Writing a Ten Minute Play and Staged Readings

Introduction

"Probably the greatest gift a staged reading offers a playwright is the opportunity to discover what works and what doesn't. It can answer questions you may have about your play and present new ones, as well. It's a way to get a fresh perspective on your work and get creatively re-energized. A staged reading is intended to launch you into your next re-write; it is not, therefore, for those who feel that the play is already "done" or "perfect." You may also use your staged reading as an opportunity to showcase your play for any local theater companies and/or directors who may be interested in producing your work.” -- The Playwrights' Center of San Francisco

Staged Readings

Please watch the presentation below to be introduced to stage readings and learn more about the participants.

Click HERE to download a copy of the Staged Readings presentation notes.

Preparing for the Rehearsal

Once the cast is selected, either through an audition process or simply through selecting willing participants, a rehearsal schedule is set for preparing the reading for the day of the performance. Where possible, the director should be the sole selector of the cast. The playwright is often allowed at the auditions, but not responsible for making the final selections. This distancing of the playwright from the people that will work with the text for the audience helps to ensure that the words on the page are enough to communicate the intended ideas to the actors without outside interference. During the rehearsal process, the script should be treated as a working document at this stage, where suggestions can be made by the director to the playwright for consideration. At no point should the playwright feel that changes MUST be made. The playwright has ultimate control over the script.

The Rehearsal Process

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