The purpose of RAW is to give playwrights a forum for trying out new works, and to encourage theatre-goers to participate in getting new works "on their feet."
We have six staged readings a year at the Barn. Typically our readings are blocked, but actors have script in hand. Minimal furniture and props are used, often with appropriate sound and lighting effects. We present both full-length plays and programs of short works. A moderated talk-back session with the audience follows the readings, in which viewers are encouraged to respond to the playwright’s questions and give their impressions of the work. We suggest a $7.00 admission fee, but if you are a
member of RVP or a
season subscriber, there is no charge.
Come join us in a friendly atmosphere of audience participation while enjoying some enticing refreshments!
The 5th season of RAW in 2008/2009
FOUR MODERN SHORTS
LAND OF CAMAAN by Susan Jackson, directed by Maureen Studer
read by Lue Ann Eldar, Dorothea Rastegar, Eleanor Prugh
ON WITH THE WIND written and directed by Carol Sheldon
read by Donna Andews, Norman Macleod, Pat Parker, Eleanor Prugh,
Jean Rose
VINCENT by J.D. Blair, directed by Robert Estes
readers include Susan Donnelly, Charles Grant, Susanne Light
A CHANGE IN THE AIR by VB Leghorn, directed by Billie Cox
read by Richard Howell, Karen Leland, Sephanie Miller
Saturday, May 23, 2009 at 3pm
Sunday, May 24, 2009 at 3pm
A FULL LENGTH DRAMA about Arthur Miller
THE ALCHEMIST'S SON by Michelle Lein, directed by Cris Cassell
Saturday, July 18, 2009 at 3pm
Sunday, July 19, 2009 at 3pm
Media Contact
Producer Tinka Ross of San Rafael 415-454-4715 or tinkar at rossvalleyplayers.com.
Script Submission Guidelines
We accept works from Bay Area residents only. Playwrights are expected to attend the program and participate in the talk-back session with the audience.
Plays may be between 10 and 50 pages of any genre except children's plays or musicals. Scripts must be in standard format*. Presenting your work in this professional manner and uniform style helps us immensely in estimating the running time of your play.
Plays must not have received a previous full production in the Bay Area. If your play is selected for a reading with RAW, and you subsequently discover it is being produced elsewhere prior to you RAW reading, it is your responsibility to notify RAW immediately.
HOW: Submission of scripts is by electronic means only, as an attachment in a Word or RTF file.
WHEN: RAW is now accepting ONE ACTS and SHORTS only for the next season. Plays may be between 10 and 50 pages or minutes. Possible full productions next season.
*Submission Format (VERY IMPORTANT!)
FONT: 12 point
MARGINS: Side margins are 1¼"
CHARACTER NAME in capitals in the CENTER of the page. Single space between the character's name and his/her speech. Before the NEXT character's name, there is a DOUBLE space.
STAGE DIRECTIONS: Indented and in parentheses
Pages are numbered.
INCLUDE the following in a SINGLE file: your synopsis, bio and the entire script with character descriptions.
Submit to raw at rossvalleyplayers.com.
Director Applications
Staged readings typically have between one and five rehearsals, depending on length of work, availability of cast, etc. If you are interested in directing, please submit a brief resume to raw at rossvalleyplayers.com
Actor Sign-up
If you wish to be notified of upcoming auditions, and have not been receiving e-mail notices, please sign up in the audition section of this website.
History of RAW
The Ross Valley Players has a long history of supporting original theatrical work. In the 1930s, members submitted scripts for competition with the winners being presented at the annual membership meeting. The 1950s saw staged readings and in the 1980s RAT (Ross Alternative Theatre) presented both readings and full production of plays by local playwrights. In 2000, the idea of reading new scripts was revived as a membership perk and in 2004, RAW (Ross Alternative Works) was formed. It began in conjunction with HAVEN. In the 1990s, late actor/director Ben Dickson spearheaded HAVEN to facilitate theatre artists practicing their craft in a non-critical, open and creative atmosphere; a safe haven. RAW continues in that spirit while presenting a series of readings coinciding with the RVP season.
The 2008-2009 RAW Committee
Ann Armour, Pennell Chapin, Billie Cox, Robert Estes, Tinka Ross, Susan Rothchild, Carol Sheldon, Mark Shepard
