Rehearsals for the Torrey Pines Player’s spring production “The Outsiders” began March 10, after the production’s auditions from March 3 to 5.
“The Outsiders” is a theatrical musical adaptation of the best-selling novel by S.E. Hinton, which is part of the seventh grade English curriculum in district middle schools, as well as “everyone’s favorite,” according to Sandra Geminiani, Introduction to Professional Theatre, Intermediate Professional Theatre, English 10 and AVID 10 teacher.
“It also presents a fun challenge because people really know these characters, so you better play them well,” Geminiani said.
The coming-of-age work explores class conflict between two rival social groups, “Socs” and “Greasers,” centered on the young protagonist Ponyboy in 1960s Tulsa, Oklahoma.
“I’m hoping that the fact that they all read it and probably most loved it in middle school will make it a performance that is meaningful to … people who might not have thought about coming out to the theater before, but just heard that title and got excited,” Geminiani said.
The auditions consist of improvisational exercises, a prepared monologue and chemistry reads, to name a few. Confidence and attitude are standout factors in making casting decisions. Geminiani treats casting “like a puzzle,” fitting students into the right roles.
“[We are looking for] someone who is just excited to be here and … isn’t stuck on just being this one role or nothing, someone who is ready to exhibit teamwork and hard work and dedication, because that’s what it takes to make a performance great,” Geminiani said.
Technical director Xavier Carrillo, who runs technical theater operations in all art programs, added that intent is something he is always looking for.
“There’s already a premise set for you, but I’m a [big] believer [for you to] add your own creativity,” Carrillo said “Add your own sauce [because] we’re all chefs in here. Add your own little seasonings. [It] might help you stand out.”
Once the cast is determined, the work begins. Technical rehearsals, scene work and set building are just a few of the factors that the cast and crew consider. This production’s main challenge will be adapting to and working with the Experimental Theater, known as the “black box.” Risers encircle the smaller stage from three sides, creating a more “personal” and “intimate” atmosphere, according to Geminiani. This is a contrast to the conventional Proscenium Theater, which was used in the school’s two past shows this year, and presents its share of obstacles.
“All the emotions have to look realistic,” Geminiani said. “You can’t fake cry as easily … because the audience is very close, so you can’t get away with as much as you can on the Proscenium stage. So I’m looking forward to seeing how that is different since I’ve never done it.”
In previous years, productions in the black box were much more common, according to Elaina Constenible (12), president of TP Players and assistant director of “The Outsiders” production.
“It is … a return to the style that we were doing when we [had a smaller] audience,” Costenible said. “So I’m excited for us … now that we have [a bigger] audience, with [Geminiani] and some more funding for the TP Players, for people to see the style that we used to do, but of course, elevated with a new director.”
The crew will determine technical executions in lighting, sound and set. Carrillo enjoys “that pressure” and loves the challenge. For instance, the crew has to work out how to “set the church on fire without it being on fire,” to replicate scenes from the musical and book.
“The soundscape for this show will be extra exciting because there’s gonna be fight scene noises and lots of raining and dramatic sounds,” Constenible said.
Looking towards the future, Geminaini hopes to give the cast and crew experience in a variety of settings and will strive to perform in the Experimental Theater at least once a year.
“When it comes to the black box, we’ve had the most change,” Carrillo said. “[It’s] when we get to [be the] most creative.”
