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.
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Continued communication and advice after the feedback session.
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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.
Each 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 preparing for it.
To book a session:
Download the application form (don't forget to save it to your computer first)
Fill it in and send to tim@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
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