AUDITION NOTICE — American premiere of MY LIFE AS A COWBOY by Hugo Timbrell
Open Space Arts, Chicago Pay: $300 stipend
Performances: Jan 23–Feb 8, 2026 (possible extension)
Rehearsals: January 2026 Location: Uptown Chicago
Script info: Read the play/script here
ROLES
CONOR — Male-identifying (17, actor 18+)
Gay, imaginative, anxious, wants to be “somebody.” Earnest, funny, full of hope. Skills: Good dance ability a strong plus.
ZAINAB — Female-identifying (17, actor 18+)
Conor’s witty and loyal best friend. Confident, grounded, and full of heart. The character is written as British-Muslim, though her religious identity functions as background context rather than a central storyline.
MICHAEL — Male-identifying (late teens–early 20s)
Charming lifeguard with surprising depth. Skills: Some guitar + singing helpful (not required).
SELF-TAPE REQUIREMENTS
ALL ROLES:
ADDITIONAL SKILL TAPES:
TO SUBMIT Email osaauditions@gmail.com with:
Subject line: COWBOY AUDITION – YOUR NAME
Open Space Arts seeks a Non-Equity Stage Manager for the American premiere of MY LIFE AS A COWBOY by Hugo Timbrell, a funny, heartfelt queer coming-of-age play about a 17-year-old Croydon boy who dreams of reinventing himself as a Country Western dancer—roping in his best friend and fellow lifeguard for a wild performance at Croydon People’s Day.
This is an intimate, three-actor production featuring movement, line dancing, and some live music (guitar/singing). The Stage Manager will be central to supporting choreography, tracking props/costumes, and maintaining the show’s brisk comedic rhythm.
A $300 stipend will be provided.
Open Space Arts produces bold, intimate LGBTQ+ theater with small casts and big resonance. Past productions include Scandalous Boy, Mr. Parker, Mercy Killing, Gangsta Baby, Light Switch, and Dorian.
MY LIFE AS A COWBOY offers a chance to help launch a brand-new queer play in its American premiere in a supportive storefront environment.
Send your resume and a brief statement of interest to:
📧 openspacearts2022@gmail.com
Use subject line: “SM – MY LIFE AS A COWBOY”
Open Space Arts (OSA) is seeking visionary, collaborative directors for upcoming full productions and staged readings of new plays, classics, and screenplays that uplift the rich, diverse spectrum of LGBTQ+ stories.
Based in our intimate 25-seat storefront theatre in Uptown Chicago, OSA produces small-cast works and bold 90-minute experiences that invite audiences into immersive, emotionally resonant worlds. Recent productions include GANGSTA BABY, SCANDALOUS BOY, it’s been ten years since they all died, MR. PARKER, MERCY KILLING, and LIGHT SWITCH. We also develop fresh interpretations of LGBTQ+ classics and champion overlooked works that deserve new life.
We are seeking directors who bring:
To Apply
Please email your resume and a brief note of interest to openspacearts2022@gmail.com
with “DIRECTOR” in the subject line. Tell us about your artistic background, your directing style, and any plays or projects you feel align with OSA’s mission.
Join us in bringing bold, authentic LGBTQ+ stories to life on the Chicago stage
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