Readings as Acting Lube

Here Li Miao Lovett reads from her novel about China.












Last night's reading by author Li Miao Lovett and yours truly went supremely well at the Noe Valley Ministry's Odd Monday series. It was odd this time, in fact, not only because of the odd numbered date that gives the series its name, but because the turnout was low, and no one there could figure out why. The event had been well promoted, and our charming hostess/producer, Judith Levy Sender, had placed an article mentioning us in the Noe Valley Voice, and we were listed all over the place. Plus, everyone on my email list got the word.

But, here's the great thing - these intimate readings are superb for honing one's acting!
When I read I don't necessarily act out each character, but I do tend to dramatize the words as much as possible, to bring additional color to the ideas in my work, and I do use the audience to test my ability to hold onto words and images beyond the page, and to make eye contact with a selected few.

It's a lot of fun and I recommend that all actors read in public at any opportunity.