performance Oct 4 @ 2pm
The Michigan Actors Studio in Royal Oak will host a Readers Theatre event featuring 10-Minute plays on Sunday October 4th, at 2:00pm. (The deadline for submissions, open only to Michigan Writers members, was September 11.) The plays will be under the directorship of Kate Peckham, a professional actress who is Director of Education and Lead Instructor at the Actors Studio (1527 N Main St, Royal Oak, MI 48067).
The Michigan Playwrights Project (MPP) is an affiliate of Michigan Writers and serves the Michigan playwriting community through the reading of member plays, followed by helpful and relevant discussions of the work, and through other, more formal state-wide performance events. MPP started in 2023, when playwrights, actors and directors Maripat Allen of Manistee and Dr. Rick Plummer of Ludington cast about for a host organization that would understand, and support their vision. Michigan Writers answered that call, and a fruitful relationship was born.
MPP meets on the second and fourth Mondays of every month on Zoom, 7-9 pm, and focuses on plays of any length—10-minute, one-act, or full-length. Roughly 10 pages are read, unless the schedule permits something longer. Although only Michigan Writers members may have their plays read, anyone (from anywhere) who has a passion for language and theater is welcome to Zoom-in, listen-up and speak out (if so desired), as this is an inclusive and open group, as welcoming as they are talented.
The work, often a first draft, is read cold by experienced actors, followed by a spirited discussion by participants to aid in the play’s development. This stage of a play’s growth is essential for playwrights to hear their words spoken aloud, perhaps for the first time. Many of the plays worked on have gone on to full productions by theatres around the state, and country.
When a longer play has developed through Scene Nights and gone through revisions, it may be given a Table Read. Pre-cast actors create character choices and refine the rhythm, pace, intensity, impact and storyline of the play, so that the playwright may experience what a more finished work feels, and sounds like. Table Read participants then offer their perceptions and insights for the writer, helping the playwright render a more final revision of the play.
Michigan Writers and MPP also offer Readers Theater events periodically in various locations throughout Michigan. These events are hosted by theaters and arts organizations and offer playwrights and audiences alike the opportunity to experience a play performed in Readers Theater style. Actors read the play with attention to character and play development, but without full costumes, makeup, sets, or other more conventional theater production elements. Audiences are invited to comment on the play to aid the playwright in the work’s advancement.
