The purpose of NYCPlaywrights readings is to help writers create new plays. So by definition, the plays read at our meetings are not polished, perfected works. While many of our readings are entertaining, newcomers to the group should be aware that some plays will have a raw quality, and clearly in need of changes. Your tolerance is appreciated.

Although our meetings are fairly casual, there is a format we follow:

• People gather between 7 and 7:15. We never know exactly how many people will show up. The attendees are usually a mix of visitors and members. It costs nothing to attend our meetings. Please note that if you sit in on a meeting you may be asked to participate in a reading. We hope you will say "yes" - and don't worry - just do the best you can. A cold reading is difficult, even for experienced actors and we understand that. Besides, you might enjoy yourself and discover hidden talents.
• At 7:15, whoever is running the meeting asks the writers who signed up for reading time on the schedule if they have a preference on whether to go first, last etc. No writer receives more than 30 minutes reading time per meeting, unless there's extra time available.
• Once we figure out who goes when, the first writer selects his/her actors, hands out scripts, and the actors are seated in a row of chairs at the head of the room. Usually the writer asks actors, and other audience members, to participate in the reading, but occasionally the writer will cast an actor prior to the meeting - our actor members can be contacted via our online database.
• Before the reading begins, the writer is asked to tell the audience if they're going to hear a complete piece, or an excerpt of a larger work. Then the writer can share anything else with the audience he/she feels is important about the play.
• The play is read aloud by the cast.
• At the end of the reading, the writer is asked if he/she would like to receive feedback from the audience. The NYCPlaywrights philosophy is that feedback is NOT mandatory. If the writer doesn't want feedback, but rather just wanted to hear the work spoken aloud, that is perfectly fine.
• If the writer wishes feedback, he/she is asked if there are any specific questions he/she has for the audience. The feedback period is usually limited to ten minutes.

  IMPORTANT NOTE about feedback:
  Feedback is the most controversial aspect of our meetings. Most people come to NYCPlaywrights with the idea that feedback is the whole point of having a reading. Jeff Sweet wrote an excellent article, published in the Dramatists Guild magazine, arguing that the most useful feedback comes from watching what the audience does during the reading, rather than what they say afterwards.
  Our readings are not classes, and so the feedback sessions are not exercises in dramaturgy. There is no obligation on the part of the audience members to give feedback, and there are no restrictions on what they may say. The writer may get useful comments, but there are no guarantees. Writers ask for feedback at their own risk. Writers are asked to review the feedback checklist before requesting feedback.

• About half-way through the meeting (usually around 8:30) we take a ten minute break.
• Once all the writers on the schedule have had a reading, other members of NYCPlaywrights will be given the chance to have readings of their work, if time permits.
• Once all work has been read, the meeting is over. Normally the meeting will end between 9:30 and 10:00 PM, but we have occasionally ended earlier.

Any questions? Let us know by emailing nancy@nycplaywrights.org.

Jonathan Alexandratos is in the actors database. See more of our talented, dedicated actors here.