Reading Committee Process:

Applicants are asked to suggest up to three shows that they would like the committee to consider. The board selects around 5-6 people that will bring a variety of points of view. The list is then posted and a time for the first meeting is determined. The committee consists of the 5 executive board members (president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and thespian representative), around 5-6 non-board members, and available Players sponsors. The secretary of the Executive Board leads the meetings.

At the first meeting the committee defines what aspects they are looking for in a show. The most important include shows that provide opportunities to learn and grow and that expand our knowledge and experience in theater. We also try to select a varied season, keeping in mind shows that we and other theater groups in the area have performed in recent years (example: doing two British murder mysteries from 1920 would not give us the most varied experience). We want a show that has strong components for the 6 mains aspects of a Players show: Acting, Costumes, Lighting, Props, Publicity, and Scenery. The most important thing is to find the best show for Players at the time.

The members of the committee then give their suggestions for shows. The committee and sponsors have a brief discussion about each show before it is added to the list. In this meeting, we determine an average of 10-20 shows to consider. We then divide them up so each show is read by 2-3 students. Each person reads around 4 shows in the next few weeks.

The second meeting we discuss each of the shows individually. We look at all aspects of the shows and decide on 2-4 final shows that each member on the committee is required to read. To be involved in the final decision all members of the committee must read each of the shows.

The last meeting we discuss each show more in depth. A show can be amazing, but we have to ask ourselves if it is the best show for us. After a discussion and comparison of shows we come to our final decision by consensus.