The first read-through is done, and the countdown until the opening for Dead Man’s Cell Phone has officially begun. What exactly is a read-through though? According to the Encarta Dictionary it is:

reading of play before rehearsals: a reading of a play without acting, allowing actors to familiarize themselves with the dialog before full rehearsals begin.

God, that sounds kind of boring. The truth is, most of the time it really isn’t, especially if you are dealing with a quirky comedy.

This is the chance for the actors to actually be able to laugh at the ridiculous situations their characters find them selves in.  Getting a case of the giggles at this point is no big deal. Once the show begins, they can’t do it unless it is called for in the script, no matter how silly the scene is. Admittedly, some of the best laughs have come when the actor’s have outdone themselves and crack one another up with the over the top acting scenes sometimes require. 

This is also the chance for them to begin to get over the potentially awkward moments that may occur from sexual situations. Yes, everyone in the cast is a grown up, but they all have different sensibilities. Some have no problem talking about intimate and sometimes kinky fun, but for those who are uncomfortable with it, the read-through is the time to say, “Okay, I can learn to talk about handcuffs, and whips, and toys. Oh My!” without turning beat red.

Now that it is behind them, all parties involved in the production can get on with the blocking, designing, building, and the million other little details involved with a show.

And just between you and me – from the laughter I heard around the table the other night. This is going to be a strange and funny show, with a existential twist.