Information for Actors
“When people ask me how to break into independent film, I tell them about The Cold Reading Series.”
– Benjamin Ratner, Actor, Writer, Director
Are you an actor looking for an opportunity to hone your cold reading skills live on stage? At the CRS we cast brand new scripts on the spot and then watch them fly in front of a live audience.
No rehearsals. This is live.
We cast live on the night from the pool of available actors in attendance, always doing our utmost to serve the writers' work. If you're interested in reading, come on down when the doors open and introduce yourself at the casting table. Give us your name, pronouns if you want to share them, and your 3-word casting "hit", and then mingle with your colleagues until the show starts. If we have a role for you, we'll let you know and provide you with a script ASAP so you can have a quick skim. Don't worry about memorizing - this is a cold read, after all!
Questions? Shoot us an email!
Getting in on the act:
Not cast your first time out? Keep coming back! Scripts change every month and so do casting needs! Plus, the better we get to know you, the easier it will be for us to know how to cast you.
Tips for Actors:
When you are given a role, go through your script! Don’t hesitate to talk to the writer and ask questions. You are representing their work.
The purpose of the Cold Reading Series is to allow the writer to hear their work read aloud. So stick to what’s on the page. No ad-libbing or improvising, please.
This is a seated reading. No rehearsal = no blocking.
Consider going through the script with actors reading the other roles, this will help create a more cohesive reading on stage.
Project your voice for everyone to hear. Use your “theatre” voice!
Keep a good pace and be alive when you read. A lively pace brings energy to the story.