The free series kicks off Sept. 20 with Hilary Bell's Shot While Dancing. Directed by Claudia Zelevansky, the 7 PM reading will feature the talents of Mia Barron, Greg Derelian, Jonathan Hogan and Miriam Laube. Set in an Atlanta hotel room, the play, according to production notes, concerns a father and daughter, who "find themselves charting a discomforting course amongst age-old landmines and recriminations, into a dangerous but inexorable web of deceit and taboo."

Brooke Berman's Hunting and Gathering follows on Sept. 27 at 7 PM. Directed by Michael John Garces, the work concerns the search for the right lover and a place that can be called home.

On Oct. 6, theatregoers can experience Jay Reiss' The Tulip Craze. The play — directed by Pam McKinnon — tells the tale of an actor who decides to leave his top-rated television show to become a bee-keeper.

Itamar Moses' The Four of Us will be presented Oct. 25. The play answers the question, "What happens when your biggest dreams come true — for your best friend?" And, Carolyn Cantor will direct an as-of-yet-untitled play by Julian Sheppard on Nov. 22 at 7 PM.

Casting for the remaining works will be announced closer to presentations. Although the readings are free, reservations are required by calling (212) 977-1700. All readings are held at the Ars Nova Theater, located at 511 West 54th Street, west of Tenth Avenue.