Table read is a very important process of pre production. It is a structured read-through of any script, may it be film, TV or play. It is often the first time everyone involved in the production comes together.

The aim of table reading is to: flesh out any problems with the script. By hearing it out loud, it will helps illuminate any areas that need revision. Encourage team collaboration and create community. Try out actors’ chemistry and confirm casting choices. Getting the creative juices flowing through speaking performance. This also allows each department to plan their strategy accordingly.

There are a few things you could do as an actor to prepare yourself for table read. First and foremost, be prepared. Go into table reading having read your script a handful of times to understand the narrative and story arch. If you aren’t a fast reader, familiarising yourself with the script beforehand will help the words to flow better.

Making eye contact when you can while reading. This will help you develop chemistry with your fellow performers. It can help solidify you as a right casting choice.

Act it out but don’t overact. Think of table reading as storytelling. People around the table are there to listen to this story being told, to imagine and to create the world. If you were just reading it… you would probably put half of the room to sleep! They would be drooling… well… that gets the wrong juices flowing… So! Put some energy and emotion into it! Keep the rest of the room engaged. Make them believe in this character you are portraying. Chances are, you might impress the team enough that they decide to expand your role! BUT, remember… Don’t overact, save plenty for when you are on set.

Remember, table read is there to create community, so be considerate of others. Working as a team is an important thing in filmmaking and everyone prefers to work with people they get along with.

Finally, learn from the experience. Make notes as much as you can throughout the table read. It’s a perspective you won’t get doing on your own. You will see things from different angle. These notes can help you develop your character further and answer some questions you have in mind.

So, be prepared, be willing to learn, be nice to others and be serious about what you do.