I first attended an introductory Playback workshop in 1989 when Francis Batten was establishing the Brisbane troupe. I was too scared to join…“How could I do that? A few years later I commissioned Playback to perform at a conference. During the performance, Diz Synnot, the then conductor invited audience members to "have a go". In that moment my desire outgrew my fear and I acted for the first time. I joined the troupe in 1993. Since then I have attended many workshops here and in America and taken on a variety of roles in the troupe as actor, conductor, trainer. Playback is an integral and important part of my life and my work and I am very grateful to all the people who have assisted me on my Playback journey.

I now invite you to join with us as audience member, storyteller, friend, workshop participant or potential troupe member and "have a go".

I began my love affair with Playback Theatre in 1999 when I participated in a series of workshops held by the Melbourne Playback Theatre Company. In 2003 I joined the Brisbane company and have since performed in the roles of actor, conductor, and facilitator. I am developing my courage to perform in the role of musician. I love Playback Theatre for its ability to build a common ground where all stories are welcome. Honouring a tellers story is a simple and heart felt act of service for the many voices in our communities.

Playback is different because there are no stars, careers or agents involved; it's an ensemble effort. You get to know your fellow performers over weeks, months and often years. In my day job as a doctor there is a lot of 'serious conversation' and so I enjoy the opportunity to jump around and make silly noises at Playback. In fact if that is all we did I would still probably turn up to rehearsals. I love hearing stories about people's lives; everyone has fascinating stories to tell. Playback is an opportunity to tell stories to a room full of attentive people without interruption, moderation or complaint - I don't know anywhere else where that can happen.

I was introduced to Playback when I commissioned Brisbane Playback for a conference in 2006. This conference involved a lot of talking heads. Playback was a breath of fresh air. People laughed and cried as we told and heard stories that revealed and bonded us as humans. As a psychologist I have been curious about the mind for more than 20 years. As a Dharma practitioner I see the stories we tell ourselves and others as the ongoing maintenance of the self ­ the process of "selfing". Playback gives us the opportunity to see our stories from the outside as they are played back to us. This shift in perspective can be liberating ­ making us laugh and cry at our own humanity and that we share with others. I was invited to audition for the troupe in 2007 and joined in 2008. I love the edge of being exposed as an actor, matching the courage of the audience to tell their stories!

My theatre experience commenced at the age of eleven with 'Queensland Musical Theatre' and continued over numerous productions. I have also performed with "The Royal Ballet" (England) and "The Australian Ballet" and as a instrumental musician and vocalist at many events. I have been performing with Playback since 2002 and bring numerous physical skills from my background as a Sports Coach and Sports Referee. My past associations have been with "Queensland Shakespeare Ensemble", "Playdoh", and "Play It Again Sam". I am a current student of The Actors Conservatorium.

I come from the mid deep south. Past time I was involved in student politics and Aboriginal rights; and more recently conservation. I really enjoy learning more about people, ideas, singing and playing. Playback is a bit special: its actually listening carefully to other people’s stories; testing my courage and joy in setting out into the seemingly familiar and yet unknown to play the story back; and playing with members of my troupe. I have been learning for four years, there is so much more to learn; about listening and watching, artfulness and what yes and can mean. Brisbane Playback troupe is another family – one in which I can actually negotiate – and that’s a great gift. All in all for me Playback is a great gift.

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