fall 2013 Reading Series

This page contains events that are part of the later-development developmental and staged reading series, programs for plays that are closer to theater-ready, having progressed beyond scene nights. and the Read-Through series.

  • Staged readings are rehearsed with a director and produced by Brady Brophy-Hilton. They are $10 to $20 sliding scale for non-members.
  • Developmental readings are read by actors and produced by Jennifer Roberts. They are $5 to $10 sliding scale for non-members.

All readings are free to PCSF members.


Monday, Sept. 16, 2013

Opportunity Costs
by Marian Berges
Developmental reading

May owns one third of a two million dollar shack on the Vineyard. She is caught in a compromising position by various members of her family who arrive on an early ferry. The President is staying next door. Chaos ensues.

Marian Berges worked as a costume designer for the theatre, and then discovered writing. Her short stories have been published in online magazines such as Literary Mama and in print in St Anne's Review. She is a member of the Central Works Writing Group, and her play The Medea Hypothesis was presented as part of Central Works' 2013 season.

Shelton Theater (downstairs)
533 Sutter (btw. Powell and Mason)
San Francisco
7:30 p.m.
$5-10 SL; members free


Monday, Sept. 23, 2013

The reading originally scheduled for this date has been postponed.


Monday, Sept. 30, 2013

The Foundation for Heaven on Earth
by Leah Halper
Developmental reading

Four octogenarian radicals who've established a progressive Foundation for Heaven on Earth can't wait to pass the torch. Once they recruit like-minded young people, they can decline in peace. But in fin de siecle California young people have other priorities, and the very Foundation is menaced by death, doubt, and disunity.

Leah Halper's short plays have been widely produced. Her ten-minute Ready was a Heideman finalist, and she is a regular contribution to the Pear Avenue Theatre and Monday Night PlayGround at the Berkeley Rep. This play grew from her work with the fantastic Women's International League for Peace and Freedom.

Shelton Theater (downstairs)
533 Sutter (btw. Powell and Mason)
San Francisco
7:30 p.m.
$5-10 SL; members free


Monday, Oct. 7, 2013

La Fee Verte
by Bridgette Dutta Portman
Directed by Amy Crumpacker

Staged reading

When France bans absinthe in 1914, three addicts – a struggling poet, a depressed bartender, and a hypocritical priest – must deal with the consequences...and the Green Fairy isn't making things any easier. Set in a Parisian cafe, this full-length comedy explores the human need to find meaning in life.

Bridgette Dutta Portman has been a member of PCSF since Fall 2009. Four of her full-length plays have had readings through PCSF – most recently Caenis and Poseidon in June 2013. Her short comedy Auto-Incorrect was performed as part of PCSF and Wily West's Sheherezade festival this year.

Shelton Theater (downstairs)
533 Sutter (btw. Powell and Mason)
San Francisco
7:30 p.m.
$10-20 SL; members free


Monday, Oct. 14, 2013

The Blood of My Subjects
by Bob White
Developmental reading

Five soldiers in Viet Nam lay down their rifles and refuse to fight. When they’re put on trial the contest is between a military command that has lied and mismanaged a war - and soldiers who no longer believe in either.   

Bob White is a San Francisco based novelist, playwright and short story writer and the author of the novel Kid Chocolate.  His debut play, The Blood of My Subjects, deals with the responsibility of those who sent soldiers off to wars that should never have been fought.

Shelton Theater (downstairs)
533 Sutter (btw. Powell and Mason)
San Francisco
7:30 p.m.
$5-10 SL; members free


Monday, Oct. 21, 2013

Martha
by Lisa Mammel
Developmental reading

George Washington dies, leaving Martha with a will that provides that his slaves shall be free — upon Martha's death. Are the slaves plotting against Martha to hasten their freedom? Or is Martha losing her psychological bearings, while the physical and social order of Mt. Vernon crumbles around her?

Lisa Mammel's journey with Martha led her to writing on the landing outside Martha Washington's bedroom at Mt. Vernon. Beyond the stage, Lisa's writing includes two full-length screenplays and a novel. Her screenplay Melting Point was a Finalist and a Semi-Finalist in the World-Fest Houston and Phoenix Film Festival Screenwriting Contests.

Shelton Theater (downstairs)
533 Sutter (btw. Powell and Mason)
San Francisco
7:30 p.m.
$5-10 SL; members free


Monday, Oct. 28, 2013

Losing it
by Patricia Milton
Developmental reading

Win is a hyper-connected, multitasking perfume executive whose life has spun out of control. After she loses her nose and botches an important product pitch, she is forced to make a change. Will she abandon "the edge" for a life of serenity? Or will she lose it altogether?

Patricia Milton's plays have been seen around the country. She recently enjoyed three world premieres in seven months: Believers, (2012, Wily West Productions, San Francisco) Strange Bedfellows, (co-written with Andrew Black, 2012, Theatre Out, Santa Ana) and Solving Sunflowers (2013, East Mountain Centre for Theatre, Sandia, Park, NM).

Shelton Theater (downstairs)
533 Sutter (btw. Powell and Mason)
San Francisco
7:30 p.m.
$5-10 SL; members free


Monday, Nov. 4, 2013

My Visit to America
by Chas Belov
Directed by Dave Sikula
Staged reading

In a world of today that is not our world, the Mongolian Empire runs Eurasia and indigenous Americans run America. Jochi, a London bureaucrat, tries to cheat and bully her way into a trade deal between London and Miami. Instead, an interrogation awaits her in America and a test of friendship back home.

Chas Belov's full-length plays Rice Kugel and Hemlock have had staged readings at PCSF. His short plays have been produced by PCSF and Driven Theatre, Houston. He is a member of the Dramatists Guild and is a Theatre Bay Area [member] 2013 ATLAS playwright. Visit his playwriting blog at chasbelov.com.

Shelton Theater (downstairs)
533 Sutter (btw. Powell and Mason)
San Francisco
7:30 p.m.
$10-20 SL; members free


Monday, Nov. 18, 2013

A House Divided
by Rod McFadden
Developmental reading

After her husband's death, Rebecca is alone in her remote house. Her grown children Alexandra and Nick come with plans of moving Rebecca to a safer retirement community. An alternate plan opens a floodgate of conflicting needs and motives, forcing each family member to decide what is most important in their inextricably shared lives.

Rod McFadden began writing plays in 2009. He has received awards in national and international playwriting competitions for his plays, Love Birds, Counting on Love, Getting the Message, and Beyond Where the Horizon Lies. His full-length play, Hope's Last Chance, will premier in San Francisco in October 2013. Rod serves on the PCSF board.

Shelton Theater (downstairs)
533 Sutter (btw. Powell and Mason)
San Francisco
7:30 p.m.
$5-10 SL; members free