9 Tips for Maximizing Your Reading’s Potential
Written by Producer & TMS Mentor, Jonathan Hogue
You have a script. And it’s good.
You’ve had multiple table reads. You’ve gotten strong feedback from friends and family. You might even be sensing a little industry buzz.
And now... it’s time for your first industry reading.
This is a major milestone in the life of any new play or musical. Even if the reading is technically “private,” it’s the first time your show is stepping out into the world in a real way.
Which is exciting!
And also terrifying.
Years of work. Money raised. High expectations. You have no idea how the room will respond—or where this step might lead (if anywhere).
But here’s the thing: your show is ready for its next chapter. And we at Theatermakers Studio are ready to help get you there and far beyond.
I’ve produced many 29-hour readings over the years and attended countless others. While you can never fully control how an audience will respond, I've come to discover that there are ways to best set yourself up for success.
Below are nine key tips I’ve picked up along the way to help make your reading as impactful as possible.
1. Offer Weekday, Midday Presentations
It may sound counterintuitive, but weekday daytime readings are often your best bet for getting industry folks in the room. For many theatre professionals, attending readings is part of the job—and evenings and weekends are sacred personal time.
That said, if you’re producing a concert-style presentation, evenings can absolutely work in your favor.
2. Offer Multiple Presentations
Multiple readings serve two big purposes:
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They give your guests flexibility—critical for busy schedules.
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They give you invaluable audience data.
It’s always insightful to hear how a joke kills in one presentation and dies in another, or how certain moments consistently resonate (or don’t). Bonus: if you’re filming both for archival purposes, you can create a stronger edit using the best moments from each.
Which brings me to…
3. Capture Assets
Yes, live theatre is best experienced live—but not everyone can be there. A strong archival recording allows additional investors and producers to engage with your work weeks or months later.
It’s also incredibly useful for you as you revise, letting you observe audience reactions you may have missed in the moment.
4. Create Early Key Art
Your invited guests will start forming expectations about your show from the moment they receive your invite. Design choices (font, color palette, imagery) subtly communicate tone, scale, and target audience.
A reading with even preliminary key art signals that the show has a clear brand identity—and that you already have momentum in thinking about the show's commercial appeal. Investors and producers tend to lean in when a show feels branded and intentional.
5. Take Care of Your Audience
Let’s be honest: readings can be… uncomfortable. Metal folding chairs. Fluorescent lighting. A 2–3 hour runtime in the middle of the workday. Not exactly a fun place to fuel the imagination.
So think about how to energize the experience. Snacks. Drinks. Ambient music. Thematic decor. Something that makes people sit up and think, “Oh—this feels different.”
6. Schedule Your Invites and Reminders
Three touches is the sweet spot:
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Initial invite: three weeks out
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First reminder: the week of the reading
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Final reminder: the day before
This keeps the event on people’s radar without overwhelming them—and gently nudges those who meant to RSVP but forgot.
7. Personalize Your Invitations
If you’re inviting someone, make sure they know why they’re invited. Let them feel seen.
Whether it’s because their taste aligns with the material or you admire their work, a personalized note goes a long way. Avoid mass emails whenever possible—this is about building relationships, not blasting announcements.
8. Less Can Be More
If your musical runs 2.5 hours, ask yourself whether a condensed presentation might better serve the material in a cold rehearsal studio.
Sometimes showcasing the strongest moments—and leaving people wanting more—is far more effective than asking them to endure the full runtime in an environment that’s working against you.
9. Thank Your Audience
Attending a reading is a real gift of time and energy—even when it’s given willingly and joyfully. Let your audience know how much you appreciate their support of your work and your passion, and make sure they recognize your personal touch. Sometimes a simple, genuine thank-you is all it takes to spark a continued conversation… one that could grow into partnership, collaboration, or even investment.
Bonus Tip: Have an Investment Plan Ready
If your next step after the reading is a full production, be prepared for the inevitable question:
“So… how do I invest?”
Whether that means working with a General Manager to build a budget or clarifying your commercial strategy in advance, having a plan is crucial. Being able to accept interest in the moment is far better than scrambling and losing momentum.
Alright—I think you’re ready now.
It's time to make 2026 the year of producing readings to the max! 
