It’s 7 o’clock on a Thursday night and a small crowd expectantly shuffles up the stairs to the Stage Door. Unsure of what is on the agenda for this night they greet each other with smile and usually a few introductions. They are here to do a reading: a play-reading.
Led by Cranbrook Community Theatre (CCT) Honorary Lifetime Member, Melodie Hull, Sip & Script meets one evening per month at The Stage Door on 11th Avenue. Whether you’re an actor at heart or by experience or just someone keenly interested in theatre, this is a hobby in which anyone can now partake.
The atmosphere is casual, friendly and interesting. No acting experience necessary. A script, only known to Ms. Hull, is distributed to attendees. Roles are assigned, and the play is read aloud.
“It’s a cold read,” said Hull, “readers have no preparation and as you can imagine, the results can be so very interesting! Funny, too!”
To this point, there have been scripts of dramas, crime thrillers, murder mysteries and of course, farces and comedies. And the ‘sip’ involved? Well, perhaps a glass of wine?
“CCT Is dedicated to bringing more theatre to more people and of course, vice-versa,” said Hull with a smile. “Initially we only invited our members to Sip & Scripts, but more people are certainly voicing an interest. We’re opening our doors. Please come read with us. You’re always welcome. And we always try to involve everyone who attends.”
Sip & Script is FREE. No acting experience necessary, just a love of theatre. The cost of providing copies of scripts is paid through a grant received from Summit 107 in support of the arts in our community.
CCT’s next Sip & Script is Thursday, January 17th at 7 pm at the Stage Door. Hull says this month the group will be reading a coming-of-age drama set towards the end of WW II.
For more information, please contact Cranbrook Community Theatre, crancommtheatre@gmail.com or call 250-426-2490. (Please note: this is a hobby group and not open to audiences.)