Teleprompter Script Readings

I’m playing with using a teleprompter as a low cost, less fussy way to present dynamic, engaging and insightful play readings for performance and development.

Scripts - especially play scripts - are first and foremost a proxy for speech. It’s very difficult to tell whether a play ‘works’ on the page. Some people are good playreaders, and/but it’s a highly specialised skill. I know that my plays aren’t ready for further development or performance until they’ve had readings. Things get more complex with screenplays - because screen is primarily a visual medium. But I believe scripts for film and TV also benefit from readings.

Audiences love play readings. There’s a sense of electricity - a new play born before your ears - or an old play rediscovered. Producers love play readings because they cost virtually nothing compared to a production and you can still charge a few bucks a seat and get a decent crowd. Actors love them because they get to exercise their performance muscles, hang out with other actors, and perhaps get cast in the show if it goes ahead. Play readings are a win-win-win.

I experience three problems with play readings that I fe…