R&D (aka “Reading & Drinking”)

R&D (also known as "Reading & Drinking") is Step1’s co-reading series, created in 2017. It is a casual reading set-up where volunteer actors read a piece out loud that is either new or in development, followed by a brief Q&A feedback session with a small audience. We offer refreshments and beverages, both boozy and non-alcoholic. Each session is catered to the needs of the individual playwright, please reach out to us if you have any questions! There are four R&D sessions per season (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall). R&D is always free to attend.

This season we are featuring all femme playwrights. If you are a cis woman, a trans woman, or a nonbinary playwright in the NYC area, we invite you to submit your work!

Staged Readings

Some plays that have been presented at an R&D move on to a second season of collaboration with Step1 through a staged reading. Unlike the cold reading set-up of R&D, our staged readings are ticketed events meant to help develop the piece further. Examples of added elements may include light blocking, lighting & sound design, costume designs, or other additions based on the needs of the playwright.

Step1 holds 1 staged reading per season with a piece that has been featured at a previous R&D session with tickets priced at or below $10. This is typically a one-night-only presentation.

Workshop Productions

Our Workshop Production is considered our “Mainstage” show of the season! If a piece has been presented at a Step1 Staged Reading, it is eligible to move on to a 3rd season of collaboration with a workshop production. During this phase we produce a brief performance run uplifting the production as much as our resources allow. Examples include actors fully off-book, set design, costume design, hair & makeup, props, lighting & sound design, and more robust marketing. The specific production variables will vary depending on funding and the playwright preferences.

Step1 does not produce premieres—we understand the title of “premiere” is valuable and can exclude your work from future submission opportunities. The goal of each workshop production is to get as close to full production as possible. Step1 has 1 workshop production per season, with tickets typically priced at or below $20. Performance runs tend to range between 3 - 7 performances.

Step1 Workshops

Our team presents workshops on various topics when we have the resources. Past workshops have included topics like tips for crowdfunding, writing narratives for trans & nonbinary characters, and play development with undergraduate playwrights. Step1 workshops are always free to attend, though donations are always appreciated!