The read-through, table-read, or table work is a stage of film, television, radio, and theatre production when an organized reading around a table of the screenplay or script by the actors with speaking parts is conducted.

What is the point of a table read?

Table reads are an essential part of the script development and writing process, as writers use them as an opportunity to fine tune their stories, sharpen their dialogue, and make other necessary adjustments. These table readings usually occur towards the end of preproduction, before shooting begins.

Is a table read an audition?

A typical table read involves a group of people—actors, directors, writers, producers—who have sacrificed their time to sit around a table at a designated location to read through a script. ...