All levels of Writers and Actors are welcome.
This is a learning experience in a safe environment.
This is not a club nor a competition. This is not a spectators event. Readings are solely for the writer(s) and actors benefit. <>If you are not willing to participate as a Writer, Actor, moderator or Director, you will not be allowed in the session.
Constructive suggestion is welcomed, but only if the writer requests it. That being said, there will be no judgement or critique allowed. There are plenty of those people and groups out there. This, is not about that. ;)
The duration of the Table Read event, will span three hours.
Four writers will be selected and allotted forty five minutes each.
Readings will begin fifteen minutes after the session start time start, to allow for a Q&A between the Actors and the Writer.
The piece is not limited to one writer. It can be a piece from a writing team.
Submitted piece must be an original of the writer(s).
Writers are not limited to one event, but will only be allotted one session per event.
Writers can submit as many pieces as they like, as often as they like.
Actors can can participate in all sessions, as often as they like.
A moderator/Director will be in attendance to keep things moving and friendly.
Writers:
FYI. For the allotted 45 minutes, you may bring as many pages or scene(s), as you would like to hear or think you can push into that amount of time. 45 minutes may seem like a long time, but it is not, especially when you consider giving the actors at least 15 minutes to rehearse. This is primarily a cold read and it’s appropriate to give the actors some time to go over their lines. Some actors are seasoned and some are new.
After, if you would like and if you have enough time remaining, allow for some Q&A with the actors and the Director and/or moderator. But only If you would like feedback.
Again, 45 minutes is not really that long at all and will probably go by pretty quickly. Time flies when you’re having fun. But no worries. If the full amount of time is not utilized, we'll start the next writers piece, or end early, depending on where the writer lines up.
You can attach a .pdf of the work you want read, in a private message on here. An alternative would be to give us your genre, rating, the tag line for the full screenplay and a synopsis of what the actors will be reading. Even though it’s is greatly appreciated, you do not necessarily need to send us the work/pages, ahead of time.
We also need an idea of the number of actors that will be needed. Since this is a voluntary participation, it is highly unlikely we will ever have enough actors to cast more than a dozen roles, and even that may be stretching it. Many times actors will be reading for multiple characters.
One or the other will be needed, at least three weeks in advance. If there's a change prior to the Table Read you'll need to be sure to update the coordinators or possibly run the risk of the work being rejected.
You will need to bring printouts of the work to be read. Enough copies for yourself (for notes), the actors and for the moderator and/or Director.
Actors:
Just a side note for actors. Some Writers, are also Directors and Producers. Be keenly aware that, although never guaranteed, participation could potentially lead to possible gigs or good references. But most of all, follow direction, relax and have fun.
Some simple rules that may seem repetitive, but they are important:
First and foremost: The works being read may not be completed works and/or may not be available to the public.
By attending, you agree to the understanding that you are required to maintain confidentiality of direct or indirect information at all times, both during and after participation the event. You will not share, discuss or reveal any of this information about the works with anyone. In addition, you acknowledge that you understand any breach of confidentiality may be cause for legal action.
You also agree that the your picture and/or voice may be used in any promotional material that relates to publicity, without compensation. You acknowledge that your appearance and/or voice may be edited at the sole discretion of Organizers and they are under no obligation to include me the decision to do so.
Sharing your experience about the Table Read is fine and encouraged. Bad mouthing the Table Read means you didn’t enjoy your experience and therefore will not be invited back. I mean, why waste you time and ours, right? :P
Judgement and/or unsolicited feedback will not be allowed.
“Positive” feedback is welcomed. But again, only if requested, by the writer.
Skill level is a non-topic. Once feedback is given, there will be no debate on talent or skill level. There are plenty of classes and workshops out there for that. Again, ‘that’ is not what ‘this’ is about.
The screenplays that are being read, may or may not reveal everything from a full project. If you knew the ending to M Night Shyamalan’s Sixth Sense, from any act or specific pages of a screenplay, the reveal would be far less effective. You are welcomed to ask, but please do not push for details or revealing information. It will be up to the writer to reveal details.
Once you have committed to participate in The Table Read, we’re all counting on you to be there. No call/No shows will not be invited back. We do understand and will acknowledge some extenuating circumstances.
If you don’t agree with any of the rules, you’re under no obligation to attend. It about a good time and the drama will be left to the screenplays. :)
Writers may record their own sessions for further review. Given the availability and time, the organizers may record sessions for writers further review. Portions of any session may be recorded by The Table Read, to promote participation.
The format is not chiseled in stone and suggestions are more than welcome.
It will be up to the sole discretion of the administrators to adjust and/or modify the format or any rules, after a debate between the admins.
And of course, The Table Read always reserves the right to refuse, anything. ;)