DLT Entertainment seek scripts for Edinburgh Fringe showcases
- DLT Entertainment is seeking comedy scripts to showcase at Monkey Barrel Comedy in Edinburgh in August
- Four scripts will be selected for the live shows, which will be overseen by Red Dwarf director Ed Bye
- Existing scripts can be submitted now ahead of a deadline of 10pm on 7th June
DLT Entertainment, co-sponsors of the Edinburgh Comedy Awards and producers of TV shows such as My Family, and Monkey Barrel Comedy, the venue that hosted the Best Comedy Show winners in both 2022 and 2023, have announced the launch of Table Reads: New Comedy Script Showcase.
They explain: "Table Reads offers a unique platform for budding and established comedy writers to have their scripts read and performed by some of the leading comedians at the Fringe. This show is more than just a performance; it is a development project designed to foster new talent, workshop original writing, and build lasting relationships between emerging creatives.
"Each day of the Fringe, one of four selected scripts will be brought to life by a cast of top comedians, after a brief warm-up by an MC, with 5-6 performers per show. This will provide creatives with a unique opportunity to gain real-time feedback on their work, as well as giving audiences a rare glimpse behind the TV development curtain, seeing some of the best new scriptwriting in UK comedy before channel commissioners do."
The show welcomes script submissions from anyone, although a particular effort is being made to seek out performers and writers living and/or working in Scotland.
Existing scripts can be submitted now, with the deadline of 10pm on 7th June. The producers explain: "This open submission process aims to discover and elevate new and diverse comedic voices, providing an unparalleled opportunity to showcase comedy writing in a leading venue at the world's largest performing arts festival."
Directing the shows will be Ed Bye, who is known for his work on some of the UK's best-loved TV sitcoms, including Red Dwarf and Absolutely Fabulous.
Producers say: "Ed's expertise and vision will be instrumental in bringing these new scripts to life, creating a must-see event for comedy enthusiasts and industry professionals alike."
Additional support will be provided by DLT Entertainment's experienced development team; Darren Smith, Jon Aird and Ben Walker.
Bonnie and Braw, an independent production company based in Edinburgh, will be involved in the delivery of the live shows, with producer and founder John McEwen-Whyte providing production support.
DLT Entertainment will absorb all production costs. After covering third-party expenses, such as marketing, all remaining funds from ticket sales will be distributed among the cast and creatives.
Donald Taffner Jr., president of DLT Entertainment, comments: "We have been thinking of doing table reads at the Fringe for a number of years but needed the right partner. David Bleese and Monkey Barrel Comedy are that partner, and we look forward to working with the talented comedians and writers and let the audience experience a fundamental step in the television development process."
David Bleese of Monkey Barrel comments: "We are incredibly excited to partner with DLT Entertainment for Table Reads. This show represents a significant opportunity for new and emerging writers to have their work seen and heard, and we're delighted to bring such an exciting new project to the festival."
Table Reads: New Comedy Script Showcase will run in Monkey Barrel 4 from July 30th to 25th August.
Submitted scripts must be 30 minutes in length, not optioned by a broadcaster or production company, and "above all else - funny!"
Submissions can be made via dltentertainment.com
This article is provided for free as part of BCG Pro.
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