A cold read happens
when any member of CR/O  chooses a play, acquires a digital copy, creates an event on CR/O, posts the script (and for online reads, the link to the room), and invites some friends, who download the script, show up on time, and read. It’s that simple. See How It Happens for tips and guidelines.

NOTE. More often than not, allotted time runs out before the final curtain. Plan ahead and schedule a second time to  see how it ends.

The read begins
when the Host announces the title of the play, names the author, introduces the characters, and reads the opening (and subsequent) stage directions.

Then someone  else—
anyone, regardless of gender, age, or type—reads the first line of dialogue and assumes that role; another reads the second and does likewise, and so on, as other characters appear, doubling up for crowd scenes and occasionally swapping roles, so everybody reads the leads.

We don’t perform
(although we don’t discourage histrionics); there is no audience. Some readers are actors; most have never set foot on stage. The game is to discover the play as we speak the lines, like reading a novel.

only we explore a play together and discuss it as we go, not after the fact. After all, a play is dialogue—people talking to each other. Tailor-made for quality time with friends.