Submitted by Footlighters Theatre Society
After nearly a year, the Footlighters play reading series returns to the Creston Valley Public Library at 7 pm May 7, and participants will have a choice between a murder mystery and a comedy for this session.
“The plays Snowbound and Clue were recommended by the community,” says Lynne Karey-McKenna, a Footlighters board members who leads the readings. “Clue has many different characters and is a murder mystery, set like the board game, and Snowbound is a funny new play about two very different people trying to connect and not drive each other crazy.”
Those attending the readings don’t have to feel obligated to actually read. Simply listening is encouraged, as is discussing the play after the reading, perhaps to decide if it’s suitable for production.
“This play reading gives people an opportunity to have input in what plays will be done by our local theatre group,” says Karey-McKenna. “It’s like a book club but you don’t have to read the book in advance — you all get to experience the story at the same time and discuss it.”
For potential performers, reading the play may be an easier way to take part in a theatre experience.
“It may be that someone has an interest in theatre but feels too shy to audition or act on stage,” says Karey-McKenna. “The play reading allows them to dip a toe into trying it out and meeting others who like stories and theatre.”
Reading plays may also be useful for aspiring writers, who can learn as they see how a story is written and developed.
“This is a great opportunity for writers of all kinds — plays, novels and films — to also talk about how stories are structured,” she says. “In the future if there is interest, we may read local writers’ developing plays.”
Keep an eye on the Footlighters Facebook page for future reading dates. For more information about the play reading series, please contact Lynne Karey-McKenna at 604-807-5802 or lynnekmc@gmail.com.
“Hearing stories out loud is very good for our health,” says Karey-McKenna. “Research shows that reading out loud improves memory functions. Even elderly patients (with or without) dementia have shown increases in memory after reading sessions. People consistently remember text better if they are read out loud instead of silently.
“If we find an interest I would start a play reading for children as well. Reading out loud together supports many aspects of brain learning and positive social interaction.”