What is the Reading Service?
The aim of the MMD Reading Service is to provide professional level feedback to writers who have completed a script. For most writers, there is a dual benefit to this:
- To get a fresh outside reaction to their show.
- To get constructive feedback on the work from an experienced musical theatre practitioner (director / creative producer / dramaturg / musical director) before sending the script to theatres and producers.
How do I get the most from the Service?
Our Readers are all experienced professionals with a wide range of expertise. In order for us to best serve your needs, please make a note of any special requests on the application form. We will then find the best match for your work.
What's the process?
- First, decide on your option:
- choose the "full reading" option if you want the reader to read the full script and score - this is a two hour session
- choose the "synopsis/outline" option if you are at an early stage of planning the structure of your piece and want a reader to intervene - this is a one hour session
- We match your show with the best reader for you.
- We invite you to mail in your script and CD, or your synopsis/outline and payment.
- When payment is confirmed, the reader contacts you to arrange a meeting (or sometimes a phone/Skype conversation if there is significant geographical distance) at a mutually convenient time and place. This will usually be within six weeks of receiving your materials although it may be slightly longer as our readers are all busy professionals.
- The reader will bring a list of bullet points for discussion, give specific feedback on the piece and offer any practical advice about the next step that may seem appropriate.
What can I expect?
What you CAN expect from your reader:
- A careful read/listen of either the full script and score (two hour sessions) or the outline/synopsis (one hour session).
- A feedback form with brief bullet-points of topics for discussion and a two hour feedback session on full scripts/scores, one hour for synopses.
- A respectful and professional tone.
- Specific advice on the areas that you have requested feedback on and general feedback on the show as a whole.
- General advice on how you might position this show within the theatrical spectrum - regional theatres, studio / fringe spaces, commercial producers, amateur companies, schools or TIE companies, etc.
What you CANNOT expect from your reader
- Detailed technical advice on areas of the script that lie outside their particular area of expertise.
- Specific names of people you should send the script to, or to push the work on your behalf.
-
Continued communication and advice after the feedback session.
|
|
Pricing and Applying
There are two options:
- Synopsis/Outline Sessions
cost £60 if you are an MMD Associate, and £90 if you are not. As well as the one hour feedback session, this represents the time spent by the reader preparing for it.
- A full reading session costs just £125 if you are an MMD Associate, and £175 if you are not. As well as the two hour feedback session, this represents the time spent by the reader reading your whole script and listening to your whole score.
To book a session:
Download the application form (don't forget to save it to your computer first)
Fill it in and send to james@mercurymusicals.com.
If you are not an MMD Associate, you should also consider joining MMD for more benefits.
If you want more general advice about your work, or how to develop as a musical theatre writer, you should check out our advice service
Our readers include:
Anthony Drewe – writer/director
Jamie Hayes - director
Anthony Ingle - musical director
Francis Matthews - director
Carol Metcalfe - director
Joyce Branagh - director and dramaturge
Stewart Nicholls - director
Andrew Peggie - writer
Clare Prenton - director
Paul Sirrett - writer
Chris Walker - musical director
Julian Woolford - director
|
|
|
