Cold reading is a term used by actors and other performers in theatre, television, film, and performance fields. A cold reading is a reading aloud from a script or other text without any rehearsal, practice or study in advance. It is also sometimes referred to as sight-reading.
Cold readings are employed frequently in actor auditions, to allow the employer or playwright to get a general idea of the actors' performing capabilities. They are also used for performance classes and by playwrights who need to hear their play read aloud by actors. Many actors and other performers and public speakers take classes and practice at length to improve the quality of their cold readings.
Cold reading can also be used in conjunction with improvisations to gauge a performer's ability to perform new works. A good dramatic cold reader is able to communicate with fluency and clarity and to project speech rhythms and rhymes well. He should also be able to bring out the intent, mood and characterization of a piece through appropriate articulation and body language.
Famous quotes containing the words cold and/or reading:
“As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.”
—Bible: Hebrew Proverbs, 25:25.
“Common sense should tell us that reading is the ultimate weapon—destroying ignorance, poverty and despair before they can destroy us. A nation that doesn’t read much doesn’t know much. And a nation that doesn’t know much is more likely to make poor choices in the home, the marketplace, the jury box and the voting booth...The challenge, therefore, is to convince future generations of children that carrying a book is more rewarding than carrying guns.”
—Jim Trelease (20th century)