ABSTRACT
Development stage for a new play or musical, the artistic team may be faced with a challenging question. The creative team examines the current draft of the material and focuses on the performance. At many organizations, unless the piece has already been slated for production, a Reading is, in effect, an audition for the actors, for the writers, for the director, and for the piece itself. That Readings often serve as auditions is the unspoken rule of new play development. Opportunities for further development or production are influenced and, in some cases, determined by the quality of the presentation. Developmental labs and certain theatres are writer-oriented. Their interest is in the playwright more than the specific play. When additional rehearsal time is provided, the decision about how to use the time is determined by the expectations of the producers. If they want to see a 'pitch' for production, the quality of the presentation is crucial.
