What is a cold read?

A cold read is a technique often used in acting auditions or improv exercises where an actor is given a script or text that they have not seen before and are asked to perform it without any prior preparation. The purpose of a cold read is to test an actor's ability to quickly interpret and deliver a scene or dialogue with little to no rehearsal. Cold reading requires the actor to think on their feet, make quick decisions, and rely on their instincts and natural talent. It can be a challenging but valuable skill for actors to develop, as it can demonstrate their versatility and adaptability in various performance situations.