The Melbourne Cold Reading Series was held at the Felix Bar in St Kilda last Thursday. I was lucky enough to attend and have the first couple of acts of ‘Flea’ read out to a small, lively audience and gauge some reaction about how dialogue might be received.
What a fantastic concept for our city of The Arts. (And Nude Bike Riding).
The CRS is in its infancy in this town, but is huge in Vancouver. According to Fi — our host, compare, administrator, coordinator, writer, talented overseer — the Canadian version of the CRS has been known to attract huge names of the stage and screen.
Not yet in Melbourne town, but all it takes is word of mouth, a group of committed, attentive patrons and time to allow a format like this to branch out and rock the ‘new script world’ in a city famous for its love of entertainment.
And it is an entertaining night! There were three scripts read on Thursday. One, a clever noir piece, another a shorter, extremely engaging script of free-flowing dialogue. ‘Flea’ was probably the longest segment read (perhaps the writer is inclined to long-winded conversation?) but it was generally well received.
The actors did a great job and the feedback was encouraging. Thank you to all the performers, organizers and members of the audience (especially those dear family peeps who always rock up and show support, even if it’s just when we’re organizing a cyber scrabble event. Love you, guys, and you are such reliable human shields).
The CRS has provided such a learning experience. It’s something I’ll make an effort to attend as often as possible, and if you’re a fellow/shiela writer of scripts and eager to hear your words ‘read’, I’d encourage you to submit your work to the organizers. It’s also a great place to meet people. Networking (where my written work is concerned) is not one of my strongest points, but I think places like the CRS, with its welcoming, relaxed atmosphere, are the perfect environs to (in the words of a writing collegue on the night) ‘seduce a producer’.
Hmm. Maybe I’m in the wrong line of work!?
This blog is a one-eyed supporter of the Cold Reading Series. More news and posts as they come to hand.
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6 Responses to Cold Reading Series Wrap
Glad it went over well, Rosie!
Maybe I should start a CRS in Portland, Oregon!
Thanks dearie, mc dear. It’s a good idea to start one, you. They are very casual and GREAT for learning and development of material, I reckon.
I’m not sure how difficult it might be to organize (although I could def get an idea for ya) but I imagine it starts very slowly and gains momentum. Maybe we could organize some more newd riding, lol?
Hope the weekend is a goodie.
Rosie recently posted..Bum Steer
Great to hear Rosey, was wondering how it all went. Did you have any say in how the actors played their roles, or was the interpretation left to them?? Was the performance as you’d visualised it would pan out? Anyhoo, whateves, what an incredible teaching/learning aid for you and kudos to you for being selected!!
Onwards and upwards!! Luv ya xoxoxo
Hey sister. It’s been so hectic here (with ET, CRS, MILFs, CIA and iScrabble) that we couldn’t connect Fri. The other old one was awol too, but hopefully next Fri?
Heard you were back in the City o’ Sweat coz you made your move in Scrabble *dies laughing* That’s the only reason, who cares about your trip.
We need to chat soon.
The CRS was really interesting. I don’t know what I expected for Flea, but it was different to how I had read it in my head. The actors were very good, but I had certain preconceived notions for the dialogue. Some of it feel very flat, which showed me that perhaps I think I’m better than I really AM. (you might know that feeling, LOL)
The interpretation of the characters was left to the actor. The narrator had a big role and perhaps it was all too wordy.
Whatevs the situ, it was a night out without the tweenies and there was wine to be had! We miss you heaps. Hope to catch up v. soon. Love you too x
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I’m sorry I missed it dearest -- Thursdays have to be the worst night of the week in this household! I’m really looking forward to all the details, post performance thoughts etc.
F xxx
Hiya Squirty. HOw’s tricks (not that you’re a lady wot performs tricks)
No problermos re Thursday, but you know that. Looking forward to that cuppa and catch up soon. Lots of love to you and the peoples and happy Labour Day xxxx
Rosie recently posted..Bum Steer