Play Readings ─ A Complete Guide for Theatre Practitioners

Play Readings: A Complete Guide for Theatre Practitioners demystifies the standards and protocols of a play reading, demonstrating how to create effective and evocative readings for those new to or inexperienced with the genre. It examines all of the essential considerations involved in readings, including the use of the venue, pre-reading preparations, playwright/director communication, editing/adapting stage directions, casting, using the limited rehearsal time effectively, simple "staging" suggestions, working with actors, handling complex stage directions, talkbacks, and limiting the use of props, costumes, and music. A variety of readings are covered, including readings of musicals, operas, and period plays, for comprehensive coverage of this increasingly prevalent production form.

Rob Urbinati is a freelance director and playwright based in New York City, Director of New Play Development at Queens Theatre, Literary Manager of The Private Theatre and Artistic Adviser for Houston Family Arts Center. In New York, he has directed for The Public Theater, Classic Stage Company, York Theatre, The Culture Project, Abingdon Theatre, Pearl Theatre, Ensemble Studio Theatre, Cherry Lane Theatre and New York University. He has also directed at theatres and universities across the country. Rob's plays as a writer include "Hazelwood Jr. High," "West Moon Street" and "Death By Design," all published by Samuel French, and which have received over 70 productions world-wide.