1. Conduct readings on a consistent basis at a regular time
and location.
a. PT Shorts is now held the first Saturday of every
month.
b. PT Shorts is held 7:30 – 8:30 to coincide with the end of
Gallery Walk.
c. PT Shorts is held at an accessible downtown location.
2. Expose the community to a variety of literary genres, authors
and readers.
a. PT Shorts annually features a different director each
month.
i. Each director chooses his or her own theme and
material.
ii. Each director chooses his or her readers.
iii. Each director chooses his or her own rehearsal
schedule and style of presentation.
b. PT Shorts draws from a pool of readers available to
directors through open auditions.
i. Directors are encouraged to chose at least one
reader from the list of readers created through the
audition process
c. PT Shorts’ diverse selections encourage audience members
to read new authors, read additional works by familiar
authors or reread works long forgotten.
3. Offer low impact, entry level performing and directing
opportunities for actors and directors of all experience levels
or those new to the community.
a. PT Shorts gives performance and directing
opportunities to actors and directors that may not have the
time or ability to be involved with a fully staged
production. PT Shorts grooms new talent interested in
performing or directing.
4. Ensure the readings presented are of high quality
a. Material must be chosen from published works only.
b. Material chosen from “vanity publishers” will not be
considered a published work.
c. Directors should not choose material they authored
themselves.
d. Directors are discouraged from having authors read their
own work unless they are experienced performers.
e. Material may teach, inform or have a theme, but above
all, must be quality work that will hold an audience’s
interest.
5. Create partnerships and build community
a. Invite community groups to sponsor or direct a PT
Shorts (PT Library’s Community Read)
b. Chose material that highlights a special event ,
organization or cause (Wooden Boat Festival, Disability
Awareness Month, Domestic Violence Awareness Month,
Victorian Festival)
c. Participate in Port Townsend’s First Night event
i. Allows for a larger audience and/or an audience
that may not have experienced monthly PT Shorts programs
ii. Helps another community not-for-profit organization
raise money
iii. Gives back to the community by providing free,
all-ages entertainment
iv. Attracts and introduces those who may not be
familiar with Key City Public Theatre
d. Provide arts-related announcements at the beginning of
each PT Shorts
