CASTING NOTICE — THE SWALLOW
Open Space Arts | Fall 2026 Production
Open Space Arts is seeking actors for its upcoming production of THE SWALLOW by Guillem Clua, translated by Tim Gutteridge.
Production: THE SWALLOW
Playwright: Guillem Clua
English Translation: Tim Gutteridge
Director: Laine Rogers
Producer: Open Space Arts
Location: Open Space Arts, 1411 W. Wilson Ave., Chicago
Opening: Weekend of September 12, 2026
Rehearsals: Expected to begin August 2, 2026
Guillem Clua is an internationally produced Catalan playwright whose work includes SMILEY, currently extended through July 19 at Open Space Arts. More information about the playwright is available at guillemclua.com.
About the Play
THE SWALLOW is an intimate two-character drama about music, memory, grief, and the complicated truths that emerge between a teacher and a student.
THE SWALLOW is currently scheduled for an initial run from September 11 through September 27, 2026, with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3:00 p.m.
A possible extension would run from October 2 through October 18, 2026, again with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3:00 p.m.
Compensation: $300 for the initial run, with an additional $300 if the production extends.
Roles
EMILY — 60 — Understudy only
A choral director and singing teacher. Sharp, disciplined, guarded, and emotionally complex. Singing is essential. The actor must be musically confident and comfortable with vocal instruction.
RAY — 35
A young man who comes to Emily for singing lessons. Persistent, thoughtful, vulnerable, and carrying more than he first reveals. Singing is required. The actor should be able to sing truthfully and work musically within the play.
Auditions
Initial auditions should be made by video submission. In-person callbacks are expected to be held at Open Space Arts.
For video submissions, actors should prepare:
A brief contemporary dramatic monologue
A short song or hymn excerpt
Video submissions are due by July 15, 2026.
To Submit
Please send your headshot, resume, video audition link, and any relevant singing materials to:
Please include THE SWALLOW in the subject line.
Open Space Arts is committed to inclusive casting and strongly encourages submissions from LGBTQ+ artists and artists of all backgrounds.
NON-EQUITY STAGE MANAGER NEEDED — THE SWALLOW
Open Space Arts is seeking a non-equity stage manager for its fall production of THE SWALLOW by Guillem Clua, translated by Tim Gutteridge and directed by Laine Rogers.
Rehearsals begin: August 2, 2026
Performances: September 11–27, 2026
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM
Sundays at 3:00 PM
Location:
Open Space Arts
1411 W. Wilson Ave., Chicago
The stage manager will attend rehearsals, maintain production communication and rehearsal reports, track blocking and technical needs, coordinate with the director and production team, and call and manage all performances.
Compensation:
$300 for the initial rehearsal and performance period
Additional $300 if the production extends
This is a non-equity production in an intimate storefront theater. We are seeking someone who is organized, communicative, dependable, collaborative, and comfortable working in a small, fast-moving production environment.
To apply, email a résumé and a brief introduction to openspacearts2022@gmail.com with THE SWALLOW STAGE MANAGER in the subject line.
Open Space Arts is committed to creating an inclusive environment and strongly encourages applications from LGBTQ+ artists and people of all backgrounds.
Lighting Designer Needed — THE SWALLOW at Open Space Arts
Open Space Arts is seeking a Lighting Designer for our fall 2026 production of THE SWALLOW by Guillem Clua, directed by Laine Rogers. This intimate two-character play will be produced at Open Space Arts, our 25–29 seat storefront theater in Uptown Chicago.
Rehearsals are expected to begin in early August, with performances beginning the weekend of September 12, 2026. The production will run for approximately four weekends, with the possibility of an extension. The lighting designer should be available for key production meetings, tech rehearsals, and opening weekend.
The ideal designer will be comfortable working in a small, intimate theater environment and collaborating closely with the director and production team to create a focused, emotionally responsive design. Experience with storefront theater, limited instruments, and low-budget production resources is a plus.
Fee: $300 for the initial run, with an additional $300 if the production extends.
Interested designers should send a brief note of interest, resume or production history, and any relevant portfolio materials or website links to:
Please include “Lighting Designer — THE SWALLOW” in the subject line.
Open Space Arts is committed to creating an inclusive, respectful, and collaborative working environment. Artists of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Non-Equity Stage Manager Needed — THE SWALLOW at Open Space Arts
Open Space Arts is seeking a Non-Equity Stage Manager for our fall 2026 production of THE SWALLOW by Guillem Clua, directed by Laine Rogers. This intimate two-character play will be produced at Open Space Arts, our 25–29 seat storefront theater in Uptown Chicago.
Rehearsals are expected to begin in early August, with performances beginning the weekend of September 12, 2026. The production will run for approximately four weekends, with the possibility of an extension. The stage manager should be available for rehearsals, tech rehearsals, performances, and production meetings as needed.
Responsibilities include supporting the rehearsal process, maintaining production paperwork, communicating rehearsal and production notes, helping coordinate schedules and logistics, and calling/running the show during performances.
The ideal stage manager will be organized, communicative, calm under pressure, and comfortable working in a small storefront theater environment with a close-knit team.
Fee: $300 for the initial run, with an additional $300 if the production extends.
Interested stage managers should send a brief note of interest, resume or production history, and any relevant references to:
Please include “Stage Manager — THE SWALLOW” in the subject line.
Open Space Arts is committed to creating an inclusive, respectful, and collaborative working environment. Artists of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
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 SMILEY, 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, Benjamin Mills, Jack Dugan Carpenter, and Laine Rogers.
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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