Table Read

A Platform for Artistic Exchange

Table Read is a new actor-focused initiative that creates space for theatre artists to explore contemporary plays, develop their practice, and engage in meaningful dialogue with peers. Conceived and designed by Shane O’Reilly, this initiative focuses on performance and creative exchange, centering the actor’s voice while welcoming collaboration across disciplines.

The initiative brings together actors, directors, playwrights, and other theatre artists to engage with world-class writing and share reflections on contemporary international performance. It is designed as a space for experimentation, discovery, and collective conversation.

Audiences play an essential role in the Table Read process—offering feedback, energy, and perspective. The post-reading reception creates opportunities for discussion and connection, allowing audiences to contribute to the ongoing discourse about the play and its potential development and to the broader discourse around theatre-making.

Table Read  Key Objectives:

Creative Exploration – A supportive space to engage boldly with new works, to encourage imaginative interpretation without the pressure of performance.

Sectoral Discourse – Fostering conversation around performance, writing, and theatre-making.

Collaborative Growth – Supporting professional development through shared practice and networking across roles.

Table Read is designed as an open, collaborative platform for the Irish theatre sector, focused on new plays and the voices of actors. By providing the resources and structure for creative exploration and professional connection, it creates an opportunity for artists to come together, share ideas, and shape the future of theatre in Ireland. This initiative is grounded in a positive attitude of abundance, encouraging artists to contribute to and build a thriving, supportive theatre community.

Hosted in the historic Smock Alley Theatre, Table Read offers a platform for both participants and observers to connect through shared artistic discovery.

Table Read  Upcoming Events:

Infinite Life by Annie Baker
Directed by Annabelle Comyn
Sunday 22nd June, 4.00pm
Smock Alley Theatre
Set in Northern California, Infinite Life follows five women as they lie on chaise longues, confronting pain, healing, and what it means to live inside a body.

Cast Breakdown: 5 Female, 1 Male = 6 Actors Total

Age Suitability: 18+

Warnings:
This production contains adult themes and language and content of a sexual nature.
Discussions of illness including cancer.
Discussions of pain and descriptions of suffering.

Cast members will be announced soon. Table Read is free to attend, but is ticketed and open to anyone working within the sector. Please book your place now to avoid disappointment. 

Coming next:

Downstate by Bruce Norris
Directed by Mark O’Rowe
(date tbc)
Set in a group home for convicted sex offenders, this provocative and unflinching play explores justice, retribution, and accountability in America today.

Cast Breakdown: 3 Female, 5 Male = 8 Actors Total

Developed and managed by Irish Theatre Institute and supported by Smock Alley Theatre.