This terms describes an audition whereby the actor reads the script aloud without having had any previous review of the script or the character. Generally the performers do not "act" the roles but simply read the material aloud. This exercise offers actors, the director, perhaps the writer and even the camera person an initial experience of the text in action offering the opportunity to make production notes, get a feeling for the mood of the story, what equipment and supplies will be required for the production and so on.