A free monthly program for writers to hear their scripts come to life at ACMI, Melbourne's museum of screen culture.
Tuesday 17 March 2026
to Tuesday 19 May 2026
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Federation Square, Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Free
Experience the thrill of hearing your script performed live in a supportive, professional environment. ACMI Table Reads offers writers in film, television, video games, and short form scripted content a unique chance to bring their words to life. Whether you are refining a feature film script, enhancing a TV pilot, or experimenting with narrative design for video games, this program welcomes all stages of writing.
This is an inclusive event where writers can gather feedback from their own network of collaborators, friends, and invited guests. The readings are intimate, closed sessions designed to protect early-stage and embargoed work, ensuring a safe and focused atmosphere.
The program runs monthly from March to May 2026, with sessions on Tuesday evenings from 18:00 to 20:00. Eligible scripts range from 20 to 130 pages, with readings lasting between 30 and 120 minutes. Writers must provide their own performers (up to eight people) and invite their own audience (up to 50 guests).
ACMI provides access to a black-box style theatre, AV equipment, furniture, and private ticketing links. Live streaming via Zoom is available upon request, allowing broader participation.
The readings take place at Gandel Lab 1, Level 1, ACMI, located in Federation Square, Melbourne/Naarm. This central location is easily accessible by public transport and offers a vibrant cultural setting.
ACMI is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00, with additional amenities such as a café, bar, and shop on site. The venue is committed to accessibility and acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land.
Attendance is by invitation only to maintain a confidential and supportive environment for writers. Scripts must meet length requirements, and writers should indicate total pages if submitting a series.
Performers and audience members are sourced by the writers themselves. The sessions are not open to the general public, ensuring privacy for early-stage work.
Participation in ACMI Table Reads is free of charge. Writers interested in submitting their projects can apply through the ACMI website. Ticketing for audience members is managed privately by the participating writers.
This program is an excellent opportunity for emerging and established writers to develop their craft in a professional setting without financial barriers.
