My intention for this production was to evoke a dark and gritty atmosphere that is reminiscent of the streets of Tulsa, Oklahoma. The color palette predominantly featured hues of blue and orange throughout the design. Additionally, warm gold lighting was consistently used to reinforce the recurring "stay golden" motif in the show. One notable detail was my incorporation of an actual streetlamp, rigged as a practical light source. The light came from the prop closet and was patched into the lighting system to be used as a primary light source for various scenes. Furthermore, Ponyboy delivers numerous soliloquy-style monologues directed toward the audience. During these moments, all other lighting was dimmed, isolating him under a single white light while the remainder of the stage remained in shades of blue. After the Soc's death, side lighting cast elongated shadows across the stage, creating an eerie atmosphere. Backlighting was also utilized to enhance the visual impact of the church fire scene, enhancing the fear and emotions from the actors. Harsh lighting was avoided during most of the production, except during the hospital scene where Johnny is dying. The intent was for that scene to convey a sterile, dry, and cold environment, contrasting sharply with the raw emotion experienced as Dally's character is portrayed at that moment.
- Practical street lamp patched in as a single source
- Blue / orange base palette, recurring gold motif
- Isolated white light for direct-address monologues
- Side light for the death scene, backlight for the fire