1. less is more

2. don't be a director, be the writer

3. tell it like a story, leave out words such as cut to, interior, exterior, fade

4. the same actor can play any ethnicity, any race and any age - the more roles the actors are given, the more enthusiastic they will be

5. full rehearsals for readings are not always necessary, I find that explaining the character's background, upbringing and mood is much more important

6. always feed the actors, take care of them like they are taking care of you

7. have endless amounts of water for actors

8. feed actors with vegetables, fruits, snacks...nothing too heavy because you don't want them hitting a wall in the middle of your reading

9. always provide the audience with programs, and try including pictures and contact numbers of the actors -- they are providing a service, so it's only right to service them as well

10. casting directors and agents should always be acknowledged and thanked, their services and telephone calls take more time than anyone can imagine

11. if you're confident with the characters which you have developed, it's your job to trust the actors to bring them to life

12. allow the audience the freedom to envision the colors and specific details of imagery

13. understand that with readings, there are expenses; programs, food, water, copies of scripts, location...but hearing your work read aloud in front of an audience is priceless

14. with readings comes a lot of trust and you should trust the experience of actors, casting directors and the audience...you can always benefit from the experience of others

15. stage directions is so important, make sure you cast someone who's voice will compliment your script -- if you have a talented actor-friend who is normally upbeat, it may hurt a a script that is dramatic

16. invite as many people as possible, the larger the audience the more reaction you'll receive and you may be surprised to see at what points they laugh, gasp, etc..

17. invite development companies, agents, managers, investors, friends etc...

18. try to cut the script down, a perfect length for a reading is 100-110 pages at the most

19. try to keep your scripts timely, for example; if you finished the script a few years ago and you have a scene with a walkman, replace walkman with iPod

20. tape record the reading, this will allow you to focus on the reading instead of watching the audience and how they react