Frequently Asked Questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What exactly is a Readers Theatre?
What services does Walking Shadow Readers Theatre provide?
What is Walking Shadow Readers Theatre’s background?
Do you produce readings year-round?
How are scripts chosen for readings?
How do I find out about upcoming readings?
How do I get involved?
Do you ever do in-person readings?

What exactly is a Readers Theatre?
Readers Theatre is a style of theatre that focuses solely on the imagination and vocal expression of the actors. Readers Theatre requires no props, costumes, sets, or memorization. It is sometimes referred to as “theater of the mind,” and in our increasingly virtual world, it is an ideal setting in which to breathe life into a new play.
 

What services does Walking Shadow Readers Theatre provide?
We work with new and established playwrights to develop their projects through live readings, giving playwrights a chance to hear their words and characters out loud. The company and cast members then provide playwrights with a private 30–45 minute structured feedback session to help with future revisions of the play.
 

What is Walking Shadow Readers Theatre’s background?
Originally launched in 2005 as Walking Shadow Theatre Company, Walking Shadow Readers Theatre was founded by alumni of South Lakes High School in Reston, VA, who reunited to produce theatre in Washington, DC. The company transformed into a virtual readers theatre in June, 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on the changing world of American theatre.

Do you produce readings year-round?
Our annual season of readings runs September through April and closes with a One Act Festival in May as a celebration of a season well done!

How are scripts chosen for readings?
All submitted scripts are vetted by our company to ensure they will work well on a virtual platform (e.g., scripts that are not heavily reliant on physical action or props). Selected scripts are then cast from a combination of company players and outside actors (as needed), who work on character development within the scope of what the script provides, culminating in a final virtual reading and subsequent feedback session between the playwright, cast, and Literary Manager.

How do I find out about upcoming readings?
We hold regular readings on the last Friday of every month. Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter and follow us on social media to stay up to date!
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How do I get involved?
We encourage anybody interested in learning about our company to attend one of our monthly readings as a way to learn more about us and who we are!
To submit a script for consideration, check out our Playwrights page for a dedicated FAQ and submission instructions.
Actors interested in performing with us can visit our Actors page for audition information and instructions on how to submit your resume and headshot.

Do you ever do in-person readings?
Walking Shadow Readers Theatre engages company members from across the United States, making in-person performances difficult to arrange. Though this kind of performance has never been ruled out, our primary focus is on our virtual platform. This enables us to more easily bring together playwrights and actors from a broader geographic area. If an in-person event does occur, we will announce it on our social media pages.