The Outsider
by StageCenter Community Theatre

Apr. 20 - Apr. 21

Ned Newley doesn't even want to be governor. He's terrified of public speaking; his poll numbers are impressively bad. To his ever-supportive Chief of Staff, Ned seems destined to fail. But political consultant Arthur Vance sees things differently: Ned might be the worst candidate to ever run for office. Unless the public is looking for... the worst candidate to ever run for office. A timely and hilarious comedy that skewers politics and celebrates democracy.

 
​Auditions
April 20 & 21​, 2026
Performances June 4 - 14 , 2026
 
Step into the fast-paced, high-stakes world of political image-making in The Outsider. A sharp, hilarious comedy where perception is everything and chaos is just one misstep away. When an unlikely and wildly unfiltered candidate is thrust into the spotlight, his seasoned campaign team scrambles to keep him on message. As the pressure builds, every interview, every appearance, and every word becomes a potential disaster—or an unexpected triumph.

Packed with rapid-fire dialogue, bold characters, and biting satire, The Outsider is a showcase for comedic timing, physical humor, and dynamic ensemble work. This is a play for actors who love big choices, strong character work, and the thrill of controlled chaos on stage. Whether you’re aiming to steal scenes or anchor the madness, this production offers standout opportunities for performers ready to dive into a wildly entertaining ride.
 
Directed by Ben Zimmer
​Fully underwritten by Warren and Dana Zimmer
 
Cast (Casting can be flexible for some roles)
 
PAIGE CALDWELL – Female, 20s to 40s. A professional pollster. A smart confident woman with a professional’s view of politics: she sees it as a series of contests to be won.

DAVE RILEY – Male 30s/40s. The Chief of Staff to the new Governor. Very smart, but – despite years of experience in government – endearingly earnest and naive on the subject of politics.

LOUISE PEAKES – Female, 30s to 50s. A temporary employee hired as the Governor’s executive assistant. Personable, likable, impressively confident and entirely inept. Without knowing it, she has the air of a politician about her. The friendliness of her smile, and the confident way she looks you in the eye, would make you think, “I’d vote for her.”

NED NEWLEY – Male, 50s/60s. The new governor. A person of impressive ability, but a complete lack of confidence. A man awaiting permission to enter a room in which he is already standing.

ARTHUR VANCE – Male, 50s/60s. One of the most experienced and successful political consultants in the country. His overbearing personality, and confidence in his own opinions over the opinions of others, should make him dislikable, but his ego is more than tempered by the joy – even glee – he brings into the room. He’s a showman, but his excitement is 100% genuine, and it’s contagious.

RACHEL PARSONS – Female, 30s. A TV reporter. She has the looks to be an on-air correspondent – though, if television had never been invented, she still would have been a journalist. Straightforward and honest, and inquisitive by nature. She’s seen enough of life – and politics – to be cynical, but she’s more apt to make a wry joke.

A.C. PETERSEN – Male, 30s to 50s. A TV camera man. A working man, and – for most people – the guy you didn’t notice was there. Which is fine with A.C.; he has a low tolerance for idiocy and would rather not interact with anyone. His near-silence doesn’t make him seem unfriendly, just a bit of a mystery.