full-Length Play, coming of age drama

Seen through the eyes of young Ponyboy, a Greaser on the wrong side of life, caught up in territorial battles between the have-it-made rich kids—the Socs—and his tough, underprivileged "greaser" family and friends. In the midst of urban warfare, somehow Ponyboy can't forget a short poem that speaks of their fragile young lives:

Nature's first green is gold, Her hardest hue to hold.

Her early leaf's a flower; But only so an hour.

Then leaf subsides to leaf. So Eden sank to grief,

so dawn goes down to day. Nothing gold can stay.

While the Socs appear to have everything, the only thing a Greaser has is his friends. As these young people try to find themselves and each other, as the sadness of sophistication begins to reach them and their battles and relationships reach a resolution, Ponyboy's dying friend, Johnny, sends him a last message … I've been thinking about the poem that guy wrote. He meant you're gold when you're a kid, like green. When you're a kid everything's new, dawn. It's just when you get used to everything that it's day. Like the way you dig sunsets, Pony. That's gold. Keep it that way. It's a good way to be. This is a play about young people who are not yet hopeless about latent decency in the midst of struggle.

Directed by Sullivan Ratcliff

TUESDAY JANUARY 20th 7pm-1030pm

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 21st 7pm - 1030pm

At the Western Reserve Playhouse 3326 Everett Rd, Richfield, OH 44286

Callbacks as needed Saturday January 24th

WHAT TO KNOW:

We are seeking a diverse cast of 15 or more performers for this teen coming of age story. Performers 16+ are encouraged to audition. Some Roles may be double cast and/or incorporated into an ensemble. Though some named roles are small there will be plenty for all to do.

Rehearsals: Will begin approximately February 8, 2026. Rehearsals will run Monday-Thursday (evenings) and Sunday (evenings) based on cast availability. This is a 6-week rehearsal process with options for lower rehearsal commitment for adult actors.

Performances: March 20-April 4 2026

What to prepare: 

This is a show about being a teenager, coming of age, so bring something you feel that is reflective of this time and that of the play.

ALL ROLES ARE OPEN to all gender identities, races, ethnicities, body types, ages, and abilities. The genders/ages/ ethnicities outlined below indicate who we are looking for to play these parts; however, we will cast the show according to who is best suited for the roles. As a director I am deeply committed to inclusive casting and encourage BIPOC, queer identifying, and gender expansive actors to join us. 

No equity contracts available at this time. All positions are volunteer. 

None of these parts are precast.  All levels of actors wanted!

Roles Available:

PONYBOY

Male-Presenting, Age: Teenager, Ethnicity: Caucasian

In his early teens, a greaser caught between who he is and what the world expects of him

JOHNNY

Male-Presenting, Age: Teenager, Ethnicity: Native American

The youngest greaser, Ponyboy's friend and the gangs moral compass

BOB

Male-Presenting, Age: Teenager, Ethnicity: Caucasian

A Soc teen, entitled, belligerent and unhinged

RANDY

Male-Presenting, Age: Teenager, Ethnicity: Black, Bob's best friend, menacing, loyal and sincere

DALLAS

Male-Presenting, Age: Late Teens-Early Twenties, Ethnicity: Caucasian

A violent Greaser with a long rap-sheet. Has been as far north as New York and has done time in the penitentiary

TWO-BIT

Male-Presenting, Age: Late Teens - Early Twenties, Ethnicity: Hispanic

A smooth talking Greaser who always has something clever to say. 

DARRY

Male-Presenting, Age: Early Twenties, Ethnicity: Caucasian

Ponyboy's oldest brother, caretaker for the family and a hard worker

SODAPOP

Male-Presenting, Age: Late Teens, Ethnicity: Caucasian

Greaser. Middle child. Plays peacekeeper between Darry and Ponyboy

SANDY

Female-Presenting, Age: Late Teens, Ethnicity: Asian

A hard-as-nails greaser with a fierce attitude. Sodapop's girlfriend

CHERRY

Female-Presenting, Age: Teenager, Ethnicity: Caucasian

A sweet soc girl. Brave and thoughtful. Bob's ex-girlfriend

MARCIA

Female-Presenting, Age: Teenager, Ethnicity: Hispanic

A soc girl. airheaded and ditzy. Cherry's friend.

MRS. O'BRIANT

Female-Presenting, Age: Adult, Ethnicity: Caucasian

A parent to country children and school-aide

JERRY

Male-Presenting, Age: Adult, Ethnicity: Caucasian

A parent to country  children and school-aide

DOCTOR

Male-Presenting, Age: Adult, Ethnicity: Caucasian

Works at the hospital. Mature, refined and stoical. 

NURSE

Female-Presenting, Age: Adult, Ethnicity: Black

Works at the hospital. Firm, but kind

MR. SYME

Male-Presenting, Age: Adult, Ethnicity: Caucasian

An English teacher at school. Understanding

PAUL

Male-Presenting, Age: Early Twenties, Ethnicity: Hispanic

A soc. Darry's former friend. Plays football at college

How to sign up:

Please sign up for a 10 minute audition slot below:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C4BA5AB2FABF8C52-61450080-auditions

If you have any questions about the audition process please do not hesitate to contact august@thewrp.org

Produced by special arrangement with THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY of

Woodstock, Illinois



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