Description:

Independent Players is pleased to announce auditions for its upcoming production of The Outsiders, adapted by Christopher Sergel from the book by S.E. Hinton. This production is directed by Jonathan Horn and Barry Norton.

Dates/Times:
Auditions for The Outsiders will be held on Monday and Wednesday, 3/4 and 3/6 from 6:30-10:00 pm

Callbacks are by invitation only and will be held on Monday, 3/11 from 6:30-10:00 pm.

Auditions and callbacks will be held at the Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division Street - Eighth Floor, Elgin, IL. 60120.

The Outsiders is a coming-of-age story told by fourteen-year-old Ponyboy, the youngest of the greasers, who is being raised by his oldest brother Darry. The greasers and Socs--the rich kids--do not get along and are always fighting. Cherry, a Soc, shares a connection with Ponyboy due to his sensitive nature and love of poetry. This makes her boyfriend, Bob, jealous, and he, along with a gang of Socs, jump Ponyboy and his best friend Johnny. To save Ponyboy from being drowned, Johnny stabs Bob and accidentally kills him. Ponyboy and Johnny flee into hiding. Later, Ponyboy and Johnny rescue children from a burning church, and Johnny is critically injured during the rescue. Eventually, Johnny succumbs to his injuries but not before leaving Ponyboy with his famous message, "Stay gold Ponyboy."

Characters:
The Outsiders has roles for: 9 male-presenting teenagers/young adults, 3 female-presenting teenagers/young adults, 2 or 3 male-presenting adults, and 2 or 3 female-presenting adults. Extras may also be used in this production. People of all experience levels, ethnicities, gender identities, and abilities are encouraged to audition.

PONYBOY: in his early teens, the youngest of the greasers, must be able to play a wide range of emotions authentically. He's intelligent, sensitive, and emotional but becomes frustrated with himself because he thinks greasers should be tough.

JOHNNY: Ponyboy's friend, 16, dark hair and large eyes, dies onstage. He is skittish from being beaten both at home and by the Socs and has a sensitive side which he only allows to come out around Ponyboy.

BOB: a Soc, late teens, has a drinking problem, nearly drowns Ponyboy but is stabbed by Johnny and dies.

RANDY: a Soc, late teens. Bob's best friend. Starts the show as a typical Soc but changes after losing Bob.

DALLAS: one of the oldest members of the greasers, grew up in NYC. He is the toughest of the greasers and is proud of his already long rap sheet at such a young age.

TWO-BIT: late teens-early 20s, a greaser, the joker and instigator

DARRY: Ponyboy's oldest brother, 20 years old, the leader of the greasers whom they nicknamed "Superman" due to his strength. He is raising his two younger brothers. He's strict, responsible, and intelligent.

SODAPOP: Ponyboy's second oldest brother, mid-teens, easy-going, charming and as handsome as a movie-star

SANDY: Sodapop's girlfriend, pregnant with another boy's child, moves to FL to live with her grandma.

CHERRY: a Soc cheerleader, Bob's girlfriend, nicknamed Cherry because of her red hair, very similar to Ponyboy

MARCIA: Cherry's friend and Randy's girlfriend, pretty, has Two-bit's sense of humor

MRS/MR O'BRIANT: a parent, can be male or female presenting

JERRY: a parent, can be male or female presenting, accompanies Ponyboy to the hospital

DOCTOR: at the hospital, can be male or female presenting

NURSE: at the hospital, can be male or female presenting

MR/MRS SYME: Ponyboy's English teacher, can be male or female presenting

PAUL: early 20s, a Soc, challenges Darry during the rumble because the were football teammates in high school

We will be casting understudies for all lead roles. Understudies will be guaranteed at least two performances in their role(s).