Every third Tuesday evening on the month at 6:30 p.m., at the Coronado Public Library, we hold FREE open readings of the plays, where all are encouraged to join and participate. Curious about our reading’s namesake? See below.
If you have any questions, you can contact Kevin Manley, our Readings Coordinator: kevin@sdshakespeare.org
Our 2026 Schedule:
Patrick McBride – Jan/Feb – Macbeth
Bill Glaser – Mar/Apr – Henry VI , Part 2
Charlie Riendeau – May/Jun – A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Sam Kolodezh – Jul/Aug – The Merchant of Venice
Rebecca Reisman – Sep/Oct – Richard II
Kim Keeline – Nov/Dec – Antony and Cleopatra
Upcoming Readings
Henry VI, Part 2 (Part Two)
This history play chronicles the political turmoil in England, focusing on the power struggles among nobles, the rise of the Duke of York, and the rebellion led by Jack Cade,
April 21 @ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm at Coronado Public LibraryA Midsummer Night’s Dream (Part One)
This comedy is known for its blend of romance, magic, and humor, exploring themes of love’s irrationality, appearance versus reality, and order versus disorder. Charlie Riendeau is our director.
May 19 @ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm at Coronado Public LibraryA Midsummer Night’s Dream (Part Two)
This comedy is known for its blend of romance, magic, and humor, exploring themes of love’s irrationality, appearance versus reality, and order versus disorder. Charlie Riendeau is our director.
June 16 @ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm at Coronado Public Library
Archive:
Frequently asked questions about the open readings
Q: Do I have to read?
A: You are welcome to show up and just watch. We suspect, however, that it will look like too much fun for you to resist for long. A lot of newcomers don’t want to read initially but when they see how fun it is, they join in! But there is no pressure at all if you just want to watch and we have regular attendees who have never read.
Q: Do I have to bring a book?
A: You don’t need to have the play if you just want to listen, but it can be fun to follow along in a copy even if you are not reading. At readings held at libraries, copies are kindly provided by the library. At other readings, if you do want to read it is recommended that you bring your own copy of the text to be read that night, a Complete Works, or at least a smartphone or tablet so you can find the text online.
Q: Can I act as a specific character or be in a particular scene?
A: That may be possible. Each evening has an assigned director who has planned what scenes to cover. If you are really anxious to act in a specific scene, talk to the director at the start and see what can be arranged. No guarantees, but if the scene is being done that night, it might be possible. All scenes are cast that night right before they are read, so usually, everyone who wants to act has the chance to do at least a small role.
Q: Who can participate?
A: Everyone! They are free and open to the public.
Who was Rupert Essinger?
Rupert was a long-time member of the Society and first Readings Coordinator. He shuffled off his mortal coil in 2019.
Born in Leicestershire, England, Rupert attended Oxford University and went on to study cartography and GIS at Glasgow University and then SUNY Buffalo. He joined Esri (the company behind StoryMaps) in 1985. He directed many readings at the Upstart Crow bookstore and was always a welcome face to returning and new attendees.