Newbie OT: Where can I get my play read?

[chaplin]

Posted: 12/15/08 at 8:46pm

I've written a three act comedy called "The Late Great Me", and I'm having difficulty getting it read. It seems every time I try to contact a theater troupe I get no responses.

I generally write screenplays and this is the first play I've written.

Can anyone point me to where I can get my play read and hopefully produced?

Also, would posting this message in the other forums be beneficial?

Thank you for all your help,

Sal

[B3TA07]

Posted: 12/15/08 at 8:52pm

Hahaha

[Taryn]

Posted: 12/15/08 at 9:50pm

Send it to lots and lots of theatres. And then to some more.

When I worked in the literary department of a regional theatre this past summer, this is how play submissions worked:

If you have a literary agent, have them send the full script.
If you don't have a literary agent, send a 10-page sample with a summary.
They don't read full unsolicited scripts from writers without representation.

I imagine it's similar at most places. If you just keep sending an unsolicited full script, they could just not be reading it because of protocol. Professional theatres get tons of scripts. Start sending samples.

[chaplin]

Posted: 12/15/08 at 9:56pm

Thank you for such a positive response.
It was so much more encouraging than the previous post which consisted of "hahaha".

Thank you again Taryn

Posted: 12/15/08 at 10:15pm

there are a lot of haters you have to weed through on this thing (people who talk rather than actually do). Good luck to you! the world needs more artists and less critics! and taryn is right about the lit game. it's a catch twenty two. You usually need a rep before you can submit, but a rep won't take you until you've proven somewhere that you can make them some cash. If it were me, I'd just find actors I trust that share your vision and start small. put it up in a barn if you have to, but get it out there. Then invite reps (and their assistants!) many of the more industrious assistants at talent agencies want to be agents themselves and go out on the look out for fresh undiscovered talent they can bring into the company. it's all a process and there is no one way to do it, but getting a rep is always a good start.

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 12/15/08 at 10:37pm

I will read it. Can you send it in a pdf or word doc?

[Madcap Maisie]

Posted: 12/15/08 at 10:43pm

just keep on sending it!!!

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 12/15/08 at 10:44pm

Where does one find a literary agent, then?

[wonkit]

Posted: 12/15/08 at 11:22pm

To keep your spirits up, read Helene Hanff's UNDERFOOT ON BROADWAY, all about trying to be a writer. She is most entertaining.

[chaplin]

Posted: 12/16/08 at 6:54pm

SueleenGay,

If you post your email or "PM" me your infomation, I'll be happy to send you my play in .pdf format...

Thank you for the opportunity.

[BigFatBlonde]

Posted: 12/16/08 at 7:09pm

Get a copy of the DRAMATISTS SOURCEBOOK

http://www.amazon.com/Dramatists-Sourcebook-24th/dp/1559362944

[chaplin]

Posted: 12/16/08 at 7:25pm

BigFatBlonde,

Thank you so much for the link, I'll order it tonight...