It’s been a year since I created Cold Reads/Online—a Facebook group whose member hosts create events in which anyone, anywhere, can read plays together via video chat. In that time I’ve hosted well over a hundred such events, attended by friends (and strangers) coast to coast.
Continue reading Year End ReportCategory Archives: Charlotte
Charlotte Readers Past & Present
More Than a Hundred over a Dozen Years
Some came once or twice, others attended regularly for years. Many have moved (or passed) away (or on to other things). Our current Cold Reads/Charlotte group has nearly 300 enrolled, most of whom have (sadly) yet to read..
Continue reading Charlotte Readers Past & Present
MTA Post Mortem
Last Sunday I had the opportunity to present Cold Reads to members of the Metrolina Theater Association. We broke the ice by pairing up to read and ramble on 10-minute plays, then shared thoughts as a group. I talked for a while about how a cold read happens, referring to this web site; then we brainstormed on the reasons people do (and don’t) read plays. To wrap it up, the whole group started reading a full-length play we knew we wouldn’t finish.
A full account, including a transcript of my discourse, is posted on the Cold Reads blog. Continue reading MTA Post Mortem
MTA Event
On Sunday afternoon, October 12, I was invited to present Cold Reads to members of the Metrolina Theatre Association. Because I tend to ramble, I scripted the first half of of my presentation as follows, amended to suit a general (non-theatre) audience, with cues to prompt responses during the talkback.
I authorize and encourage (beg) anyone to use it as a guide to pitch the practice. Continue reading MTA Event
For Duke (and Virginia Cate) & Albert
Mission Accomplished!
Thanks to everyone who everyone who gathered with us now and then, Sandra and I have read aloud, with others, all the plays that won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama during its Centennial year, from last May’s Why Marry? to last night’s Hamilton. Hooray for Us!
Down to the Wire
60 Down, 25 to Go
Last May I vowed to read—aloud, with other people—every play to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama during 100th year of its first presentation (on May 16, 1918) and challenged the world to do likewise. Not a soul signed up, for which I take the blame; I can’t convey the concept. Fortunately, a few dozen members of Cold Reads/Charlotte enjoy reading when it suits their schedules, even if they don’t join the blog. Without them I’d never finish. It’s going to be close as it is. Continue reading Down to the Wire
Cold Reads Roots in Charlotte
First, the Golden Circle
Cold Reads was inspired by the late great Nathan Frenkel who, in late 2003, encouraged me to moderate (while he facilitated) a drama group for seniors at the Jewish Community Center in Charlotte. Originally (I’d hoped and assumed) for aging actors like myself (then sixty), the group wound up being mostly raw recruits, old folks who’d always wanted to but hadn’t since their high school play.
Guest List/Charlotte
The following list compiles RSVPs from Facebook, email, and personal invitations. Names in greens are no-shows.
Signed Up for Upcoming Reads
Sunday, May 7: The Flick
George, Sandra, April, Hallie, Peter
Monday, May 9: Top Dog/Underdog
George, Sandra, John, April, Dana
Thursday, May 12: Between Riverside and Crazy
Cold Reads/Charlotte Update
Here’s a list of Pulitzer plays Sandra and I have read with assorted other people since last May 16, noting the ones we’ve postponed, those left to read, and four for which I have yet to find copies.
Cold Reads/International 