In the professional world, particularly in the area of new play development, actors, writers and directors will be often be required to present staged readings of new or classic work. How does one master the art of the staged reading? In this class, we will explore the specific techniques of acting and staging involved. When acting in a staged reading, one must make strong choices and commit to them fully and learn the technique involved in acting spontaneously while at the same time reading. Directors must learn how to tell the entire story of the play without the help of full movement and design elements. The material staged in this class will include in particular, plays by Sherry Kramer, Lynn Nottage, Karen Zacarias, and Ayad Akhtar as well as Bennington advanced playwrights with finished drafts of plays ready to be heard. This material will allow for much racial diversity in casting and students of color are encouraged to enroll. Actors, playwrights and directors are all welcome in this performance based class. Previous acting experience is preferable but not required. Throughout the term we will perform staged readings open to the public.