The Value of a Reading Versus a Production

By Nancy Monroe

A PRIME supporter recently asked us why we’re doing readings instead of staging plays for our ‘26-’27 season. The obvious answer is, of course, that a full production is much more expensive than a reading. But there’s more to it than just economics. Here’s Co-Artistic Director Alison Edwards’ response:

“On our end, staged readings allow us to offer plays that would be prohibitively expensive for us to produce in a full-scale way, whether it’s due to the size of the cast or the elaborate nature of the setting and costumes.  For example, CHASING MANET, the first reading in our series, is set in numerous locations (including the deck of the QE2 and beyond!), WHEN WE ARE MARRIED has a cast of 14 and although the cast of  HAY FEVER is smaller, it requires three elaborate Deco costumes for each actor!  

From the audience’s perspective, you see actors standing at music stands, acting their lines with the script in front of them. The stage directions are read by a skilled actor specifically chosen for their ability to paint a picture, so the action of the scene is clear.  The actors rehearse for a week with a director before the reading so they have the opportunity to shape their roles.  In my opinion, the lack of sets and costumes allows the audience to participate in a way a fully produced play doesn’t.  From the brief descriptions the narrator reads, you will be able to imagine the beautiful clothing and ornate rooms of The Gilded Age for yourself. The transition from a nursing home to an ocean liner runs no risk of a clumsy transition and can truly be magical, and as much of a communal experience as a staged play.

In addition, a play reading allows a theater company to preview new plays or to gauge an audience’s interest in certain plays before committing to a full production. That was the case with ABUELITA, where the play was first a reading by PRIME and then a fully staged play.”

Readings are cast as carefully as a production, and the actors and a director are paid. But there’s no need for set, lighting, costume or stage managers. The actors still act, they’re just using their voices and facial expressions to bring their lines alive, rather than their bodies.

But best of all, readings are PRIME’s gift to its supporters, since they are free!