LAKE PLACID — Lake Placid Center for the Arts recently announced community play “Cold Reads” on Jan. 16 and March 20 on the LPCA stage.

What’s a cold read? Typically, a cold read is when an actor is asked to perform a script with little-to-no preparation. Sometimes used in the audition process, a cold read calls upon the actor’s spontaneity and ability to grasp material swiftly. LPCA’s Cold reads, however, are casual, pressure-free and open to all.

The play readings are designed to supplement upcoming presentations of National Theatre Live. Operated by the Royal National Theatre in London, National Theatre Live is an initiative bringing filmed British stage performances to cinemas and arts centers around the world. Two 7 p.m. Thursday table readings are scheduled ahead of the 7 p.m. Saturday screenings on Jan. 18 and March 22.

The first National Theatre Live screening of 2025 is the critically acclaimed one-man Vanya, starring Andrew Scott (All of Us Strangers, Fleabag). The production, which enjoyed a sold-out run in London, is a new adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya in which all eight characters are portrayed by one actor. The table reading of Uncle Vanya will take place Thursday, Jan. 16 at 7 p.m., and the screening will be shown at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18. Eight adult roles are available in Chekhov’s heartbreaking black comedy full of ennui, dysfunctional family dynamics and unrequited love. A digital copy of the script is available on the event page of the LPCA website.

A reading of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest will take place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 20, followed by the NTL screening at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 22. The “joyful and flamboyant” National Theatre production — currently running on the West End — stars three-time Olivier Award-winner Sharon D Clarke and Ncuti Gatwa, who audiences will recognize as the current Doctor Who. The satirical drawing-room comedy is considered “the most perfect comedy in the English language” (London Telegraph). 9 adult roles are available. British accents optional.

The readings are led by LPCA Director of Education and Outreach Tara Palen and Associate General Manager Tyler Nye. “We’re thrilled to bring new theatre energy to the arts center,” Nye said. “Participants are welcome to read a role or sit back and just listen to the play being read aloud. No experience needed! These are two celebrated theatre classics, and our hope is to engage the community with the opportunity to learn about the play and bring these noted characters to life.”

Palen agrees. “Chekhov’s plays and certainly Importance of Being Earnest are not only popular, enduring classics, but they’re found in ELA curriculums. The UK productions we’ll be screening look fresh and exciting and the readings offer a chance to experience the play from the inside out, page-to-stage.”

Anyone interested can email Tyler at tyler@lakeplacidarts.org to RSVP and express interest in reading a role.

The readings are free and open to the public and no experience is necessary. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase and $5 discounted tickets to the NTL screenings will be offered to all attendees of the readings. $15 tickets to National Theatre Live presentations are available at lakeplacidarts.org or by calling (518) 523-2512.