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THE WESTERN RESERVE PLAYHOUSE ANNOUNCES AUDITIONS FOR THE FIRST PLAY IN OUR 2026/2027 SEASON BUILT BY USTHE 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:
--A short speech that you find might be thematically related to the play. Feel free to prepare your own or read the following:
Don’t die, Johnny. Please don’t die. (His pain is making him angry.) This is what you get for tryin’ to help people, you little punk. This is what you get. (Pleading.) Please, Johnny-don’t be dead. (Cracking up. Turns on Pony.) See, Pony! I was crazy for not wanting him to get mean. If he’d been tough like me, he’d never have been in this mess. If he’d got smart like me he would not have run back in to that church. This is what you get for helping people. Wise up, Pony. Get like me and you don’t get hurt. Look out for yourself and nothin’ can touch you. Hear me, Pony. Wise up!
--Cold reading from the script will also be provided
--Please bring all conflicts for the rehearsal and performance process
--VIDEO SUBMISSIONS will be accepted and due to [email protected] by Wednesday Jan 21, 2026 by 1030pm
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
In his early teens, a greaser caught between who he is and what the world expects of him
JOHNNY
Male-Presenting, Age: Teenager
The youngest greaser, Ponyboy's friend and the gangs moral compass
BOB
Male-Presenting, Age: Teenager
A Soc teen, entitled, belligerent and unhinged
RANDY
Male-Presenting, Age: Teenager, Bob's best friend, menacing, loyal and sincere
DALLAS
Male-Presenting, Age: Late Teens-Early Twenties
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
A smooth talking Greaser who always has something clever to say.
DARRY
Male-Presenting, Age: Early Twenties, Ethnicity
Ponyboy's oldest brother, caretaker for the family and a hard worker
SODAPOP
Male-Presenting, Age: Late Teens
Greaser. Middle child. Plays peacekeeper between Darry and Ponyboy
SANDY
Female-Presenting, Age: Late Teens
A hard-as-nails greaser with a fierce attitude. Sodapop's girlfriend
CHERRY
Female-Presenting, Age: Teenager
A sweet soc girl. Brave and thoughtful. Bob's ex-girlfriend
MARCIA
Female-Presenting, Age: Teenager
A soc girl. airheaded and ditzy. Cherry's friend.
MRS. O'BRIANT
Female-Presenting, Age: Adult
A parent to country children and school-aide
JERRY
Male-Presenting, Age: Adult
A parent to country children and school-aide
DOCTOR
Male-Presenting, Age: Adult
Works at the hospital. Mature, refined and stoical.
NURSE
Female-Presenting, Age: Adult
Works at the hospital. Firm, but kind
MR. SYME
Male-Presenting, Age: Adult
An English teacher at school. Understanding
PAUL
Male-Presenting, Age: Early Twenties
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 [email protected]
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
3326 Everett Rd, Bath, OH, United States, Ohio 44286, 3326 Everett Rd, Richfield, OH 44286-9718, United States
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