Chicago production of SMILEY by GUILLEM CLUA
Presented by Open Space Arts, Chicago
Directed by Jack Dugan Carpenter
Pay: Stipend $300
Performances: June 5 – June 21, 2026
Possible Extension: Into July
Rehearsals: May 2026
Location: Uptown Chicago
Open Space Arts is seeking actors for SMILEY, the internationally acclaimed romantic comedy by Guillem Clua. Smart, funny, and heartfelt, the play follows two men whose unexpected connection begins with a misplaced text message and grows into something neither anticipated.
We are seeking strong actors with comedic instincts, emotional depth, and comfort working in an intimate storefront setting.
ALEX – 30–35. Bartender. Confident, attractive, and socially fluent. A regular in Barcelona’s Circuit bars and clubs. Outgoing, quick-witted, and used to navigating the fast pace of nightlife.
BRUNO – 30–35. Architect. Thoughtful, intelligent, and somewhat reserved. Prefers the more relaxed and mixed Penúltima Bar in the Raval. Grounded, sincere, and less interested in surface impressions. The actor cast as Bruno will also portray several additional characters in brief cameo roles throughout the play.
Please email by April 30:
Send audition materials to:
Use subject line:
SMILEY AUDITION
Open Space Arts is a Chicago storefront theater producing bold, intimate LGBTQ+ work with a focus on actor-driven storytelling and contemporary voices.
NON-EQUITY STAGE MANAGER NEEDED FOR SMILEY
Open Space Arts is seeking a Non-Equity Stage Manager for our upcoming production of SMILEY, a witty and fast-paced two-person comedy from Barcelona, directed by Jack Dugan Carpenter.
This smart, heartfelt play explores love, miscommunication, and unexpected connection between two men who could not be more different.
$300 stipend, plus an additional $300 if the show extends.
Please send a brief note of interest, résumé, and availability to openspacearts2022@gmail.com with SM SMILEY in the subject line.
Join a company creating bold, intimate queer theater in Chicago.
COSTUME DESIGNER NEEDED FOR SMILEY
Open Space Arts is seeking a Costume Designer for our upcoming production of SMILEY, a witty and fast-paced two-person comedy from Barcelona, directed by Jack Dugan Carpenter.
This smart, heartfelt play explores love, miscommunication, and unexpected connection between two men who could not be more different.
$300 stipend, with an additional fee if the production extends.
Please send a brief note of interest, résumé, and availability to openspacearts2022@gmail.com with COSTUMES SMILEY in the subject line.
Join a company creating bold, intimate queer theater in Chicago.
SCENIC DESIGNER NEEDED FOR SMILEY
Open Space Arts is seeking a Scenic Designer for our upcoming production of SMILEY, a witty and fast-paced two-person comedy from Barcelona, directed by Jack Dugan Carpenter.
This smart, heartfelt play explores love, miscommunication, and unexpected connection between two men who could not be more different.
$300 stipend, with an additional fee if the production extends.
Please send a brief note of interest, résumé, and availability to openspacearts2022@gmail.com with SCENIC SMILEY in the subject line.
Join a company creating bold, intimate queer theater in Chicago..
Open Space Arts is a 25-seat storefront theater in Uptown Chicago creating bold, intimate LGBTQ+ work. We specialize in small-cast plays and lean, high-impact evenings that place audiences inside emotionally immediate, actor-driven stories.
Recent productions include DORIAN, MY LIFE AS A COWBOY, GANGSTA BABY, SCANDALOUS BOY, IT’S BEEN TEN YEARS SINCE THEY ALL DIED, MR. PARKER, MERCY KILLING, and LIGHT SWITCH.
Recent guest directors and collaborators have included AARON HOLLAND, TERI TALO, RIKKI BEADLE-BLAIR, MBE, and BENJAMIN MILLS.
We have scripts on file that we are actively interested in producing and are seeking experienced directors for full productions.
We are especially drawn to directors who:
We are also seeking Assistant Directors.
These positions are ideal for emerging directors who want hands-on experience inside a working production. Assistant Directors are active participants in rehearsals and gain insight into artistic leadership, collaboration, and the realities of producing storefront theater.
If there is a play you believe in and feel belongs at Open Space Arts, bring it.
We welcome proposals for:
Projects should align with our mission and work well in a small-cast, intimate setting. If you have been waiting for the right home for a script, this may be it.
Email your resume and a brief note of interest to:
Use one of these subject lines:
Please include a brief introduction, your resume, and links to your website or work.
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