What is a table read? 8 essential tips
You’ve got the part and been sent the script: now it’s time for the table read. As the name suggests, this is when the team gets together around a table, probably for the first time, and reads through the script out loud. If you’ve never taken part in a table read before, here’s a quick run-through of what to expect.
What is a table read in acting?
A table read is a script read-through that takes place when a production has been scripted and cast, usually towards the end of the preproduction stage. The director, writer, cast and possibly other crew members get together for a structured reading, which can take place anywhere depending on the scale and size of the production (a studio, a hotel meeting room, the director’s kitchen…).
Why are table reads important?
The table read is the first chance that the director has to see the cast in action, the writer has to hear their words spoken out loud by the cast, and for the said cast to work together. As you can imagine, there are multiple strands of learning and feedback going on here, so it’s an incredibly helpful exercise.
Here are a few of the things that the director hopes to achieve during this script read-through. The first table read:
- Begins to develop the chemistry between the cast members, and indeed, build the relationships within the entire crew.
- Identifies areas of dialogue that work really well and not so well. Until the actors begin to deliver the script, it can’t be fine-tuned. The writer receives immediate feedback during the read-through.
- Makes sure that the casting is right, and that the actors will work well together.
- Fires up the director’s imagination. Further fires up, that is. We assume that the director is already pretty inspired, but the read-through is a great moment to spark further ideas.
- Ideally involves other department heads, from sets to costume, who’ll start to get a better idea of what they’re working with.
- Problem solves. If any potential issues are spotted, this early stage is the best time to sort them.
- Is good fun. It’s a team building exercise where you get to meet your new colleagues. After a successful table read, everyone should come away buzzing with ideas and looking forward to the first rehearsals.
What happens at a table read?
Most table reads follow a similar format. Here’s a typical read-through agenda:
- Introductions around the table, with everyone giving their real name and role / job.
- The director explains their vision and discusses the production.
- The cast reads their roles, while another member of the team reads out the directions.
- There are regular feedback sessions between scenes, with a final discussion at the end.
- After the table read, revisions will be made and shared with the cast and crew.
8 tips for a successful table read
- Read the script beforehand – a lot
The more familiar you are with the script, the more confident you’ll feel. As you study the script, you’ll also start to develop your character and think about how to deliver the lines. From this strong start, you’ll really start to grow during the read-through.
- Pack plenty of essentials
As with going to an audition, you’ll feel a lot better if you’re super-organised. Here are a few things to pack the night before:
- Your copy of the script.
- A pen, pencil, eraser and highlighter for making notes on the script.
- Extra paper for more notes – you might run out of margins on the script.
- A bottle of water. This should be provided, but it’s always better to be prepared.
Dress comfortably and wear layers, so you can easily adjust your outfit depending on the room’s temperature.
- Arrive early
In the movie world, being on time counts as being late. Never worry about being early for a table read – it’s by far the best option. It also gives you time to introduce yourself informally, arrange your pens etc and visit the bathroom – it’s not always easy to take a comfort break during a read-through.
- Be kind
You’re going to be working with these people for a while, and everything will run far more smoothly and be much more enjoyable if you all get along. Show courtesy and respect to everyone you meet, and when it comes to the table read itself, be generous with how you treat and respond to your fellow actors.
- Act, don’t read
Even if your part isn’t exactly top of the bill, you still need to put the effort in. While a table read isn’t an audition, the director and casting director can still shift some roles around at this stage. Demonstrate that you understand the script and the character with your reading. Giving a nuanced performance while sitting around a table in a nondescript location is quite a challenge, so see it as an opportunity to impress. Having said this, keep a bit back for a proper rehearsal…
- Make eye contact with your fellow actors
Even though acting around a table feels a little stilted at first, this is the beginning of the chemistry between you and your fellow actors. Make eye contact with whoever you’re sharing the scene with, although of course, everyone will understand that it’s read lines at this stage rather than learned ones and that you’ll mostly be looking at your script. The director will be looking out for these connections between actors, so make sure that you provide them.
- Take notes
There’ll be a lot of discussion and feedback at the end of each scene – probably too much to remember if you don’t write it down. Take notes, both on the script and in a separate notebook, and also jot down any thoughts or ideas that you have yourself.
Bonus tip: hopefully, the organiser has popped a little sign in front of everyone with their character’s name on it. If they haven’t, draw yourself a little diagram of the table and write everyone’s character name on it. This will help you address the right actor until you get to know everyone, hopefully by the end of the table read.
- Ask for feedback
At a table read, there’ll be frequent pauses for feedback and notes. Write these down if you can, so that you remember them. If there’s anything else that you notice or want to know more about, but the director or writer doesn’t cover it in the general feedback, raise it with them. The table read is a great opportunity to ask questions and find out more about the role and the production in general.
Bear in mind that the table read is likely to result in revisions to the script. Expect to receive an updated version shortly afterwards.
Hopefully, this has given you an insight into this important stage of preproduction. If you’re about to attend your first table read, congratulations on your acting role – and please enjoy this first opportunity to work with your new cast and crew.
If you want to know more about auditions, rehearsals and performance, take a look at actor Brian Cox’s BBC Maestro course on Acting. In his course, Brian covers all this and more, and shares his own experiences with us.
