TABLE READ Why do you need a table read? You and your team have been diligent about development and the Pre-Production process. You’ve been focusing on every step you need to tackle to move into production. The script is ready, casting and auditions are complete, all the pieces are falling into place — or rather, they’re getting beautifully arranged in place thanks to your dedication. Now is not the time to slip. Let’s make sure your project’s execution delivers on the story in your head and on the page. The only way to do it?A read-through of the script, with the whole team on board. With a table read, you’ll spot any glaring weaknesses — and determine how to fix them — before cameras roll. You’ll strengthen what’s working, and fix what isn’t. So, exactly what is a table read? Quick definition time:

TABLE READ DEFINITION What is a table read? A table read is an organized reading of a script or screenplay in film, television, and theater. Also known as a read-through or table work, table reads are usually scheduled and performed at the beginning of the production phase in film and TV, and at the start of rehearsals for live theatrical performances. The table read is one of the first chances for financial and creative team members to come together.

What does a table read achieve? Brings together the creative, financial, and production personnel.

Allows for a critique of the script.

Confirms casting decisions.

In film, the principal cast attends the table read along with financiers, executives, and department heads such as the director of photography, production designer, and costume designer. Usually, the director or a member of the production team will read action lines and dialogue for “bit” parts. In television, the entire cast, sit around a large table, and introduce themselves, along with the character they’ll be playing. In theater, actors are expected to grow into their characters over the course of the table read. Everyone might also hear original music for the first time. Often, a read-through incorporates elements from all three mediums. What is a table read like with almost unlimited resources? Check out this table read for Beauty and the Beast to get an idea of what a large-scale read-through can accomplish:

A big-budget movie table read for Beauty and the Beast

This example sets the bar pretty high. You can keep it loose or run a tight ship as you impart your own style into your project’s table read. Just make sure you go in with clear goals, and stay alert to achieve them. And remember, the read-through exists to help you and everyone else.

ACTING OUT THE SCRIPT Choose your audience When you approach your read-through, know what you want to accomplish. If you simply announce, “We’re doing a table read,” end of story, you’ll still get value out of it, but you likely won’t maximize everyone’s time. So, figure out your goals. Do you want to impress your investors and maybe even secure more money? Is your objective to test out the material and cast, and workshop performances and story? Your table read objectives determine your table read audience. Figure out what you want, and then invite people accordingly.

“We invite investors and put together our favorite actors to help sell the material. Sometimes the writers and the creative team need the screenplay read so that they can hear how it plays. They often invite other writers so that they can discuss it after and do a “punch-up” for dialogue or for comedy.” — Marci Liroff, Casting Director

Do you need to send out formal invitations? An e-vite or Paperless Post? Probably not. A read-through is an industry-standard step in the production process, so it makes sense to use call sheets. For efficiency, you’ll want to keep production contacts and build call sheets in a production management hub. Call sheets in StudioBinder automatically link to maps, weather, and nearby hospital info. You can personalize call times based on crew members, and send, track, and confirm receipt of call sheets. You'll understand more on this with our ultimate guide to call sheets. Here’s a sample call sheet. Follow the image link below to see how you can confirm receipt, check out who else is being called, and bring up maps and parking details:

Bring cast and crew to your table read with call sheets

You’re going to generate and send call sheets every day during production, so now is a perfect time to perfect your call sheet process. A call sheet also reminds everyone that they’re here to work. Everyone’s here to have fun, be creative, push limits — and, yes, deliver the goods.

READ THE FILM SCRIPT Where to hold the table read You’re getting shoot locations squared away, the production schedule is coming together, and all the important pieces are lining up. Almost there. One of the last steps before production is the table read. Everybody’s meeting in person to table read the screenplay. One question: Where do you put them? The space you use for your table read doesn’t have to be a fancy stage or set. It can even be a living room. If you want to set a professional tone for the project, however, a theater or working performance space would be a wise choice. To find a location for your read-through, talk to members of your team. Ask your location scout. Call small theaters. Check out services like Peerspace or Wrapal to find spaces. You have options. Wherever you hold your table read, make sure it’s well-ventilated and a stable temperature. With so many bodies packed into one space, air conditioning or heating might be a necessity. Windows can be distracting for longer reads, so if you want to help keep focus, draw the blinds. Thanks to glorious 21st century technology, a table read can also take place remotely. Whether you're working through a global pandemic, or you've got actors and department heads unavailable to physically participate, video conferencing is also an option. Here's an example of a virtual table read, courtesy of the folks behind Community. Enjoy!

Community • Virtual Table Read