2025 Open Readings
Submissions due by Sunday, December 1st!
Our mission at the San Diego Shakespeare Society is to demonstrate the relevance, immediacy, and accessibility of the works of William Shakespeare for the general public. Open readings are just one of the many ways that we meet our mission. Every month, we hold free open readings of Shakespeare’s plays where the novice and the seasoned, the young and the old come together to share a common interest, which is to hear the words of William Shakespeare read aloud.
Open readings are held IN PERSON each month at Coronado Public Library. During the pandemic, we have been holding meetings via Zoom and had one hybrid reading. Each year we schedule six plays, two monthly readings for each play.
- LOCATION: Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
- DATE: Third Tuesday of each month. Plays are scheduled in two month increments: Jan/Feb, Mar/Apr, May/Jun, Jul/Aug, Sep/Oct, Nov/Dec.
- TIME: 6:30-8:30pm
- PARTICIPANTS: 10-20.
Open Reading Format and Director Expectations
- Director provides a brief introduction to the play including plot, themes, main characters, the play’s significance within the canon and the historical, religious, and political context in which the play was written.
- Director may share general tips for “Acting Shakespeare.”
- Director may cut scenes. For instance, relatively short scenes with 8 or more characters can be time consuming to cast and confusing to execute. Director may assign small roles, e.g., “a messenger,” to self or designate a utility player for the night.
- Director is prepared with a list of characters for each scene, includes a brief description of the scene, and casts the readers for each character in each scene.
- Always provide an open and encouraging atmosphere, give everybody an opportunity to read, distribute roles equitably, and be particularly welcoming to novice participants.
- Offer positive feedback for attendees and a supportive environment for all which encourages participation and community.
Director positions are voluntary and open to all—you’ll be part of the Society Team, bringing Shakespeare to life in San Diego!
SDSS members will be given priority, though it is not a requirement to join the Society to be considered.
If interested, please email our Readings Coordinator Kevin Manley at kgmaeb7869@gmail.com as to your interest, your relevant background, and what play you would like to direct. Submissions are due by Sunday, December 1st! Thank you!