OPEN TABLE READ: Shell

Shell

By Lauren Schaffner

Table Read: Saturday, June 27th, from 1pm to 5pm

Majestic Rehearsal Room

Content Label: PG

The Majestic Theatre (a division of the City of Corvallis Parks and Recreation department) is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and to creating a welcoming place for actors of all backgrounds to explore their craft. We are particularly eager to work with artists of color and other artists from marginalized communities. All table reads are free and open to the public. The Majestic Theatre staff and volunteers do not discriminate on the basis of age, national origin, race, gender, ethnic background, ability, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or any protected class.

PLEASE NOTE: This is an open table read to expose actors and the community to a new work, not an audition. No prior experience or prep is required. Anyone, regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity may read for any role. Anyone may come to listen and offer responses, but actors interested in reading a role must RSVP; please see instructions below.

SHOW SYNOPSIS

What do we make of the derelict places in the world, and within ourselves? Shell is the tale of a former church building and the people who find themselves there. A vivid fusion of drama and irreverent comedy, it examines the human condition through the lens of location.

FROM THE PLAYWRIGHT, Lauren Schaffner

Shell is a new play that explores the phenomenon of church buildings being repurposed for a variety of uses. It will invite audiences to consider the themes of emptiness, grief, and what lingers when things change. Notable elements include multi-roling, minimal props, and no formal set. My aim in sharing the script with community members and fellow creative artists is to gather constructive feedback. Insights gleaned during this process will inform a final editing phase and, ultimately, a staged production.

This table read will be divided into two parts:

Part 1: Script Reading. This will be our opportunity to hear the script aloud. If you would like to read for one or more roles, please fill out the RSVP form below. (Not an actor? Very much NOT interested in reading aloud? Your listening will be as valuable to this process as others’ reading will be! Please fill out the RSVP form.)

Part 2: Critical Response Session: This portion of the afternoon will be led by a facilitator and will allow for dialogue between the playwright and the participants (readers and listeners). Participants will have the opportunity to share impressions, respond to questions from the playwright, and ask questions of their own – all with the goal of enhancing Shell and helping it take one step closer to audiences. 

PREPARATION NOTES

This is a table read to expose actors and the community to a new work, not an audition. No prior experience or prep is required. Anyone, regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity may read for any part. 

CHARACTER INFORMATION

Shell comprises eleven scenes and features more than 30 characters, who range in age from teens to eighties. In order to make efficient use of our time during the table read, roles will be pre-assigned. 

If you would like to be a reader, please complete this RSVP form no later than Saturday, June 20th. Note: Readers will be asked to arrive 15 minutes early for a short introduction with the playwright. Scripts and role assignments will be provided at that time.