photo credit: Candice Majors

Our first stateside Table Read Club was a hit!

For the uninitiated, Table Read Club is a fun, traveling series looking for the boldest scripts. Through interactive table reads, we bring stories to life that highlight our humanity and celebrate cultural diversity with a rotating cast of actors, performance artists, directors, and more.

Table Read Club was born in London, stopped in Guadalajara and landed in Chicago on October 9th! Next stop, Mexico City on November 19th, if you’re local - sign up here to grab a seat.

The Chicago iteration of Table Read Club featured scripts from #OTVFellows Nzzy Nekay (2024), Danielle Young (2023), and Robert Cunningham (2023). The evening featured the reading talents of Dionna Addai, 2023 #OTVFellow Adhana Reid, Keimon Shook, Amari Amai, and Rem Eyster with narration support by OTV’s Elijah McKinnon and Chris Walker. It was all hosted by OTV’s Artist Development Coordinator, Rasheed Peters:

“It was a pleasure for Mac (OTV's Marketing Coordinator) and I to organize the first U.S. iteration of Table Read Club at the OTV Studio in Chicago! After seeing the success of the program in London and Guadalajara, we were so excited to bring it to the community of writers and filmmakers in Chicago. It was incredible to watch scripts that began their development in the #OTVFellowship come to life through the voices of local talent. The laughter, gasps, and applause after each reading were a true testament to the program’s success and a powerful reminder of the importance of gathering and supporting each other as a creative community.”

meet the writers

DREAMING OF FISH by NZZY NEKAY (Short-Film)
"Dreaming of Fish" is a suspenseful drama that delves into the complexities of reproductive rights and the lengths a couple is willing to go to secure their future. The story centers around Iris, a young woman facing an unplanned pregnancy, and Sterling, the father of the child, as they navigate a secretive and highly guarded abortion facility called Crowning Jewels.

Follow Nzzy.

APPLES AND APPLES by DANIELLE YOUNG (Short-Film)

On her first night out post breakup, a butch baby boomer (and sober alcoholic) meets a curious woman whose candidness reignites her vigor for life, in all of its complexities.

Follow Danielle.

LAURELS by ROBERT CUNNINGHAM (Pilot Concept)

Laurels is a serialized half-hour comedy about a washed up, former child star who uses his con-artist younger cousin and a ragtag group of Chicago community college performers to help reignite his career.

Follow Robert.