Frequently Asked Questions
How can I become a Jane Austen Reader's Theatre reader?
IIt's easy! Simply fill out this form to indicate your interest and availability. We do ask, however, that you treat our readings as you would any other performance date: if you reserve a spot in a reading, please commit to showing up that night. If you need to cancel, please let us know at least 48 hours in advance so we can try to find a replacement.
How does casting work?
Each performance requires three actors:
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​ACTOR 1 - Reads the narration in the selected passages.
ACTOR 2 - Reads ALL of the female characters in the selected passages.
ACTOR 3 - Reads ALL of the male characters in the selected passages.
How often do you rehearse?
We don't! One of our goals is to provide a low-stakes, "Sign Up, Show Up" opportunity for Bay Area artists. Call time for each performance will be 6:45pm, then the reading begins at 7pm!
What are you looking for in your reader's theatre actors?
Actors of all ages and gender identities are welcome to sign up! HOWEVER, there are a few skills that lend themselves to creating successful reader's theatre out of a Jane Austen text. First, participants should be comfortable with cold reads (reading a text out loud for the first time in front of an audience) -- you will receive a copy of the chapters for the evening with your parts highlighted before Thursday, so that you can familiarize yourself with them if you choose to do so, but you won't have an opportunity to rehearse them. Second, we're looking for actors who feel comfortable creating distinctive character voices for each character, to help the audience distinguish more easily between characters.
Will I have to read in a British accent?
Nope! In fact, we prefer that you don't. Part of the Jane Austen Reader's Theatre project is to see how audiences respond to Jane Austen's words delivered in non-British accents. American audiences eventually accepted that one doesn't need a British accent to perform Shakespeare—we're trying to do the same for Austen!
Let's talk money: does it cost anything to attend a reading, and do you pay your actors?
Nope to both questions! Jane Austen Reader's Theatre is a 100% volunteer-run organization. Our readings are free to watch and you don't need to reserve a seat - just show up and have a good time!