_{Director Deanna Martinez in rehearsal with the cast of The Outsiders (2025). Photo by Sayed Alamy.}

Welcome to The Outsiders, Seattle Rep’s very first Young Rep Production Intensive! This milestone is more than a performance; it is a celebration of what happens when young people and their families come together to support art that reflects both timeless truths and the world we live in today.

When S. E. Hinton wrote The Outsiders, she was just sixteen years old, a teenager writing honestly about the struggles, heartbreaks, and fierce loyalties of youth. Her story broke barriers and reminded the world that young people do not have to wait to make art that matters. This production carries that same spirit forward. It is powered by the creativity, courage, and collaboration of young artists working alongside professionals who believe in their voices.

At its core, The Outsiders is a memory play. The story we see unfold is a school essay written by Ponyboy Curtis as he tries to make sense of everything that has happened to him and the people he loves. Through his words, we witness the process of reflection, healing, and understanding that comes with growing up. It is a reminder that memory itself can be an act of art—a way of finding truth through storytelling.

^{The cast of The Outsiders (2025). Photo by Sayed Alamy.}

As you watch, we invite you to tap into your own teenage memories, thoughts, and feelings. Remember what it was like to first discover who you were, to make mistakes, to care deeply, and to learn from the world around you. Whether you are experiencing this story as a young person today or remembering your own youth, we hope it helps you value the ideas, questions, and creativity that young people bring into every space.

To the parents, families, and supporters who have encouraged these young performers to take this leap, thank you. And to the Seattle Rep staff, teaching artists, and production crew who built the scaffolding for their success, your care and dedication make this possible.

^{The cast of The Outsiders (2025). Photo by Sayed Alamy.}

The Outsiders wrestles with growing up, with innocence and experience, and with finding beauty even in a world that can feel divided. It asks us all to hold onto what is good and kind in ourselves, even as we change. In the words that echo through generations: Stay gold.

Deanna Martinez 
Director of The Outsiders
Education & Community Programs Director at Seattle Rep

See The Outsiders for yourself, now playing through November 16 at Seattle Rep.

Tickets