Readings at SCR

South Coast Repertory’s NewSCRipts series, which offers a preliminary glimpse of five new plays done as readings, begins Monday on the Mainstage with “In the Western Garden,” by Stuart Spencer. Set in Renaissance Florence and late ‘80s Long Island, the play deals with the nature of art through encounters between established greats (one of them Michelangelo) and young aspiring artists. Other readings in the 1999-2000 series are scheduled for Dec. 6, Jan. 31, April 24 and a June date to be announced. Tickets are $32 for the series, $8 for each reading. Information: (714) 708-5555.