Off Campus Stars Antonio Cipriano and Stephen Kalyn Discuss Balancing Emotional Depth and Charisma in Their Roles as Hockey Players
SPOILER ALERT: This article contains spoilers for Season 1 of Prime Video’s Off Campus.
In a recent discussion, actors Antonio Cipriano and Stephen Kalyn shared insights into their characters, John Logan and Dean Di Laurentis, in Off Campus, hinting at their potential growth in future seasons. Both portray hockey players navigating love while balancing their collegiate lives.
Cipriano’s character, John Logan, who plays right wing for the Briar Hawks, embarks on a love story in the second book of Elle Kennedy’s series, The Mistake. Kalyn’s Dean Di Laurentis, a left defenseman, finds romance with Allie Hayes, portrayed by Mika Abdalla, in the third book titled The Score.
The series revolves around four closely bonded hockey players, emphasizing their emotional connections amid a traditionally macho sport. Cipriano and Kalyn commend the creators Louisa Levy and Gina Fattore for presenting these athletes in a more nuanced and emotionally aware manner.
“The coolest thing that I observed when I first read the books and then saw the scripts was that while they are these jocks just enjoying college life, they really possess emotional maturity that I’m excited for audiences to see,” Cipriano explained. “There’s a specific scene between Dean and Garrett (played by Belmont Cameli) in episode 4 that captures this. Dean shares some deep insights, revealing his emotional intelligence.”
Kalyn, who has a background in hockey, agreed with Cipriano’s sentiments. “Louisa and Gina did a commendable job in portraying these hockey players. While the culture can sometimes lean towards toxic masculinity, they made the characters relatable and endearing, showcasing their caring nature without overtly emphasizing their masculinity.”
Cipriano and Kalyn elaborated on their connections to their roles and their aspirations for the evolving dynamics within their characters’ love stories during an interview.
DEADLINE: What did you resonate most with in your characters? How did you connect with them for this show?
STEPHEN KALYN: “Dean’s charisma resonates with me, and like him, I also grew up playing hockey. I understand that rink culture well.”
ANTONIO CIPRIANO: “In this adaptation, Logan is a middle child, which I relate to. I understand that dynamic of wanting to keep the peace within family and friends, making it easy for me to tap into that aspect.”
Kalyn noted the complexity of Dean, whose seemingly superficial persona hides a person with varied interests and skills. “I didn’t know how to play chess before the show, but Mika helped me learn the basics,” he shared, reflecting on the romance he shares with Abdalla’s character.
DEADLINE: Can you discuss the moment when Garrett gives Logan the captain’s ‘C’ and how it resolves their tension throughout Season 1?
CIPRIANO: “From the beginning, there’s tension between these best friends, stemming from a misunderstanding. When they finally recognize each other’s importance, it’s cathartic. For Logan, who often feels like a runner-up as a middle child, it is a significant moment to be acknowledged as a leader.”
DEADLINE: Dean can seem superficial at first, but he has deeper interests like playing chess and the piano. How did you explore those layers?
KALYN: “Thanks to the strong scripts by Louisa and Gina and Elle Kennedy’s book, I could navigate Dean’s complexities. As the season progresses, we delve deeper into his character. I enjoyed showcasing ‘Wisdom Dean’ moments that surprise the audience with his insights.”
Both actors expressed enthusiasm about their characters’ future arcs, particularly the dynamics they would explore in potential solo seasons.
CIPRIANO: “I love The Mistake. The romantic moments and the character interactions are delightful. I’m excited about how they will be portrayed on screen."
KALYN: “The banter between Dean and Allie is entertaining, and I believe fans resonate with their fun relationship.”
DEADLINE: What was the hockey training like?
KALYN: “It’s amusing to see grown men learning how to skate from scratch. During practice, I had a memorable encounter where I ran into Jalen in a drill, which was quite the spectacle.”
The dialogue highlights both actors’ joy in portraying their roles amidst the comedic routine of training and the depth of their characters as they anticipate the stories yet to unfold in Off Campus.
Editor’s Note: This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. Jalen Thomas Brooks’ responses will be featured in a separate Q/A.
