Expert: Kenneth D. Plonkey - 7/3/2009

Question
HI,MY QUESTION IS ABOUT A TABLE READ,I HAVE HEARD THAT ALOT OF ACTORS TREAT IT AS A COLD READ B/C THEY DONT KNOW WHAT THEY WANT TO DO WITH THEIR CHARACTER,BUT I'VE ALSO HEARD MANY ACTORS COMPLETLY ACT IT OUT WITH TOTAL EMOTION.I WAS WONDERING WHICH IS TRUE B/C IT TAKES ME A LONG TIME AN ALOT OF THINKING BEFORE I CAN REALLY GET INTO A CHARACTER AN IM AFRAID TO GET FIRED FROM A JOB B/C I CANT DO A GOOD TABLE READ.ANY INSIGHT YOU CAN GIVE ME AS TO WHAT REALLY GOES ON WITH A TABLE READ AN WHAT IS EXPECTED OF ME WOULD BE EXTREMLY APPERICATED.THANKS FOR YOUR TIME -NICOLE-

Answer
HI I have been in the business for over 50 years and this is the first time I have  heard the term "table read."  I suppose you are referring to a cast read through of a play where they sit around a table or in a circle of chairs and read the play.  IT is my experience that very little 'acting' takes place during such readings, as everyone is more concerned with learning about the play and their roles, learning the language, discussing any problems they have with same  and so on.  So I shouldn't worry about acting at a reading of the script or during blocking rehearsals, though giving as much of the emotional response as you can is helpful to all when rehearsing. I would like to know more of your experience and training so I can advise you further. Best wishes and God bless, Doc