Cold reading N. F. Simpson

warren · Post by **warren** » March 14th, 2011, 9:09 pm

Name is Warren Steele. Just moved to Austin and am thinking of becoming a part-time resident (back and forth when I can get a cheap plane ticket from New England). Currently in Level 1 at Hideout and taking all Essential Electives.

This reads like an introduction, but it's actually kind of a casting notice. Here's the deal: I've resumed playwriting after a long bout of writer's block and am currently working on an adaptation of a play by the British absurdist N. F. Simpson. The cast of this play consists of an advanced improvisation class, and as in Pirandello's TONIGHT WE IMPROVISE, they proceed to build a play upon the declaration by a street person that her husband has fallen overboard in the Gulf of Mexico and needs to be rescued.

I've adapted a couple of scenes so far and would like to have them read aloud by actors training to be improvisors. I thought this might be a fun project for a class to get involved in; I write a scene, the actors cold-read it, there's discussion about whether it "feels" like improv and other matters (is there use of support techniques, editing, etc.?) and so on. I rewrite (or not) and work on another scene.

I'll leave it at that for now and wait for some feedback from this great Austin Improv community.

P.S. - Simpson followed Keith Johnstone as a literary manager at the Royal Court Theatre and is acknowledged as the major influence of Monty Python, Peter Cook and others.

valetoile · Post by **valetoile** » March 14th, 2011, 10:57 pm

This sounds really fun and I would be interested if my busy schedule permits.

Also, hi Warren! Good to see you here!

B. Tribe · Post by **B. Tribe** » March 15th, 2011, 8:03 am

Actor, director, playwright, and improviser here. Much like Val I'd be interested in joining in as long as I have the time. Keep us informed.

Rev. Jordan T. Maxwell · March 15th, 2011, 9:10 am

hmm...sounds like a cool experiment. keep us in the loop, i could see this being a hell of a lot of fun.

warren · Post by **warren** » March 16th, 2011, 9:33 pm

Well, 3's a start and all experts too! Val, maybe we can talk next week about some of the folks in Level 1 (barring more replies to original post). And of course, get a handle on your various busy schedules and get at least 1 reading done (and apres-read party) before I have to go back north.

Anthony · Post by **Anthony** » March 25th, 2011, 12:54 pm

Hey Warren- just wondering if you were still planning on doing this on Sunday?

warren · Post by **warren** » March 25th, 2011, 2:04 pm

Yes, Anthony. I sent out an e-mail (see below), but didn't have your e-mail address. I'm glad you checked this site. Please let me know asap if you can make it. Response so far has been 100% yes, so it looks like a go.

Warren

Hello All,

Thank you for expressing an interest in this little experiment.
I'm thinking a Sunday afternoon might be a time when everyone could spare an hour or 2 to get this project started. As for the place - I've rented an apt. in a little 10 unit, L-shaped complex just off the Mopac (Windsor Av. exit), 2401 Winsted which is the northeast corner of Windsor and Winsted. It's got a large enclosed patio with some furniture (chairs, chaises) in it and quite a few parking spaces, though it would be good I think to double up if possible. I'll have refreshments and facilities available, etc. Why don't I say 3 o'clock this Sunday afternoon at 2401 Winsted and see who can make it and who can't. Please respond asap as your answer(s) will determine whether or not I must make some phone calls. I'd like to have at least 1 highly experienced improviser there (i.e., Valerie and/or Jordan).
I'll print the script out in sides, color-code the roles, pass them out just before starting, etc.; in other words, do everything possible to ensure a dead cold read. (Personally, I've always found cold reading to be a lot more fun than having the script ahead of time.)

Thanks again,

Warren Steele

603-340-4806 (Verizon cell)

Rev. Jordan T. Maxwell · March 25th, 2011, 2:15 pm

hmm...Sundays are kind of rough for me for the next few weeks because of Showdown. if it happens after that, i might be a bit more available.

warren · Post by **warren** » March 25th, 2011, 2:30 pm

I hope to be back in May for a couple of weeks and maybe July for a week. I should have new scenes, etc., and would hope to have new improvisers each time, or some of the same but reading different roles. Will do my best to keep it fun and spontaneous. Thanks for your reply.

Anthony · Post by **Anthony** » March 25th, 2011, 4:49 pm

I unfortunately won't be able to make it since I'm going to a class on campus by 430p (have to take the bus there). My availability is probably anytime until about 3p Sundays. :/

warren · Post by **warren** » March 30th, 2011, 10:20 am

Just wanted to say thank you to my level one buddies who were so helpful in the 1st cold reading. Your interpretations, insights and intuitions will not only dictate any rewriting of scene 1, but will help shape all subsequent scenes as the project moves forward, both in the writing phase and the staging thereof.

At the same time, I'm extremely jealous that soon, you'll be moving on to level two and that I may get left behind and not be with you for the adventuresome journey. One of my top priorities will be to get back to Austin with another scene for you to sink your ever more expert teeth into. Meanwhile, Bon Voyage!

warren · Post by **warren** » May 16th, 2011, 4:22 pm

Please read my posting - Improv in Stage Plays - on "Improv Theory and Practice forum and indicate by replying on this forum whether you interested in this experiment.

Warren

Cold reading N. F. Simpson

Cold reading N. F. Simpson

NF Simpson