The very fact that the name of the genre contains the word"readers" indicates that it has a strong focus on the text. Text is the most important concept in the Readers theatre. It is raison d'etre and the main locus of authority for this type of performance. The intent of Readers theatre is to present a literary work in such a way that the attention of the audience is directed toward the author's creation. The texts that are chosen for performance are primarily literary nondramatic works. Leslie Irene Coger and Melvin R. White define Readers theatre as "a medium in which two or more oral interpreters through their oral reading cause an audience to experience literature" (8). Presentation in Readers theatre differs from the conventional play in various ways, and one of them is that there is no attempt made to create the sense of reality on stage. In this aspect Readers theatre is presentational rather than representational. The images are formed not on stage but in the minds of the audience and the readers themselves--that's where the action takes place. The voice of the interpreter serves only as a stimulus for the audience to experience the text. Therefore, the audience is as much involved in the performance as the readers are.

There are several elements of Readers theatre that help create the unique experience of Readers theatre. The most prominent element is the physical presence of the text on stage. A script is visible to the audience no matter whether the performers actually read from it or not. The audience is constantly reminded that the text is the primary source for the performance.

The decorations on the stage are either nonexistent or minimal. Since the scene locates in the imagination of the participants (audience and readers) the physical elements are not as important as aural. This applies not only to stage settings but to actors' actions as well. Readers usually sit on the stools behind the lecterns. The costumes are not used either, the performers are usually dressed in black (formal or informal wear).

Each reader portrays one or more characters; however, no attempt is made on behalf of a performer to become the characters while reading. Instead, the lighting is used to help show when a reader moves from one characterization to another.

Performers of the Readers theatre try to develop the connection with the audience. This relationship between a reader and an audience should assist the audience to concentrate their attention on the literary text.