What is Playback Theatre?
Playback Theatre is an improvised theatre form that allows communities to share real-life stories in a save and brave space and then watch them enacted on the spot by an acting and music ensemble. The process uses deep listening, conversation, improvisation, movement, and music to honor the stories and experiences in the room. The result is often surprising and yields opportunities for new perspectives, discovery, catharsis, healing, and connection. Our Playback Theatre performances usually include six or more actors and 1-2 musicians. We seek diverse audiences who are invited to come prepared to interact through storytelling and reflection.
Refugia Playback Theatre is a partnership between The Chrysalis: Monarch Center for the Arts and Imagine. Our ensemble started doing this work together in 2022, and we are excited to be entering our 3rd season as a creative and intermodal ensemble. To schedule a performance or for more information, contact Erika Malone (emalone@monarchschools.org) or Catherine Hanna Schrock (catherine@imaginebravespaces.com).
Upcoming Events
Playback Theatre Community Show
Saturday, September 14
6:00-8:00pm
The Vineyard Amphitheatre, 2568 Pence Drive, El Cajon, CA 92019
Open to the public
RSVP to events@imaginebravespaces.com
Playback Theatre Ensemble Auditions
Monday, September 23
6:00-9:00pm
We are seeking new members for our Playback ensemble – with a special emphasis on folks with various abilities, elders, twenty-somethings, BIPOC folks, multilingual folks, and people who identify as male or binary.
Contact catherine@imaginebravespaces.com for more information about auditions.
More about Playback Theatre
Playback as a form was developed in 1975 and there are currently dozens of playback companies in North America and hundreds in over 70 countries across the globe, offering performances in person and online. In addition to public performances, Playback Theatre is used in counteless ways in schools, businesses, health care and social service institutions, government, and community organizations.
Click here to learn more about Playback Theatre, in general.
