Playback Works ...
in an unusual and highly innovative way where the audience provides the basic script.

The audience members, in response to the performance theme, volunteer to tell experiences, dilemmas or events from their lives to the Playback Conductor.

The Conductor shapes the story and suggests a stylistic form, whereupon the innovative Actors and the Musician spontaneously recreate the story using few props and various dramatic techniques including improvised dialogue, stylistic metaphor, movement, mime, voice, and dance.

The stories are brought to life, playfully, poignantly and with often rather
unexpected results.

There are usually many people willing to share a story or two, while others are happy to just sit back and enjoy the show, often glimpsing their life through the stories of others.

Playback Theatre was created by Jonathon Fox in New York in 1976. There are now Playback Theatre Companies throughout the world including Japan, New Zealand, USA, Finland, Sweden, Germany, Holland, UK ... over 30 countries in all.

Bellingen Playback Theatre Company was founded in 1989 and is a member of the International Playback Theatre Network, an association of Playback practitioners and teachers which ensures quality management of Playback Theatre.

How is Playback Theatre Used?

Playback provides a dynamic communication process through which groups explore their current themes and issues. It is also used by companies and organisations to focus on:

* Team building
* Debriefing and performance review
* Managing technological and cultural changes
* Organisational planning
* Communication

Event organisers incorporate Playback Theatre performance into

* Conferences and Seminars
* Staff Training and Professional Development Programs
* Forums and Public Awareness Campaigns

Outcomes of a Playback Theatre Performance

Playback brings concepts and ideas to life. It refreshes the senses of the participants, broadens their perspective and people often have a good laugh. It creates common links between audience members, builds trust and mutual respect.

Playback is therefore a highly effective tool for improving communications, managing change, celebrating difference and promoting cultural understanding and tolerance.

A Bellingen Playback Theatre performance includes a full consultation process to negotiate the specific requirements to an event.

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