STAGE READINGS???????

[ParkerLays98]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 5:19pm

My friend just got me tickets for 'Jesus Hopped the A train' the benefit reading on June 22nd and i've never been to a benefit reading so i was hoping that someone would tell what exactly benefit readings are like because i honestly cannot see how a production can be put on with scripts in the actor's hands....

[SirNotAppearing]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 5:19pm

I DON'T KNOW??????????????????????????????

[ParkerLays98]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 5:22pm

What do you mean you dont know...

[Patash]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 5:27pm

Most of them that I've seen, the cast sits on chairs or stools with music stands in front of them that hold the scripts. They simply read the script. Sometimes, actors will stand and step forward as they read scenes together. Usually there is NO attempt at costume, props, or any other scenic elements. Take your imagination.

[Mealz1042]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 5:28pm

well... thats what a reading is. They don't need to have lines memorized, they usually sit in chairs, sometimes stand when it is their turn to speak, and someone else just reads the stage directions. It's an early stage of a show, no blocking is done or anything like that.

[ParkerLays98]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 5:28pm

Thank you so much!

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 5:32pm

Great play. I saw it at the Edinburgh Festival back in 2001 (I believe it was directed by Philip Seymour Hoffman) and again at the Steppenwolf Garage in Chicago. Even without the staging, the script stands on its own.

[ILoveMyDictionary]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 5:35pm

I was in a staged reading once. It's actually pretty cool. With only one rehearsal the cast was in great shape. We had minimal blocking, where people would enter and exit the stage. Sometimes just stand when it's their turn to speak. It's a great chance to see new works in their early stages.

ETA:// If the actors are any good you'll forget they're even holding scripts. Most of the actors should have read the play several times over before the reading and should have a good idea of what their lines are. No one should have their faces buried in the script stumbling over lines. Updated On: 6/18/08 at 05:35 PM

[MasterstonHEIGHTS]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 5:40pm

It's going to be great. I'm excited about this, it's going to be more than a staged reading, if you go labtheater.org you see Stephen adly guirgis the playwright talking about how they are going to have props and get really into it. I can't wait to see it, i remember seeing it when it first premiered a couple of years ago. The script is immense and so are the actors, its great all the original actors are coming back for the reading! I just hope it doesn't rain!

[ParkerLays98]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 5:56pm

Thank you, i just saw the video! I've got to see Hamlet in the park too, that's cool that they were at the opening. I wonder if the reading is the successful if they would transfer it to broadway? Is that a possibility?

[jordangirl]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 7:59pm

The one staged reading I've been to was neat. There was a narrator who would read the set/stage directions so you had a clue. The actors all had books...though one of them was somewhat off book. She also happened to be the only one who I really felt like was acting her role rather than just reading it. Very interesting experience. But I'd definitely go to another one.

[TooDarnHot]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 9:51pm

WHY DID YOU USE SO MANY QUESTION MARKS???????????????????????

reminds me of MammaRose<3 ....