Before going ahead with this table read, I have decided to do some research on them. This is so I am aware as to what usually happens during a table read, and what I need to prepare beforehand.
Table reads are when actors gather together around a table to read the script aloud, and give the producers an idea as to what the final production will sound like. Usually when the writer is writing the script, they can only hear the voices in their hands, so by having actors speaking the lines of dialogue, the writers are able to adjust the dialogue to suit the actors vocabulary. Sometimes table reads are useful in getting project 'off the ground' by inviting investors and having good actors reading the script in order to sell the material.
https://www.actinganswers.com/what-is-a-table-read/
Table reads have many advantages; getting the cast and crew together so they bond, hearing the script being read by the actors playing the roles, and helping with the script development. They can sometimes be the make or break point for the actors that have been cast - if the director or producer don't like an actor(s) and don't think they are good for the part, they can fire them, so it's quite important in the development of the show.
https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/casting-director-note/why-table-reads-are-just-important-auditions/
Once your script has a stable structure, plot and character issues, then a table read is the next step in adjusting and developing the script.
Before the table read, there are a few things that need to be prepared in order to make it fun and effective.
Firstly, you need to establish a location for the read. You need a big enough space to fit all cast and crew into the room, but it doesn't have to be somewhere specific - this means that you can use a living room or familiar place if you want to. Some people like to have an actual table for everyone to sit around, whereas others may prefer to be more casual and have couches or arm chairs to people to sit in. Either way, you need to make sure it's comfortable and a pleasant experience for the cast and crew.
Secondly, there needs to be plenty of food and beverages. Have some water on hand, along with other options such as juices, coffee and tea, etc. In terms of food, it's not necessary to prepare a meal for everyone, but make sure there are snacks for people to pick at and take when they are hungry. Snacks such as sandwiches and pastry would be a good option, but remember to cater to everyone.
Thirdly, be prepared with paper and pens. You might want to have highlighters, a stapler and other stationary tools, but you will definitely need a pen. This is so you can make any notes on your script and sign contracts and so on. It's also useful to record the event so you can watch it over and see if you've missed any changes or ideas the cast may bring to the table read.
Lastly, make sure you send the actors the final script so they are prepared before the table read. They need enough days to read it and do any prep work of their own for their role. This means, when they read the lines at the table read they know their lines somewhat, and they can prepare emotions and personalities for their roles.
http://www.scriptmag.com/features/write-direct-repeat-hosting-a-table-read-for-your-script
After having a tutorial with Simon, and telling him about our upcoming Table Read, he gave us a few ideas and tips in order to make it effective and interesting for the cast.
Table reads are when actors gather together around a table to read the script aloud, and give the producers an idea as to what the final production will sound like. Usually when the writer is writing the script, they can only hear the voices in their hands, so by having actors speaking the lines of dialogue, the writers are able to adjust the dialogue to suit the actors vocabulary. Sometimes table reads are useful in getting project 'off the ground' by inviting investors and having good actors reading the script in order to sell the material.
https://www.actinganswers.com/what-is-a-table-read/
Table reads have many advantages; getting the cast and crew together so they bond, hearing the script being read by the actors playing the roles, and helping with the script development. They can sometimes be the make or break point for the actors that have been cast - if the director or producer don't like an actor(s) and don't think they are good for the part, they can fire them, so it's quite important in the development of the show.
https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/casting-director-note/why-table-reads-are-just-important-auditions/
Once your script has a stable structure, plot and character issues, then a table read is the next step in adjusting and developing the script.
Before the table read, there are a few things that need to be prepared in order to make it fun and effective.
Firstly, you need to establish a location for the read. You need a big enough space to fit all cast and crew into the room, but it doesn't have to be somewhere specific - this means that you can use a living room or familiar place if you want to. Some people like to have an actual table for everyone to sit around, whereas others may prefer to be more casual and have couches or arm chairs to people to sit in. Either way, you need to make sure it's comfortable and a pleasant experience for the cast and crew.
Secondly, there needs to be plenty of food and beverages. Have some water on hand, along with other options such as juices, coffee and tea, etc. In terms of food, it's not necessary to prepare a meal for everyone, but make sure there are snacks for people to pick at and take when they are hungry. Snacks such as sandwiches and pastry would be a good option, but remember to cater to everyone.
Thirdly, be prepared with paper and pens. You might want to have highlighters, a stapler and other stationary tools, but you will definitely need a pen. This is so you can make any notes on your script and sign contracts and so on. It's also useful to record the event so you can watch it over and see if you've missed any changes or ideas the cast may bring to the table read.
Lastly, make sure you send the actors the final script so they are prepared before the table read. They need enough days to read it and do any prep work of their own for their role. This means, when they read the lines at the table read they know their lines somewhat, and they can prepare emotions and personalities for their roles.
http://www.scriptmag.com/features/write-direct-repeat-hosting-a-table-read-for-your-script
After having a tutorial with Simon, and telling him about our upcoming Table Read, he gave us a few ideas and tips in order to make it effective and interesting for the cast.
- Make sure to be in a good environment and have enough time for casual conversation.
- By having time for conversation it means our cast, and ourselves, will have time to get to know each other, making working with one another a lot easier and enjoyable.
- Also the environment needs to make them feel relaxed and at ease, rather than uncomfortable and unhappy.
- We are planning on using one of our lecture rooms, and presenting some food, snacks and drinks on a table in the room, so the cast are free to eat whenever they want to. We will also layout the chairs in a circle so everyone can see one another, meaning conversation might come easier for all of us.
- The first time you read through the script, the director needs to read the actions along with the actors dialogue.
- This is so the actors know what will be happening between their lines of dialogue and also it gives the writers a good sense of what the show will look like in terms of acting and performance.
- When hearing this tip, I thought it was a really good idea so for our first read through of the script, I will be reading the action along with the actors. I think this will give us a good idea as to how the show will look, but also it will create some sort of structure to build off of.
- After the first read through, open the floor open for suggestions on dialogue or the script from the actors.
- It's important that the actors have some contribution to their own parts of dialogue, but also the actions.
- This way they feel more involved with the project and it creates a better relationship between everyone in the cast and crew and also the script they will be performing.
- Make sure to record the table read - something the DOP will be in charge of.
- This is so we can look back through it and make notes on the script changes depending on the actors natural dialogue and syntax.
- It also makes sure we are concentrating in the moment rather than making notes and having everyone wait for me or Laura or anyone else to finish making them before carrying.
These tips are going to be really helpful, and we're going to make sure we take all of these into consideration when it comes to our own table read. I'm going to read the action parts of the script during the first read through, and then let everyone bring their own suggestions to the table about the script or characters. I think by allowing time for discussion it will bring us all closer as a team and we're able to bring more depth and development into the story and characters.
I'm looking forward to our table read, and I think it's going to be a big learning experience hearing the actors read through the lines myself and Laura have written previously. We're planning on booking out one of the lecture rooms in our base room and setting it up so there is an area of sitting and an area of food. It will be as comfortable and casual as possible, as we want everyone to feel relaxed and we want it to be enjoyable.
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