INSIDE OUT
to be presented as an industry reading at OPEN JAR STUDIOS, October 28. Details to follow.
NON-UNION ACTORS WANTED
Send Pic/Res to info@jaymichaelsarts.com attn.: Sloane Casting

High-school senior, Ben, has a life filled with homework, marching-band practice, business club, and all the things his parents believe will lead to a standard, successful path in life. In the midst of all this, he discovers a newfound talent. His parents forbid it, leaving him torn between the pressure to make a living as a cookie-cutter citizen or risk it all to pursue his own track in life.

BEN – High-school senior, has let other people and society construct him. Now is the time for him to define himself. Plays flute in the band, but longs to dance.

BEN’S MOM – Late 30s, compassionate, yet controlling, wants the best for her son as long as it fits her ideals.

MISSY – High-school senior, gruff, tomboy, plays flute in the band. Competition and winning is very important to her. She wants to be the best or at least work her hardest towards it.

VALERIE – High-school senior, decorous with a dash of compassion, plays flute in the band.

KAREN – Mid 30s, fun loving, spontaneous, insightful, compassionate, school bus driver. She and Ben only talk on the bus, when she drives like a speed demon.

BANDLEADER – An authoritative, off-stage voice.

EVAN – High-school senior, attractive, artistic. He’s very personable and makes friends easily everywhere he goes.

ANNOUNCER – An off-stage voice who MC’s the band competition.

JUDGE – An off-stage voice who is a key decision maker for the dance conservatory auditions.

TIME/SETTING:
Present day. A high school in a suburban town.

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Omeed’s Tapestries is a dramatic stage play written by playwright and author Barry M. Putt, Jr. rather than a traditional novel. Published by Next Stage Press, the story follows an Iranian same-sex couple in Esfahan trying to escape their homeland to live authentically.

UNION AND NON-UNION ACTORS WANTED

To be presented as an AEA Showcase production in March 2027

Plot and Themes

Core Themes: It explores the dangers of oppressive cultures, criminalized love, personal ambition, and LGBTQ+ resilience.

The Story: An Iranian shopkeeper and his partner plan to flee Iran after a devout community member discovers their relationship and threatens to ruin their lives.

Inspiration: The script was built on extensive research, including over three dozen interviews and firsthand accounts.

OMEED SHAHIDIAN – 26, caring, protective, runs a tapestry shop with his partner.

AFSHAR MOSâHEB – 24 going on 25, photographer, trendy dresser, jovial, apprehensive, runs a tapestry shop with his partner. He hides his free-flowing demeanor when out in society and only feels comfortable showing it when he’s alone with Omeed.

FARBOD Hajsafi – Mid 40s, patriarchal, aggressive, conservative office worker, continually overlooked despite his achievements and is in desperate need of recognition and advancement.

MAHASTI Hajsafi – Early 20s, respectful, yet energetic, repressed ball of fire, struggles to reconcile life with society’s ideology, wears a chador.

KAHVEH – Late 20s, with a beard, closeted, works in a mosque, follows society’s expectations and obligations.

HOSSEIN – Mid 30s, compassionate, single, owner of an electronics shop.

NAHRO – Farbod’s elite, status conscious boss.

DAY LABORER 1

DAY LABORER 2

Judge Iraj Tabari

Townsperson

Officer Qolam Shojaee – Late 20s muscled.

Officer Bezhad Dabbagh – Early 30s, fierce.

ACCUSED

OFFICER