Playback Theatre is a unique improvisional theatre with no script. The material for the performance comes from the audience. Assisted by the conductor, who holds a performance, people in the audience share moments and stories from their lives, which are then immediately re-enacted or "played back" spontaneously by a troupe of usually four actors and a muscian.

The actors and muscian then take on roles in a dramatic form and, using dance, movement, mine, music, dialogue, sound and imagination, the story or moment is played back in a creative and magical re-enactment. No Playback performance is like any other and no-one quite knows what to expect when they walk through the doors. That is the spontaneous nature of Playback, for actors and audience alike.

Communities and organisations use Playback to build their community, enable sometimes untold stories to be brought forward, acknowledge joyful and painful times and to value the contributions of people in their community. In essence Playback provides a unique opportunity to listen, learn and build on each others' personal and community story.

Commissioned Performances

Communities and organisations have used Playback for a variety of purposes. These incude to:

• open and close conferences
• mark times of organisational change and transition such as changes in maangement and staff losses
• acknowledge times of celebration or stress in the life of an organisation
• identify issues within a group or team
• highlight learning during training and management development programs
• share the stories or work and community groups with the purpose of developing greater understanding of each other
• acknowledge the stories of marginalised groups

Playback is versatile and effective. We will work with you to develop a performance and activity that is appropriate for your needs.

Previous clients include:

• Queensland Alliance
• Oral History Association of Australia
• Catholic Education
• Australian National Training Authority
• Queensland Department of Transport
• Amparo Advoacy Inc
• Queensland Council of Social Services
• New Farm Neighbourhood Centre
• Project Micah

Other functions Brisbane Playback have performed at include:

• Mental Health Awareness Week
• Disability Action Week
• Reconciliation Week
• QCOSS State Conference
• Borderline Performance for Hostel and Boarding House Residences

Workshops

Playback offer training workshops to the public throughout the year. They are fun and are a great way to experience more Playback and possibly a whole new world of possibilities!

Learning the improvisation and spontaneity skills used in Playback assists in:

• building communication and listening skills
• building self confidence
• recognising the importance of story
• developing physical emotional and psychological connection
• developing capacity for playing and having fun
• professional development

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