Playback Theatre as a dynamic new approach to theatre and community dialogue was first developed in 1975 by Jonathan Fox, Jo Salas, and the other members of the original Playback Theatre company. This group came together in Beacon, NY, and was active for 11 years.
 
Now there are companies in over 60 countries worldwide, performing in theatres, schools, conference centers, prisons, refugee camps, festivals, libraries-anywhere there are people with stories.
 
Whatever the setting, the basic format is the same: audience members tell a personal observation, a memory, a feeling, then watch as actors and musicians make theatre on the spot that captures the important meanings of the story.
 
Many voices are heard in each show, creating a uniquely embodied dialogue that builds understanding, connection, and empowerment.
 
Playback Theatre in the Hudson Valley is represented by Hudson River Playback Theatre; our sister company Community Playback Theatre which performs regularly at Bougton Place in Highland, NY; and the Centre for Playback Theatre providing training and worldwide leadership for the PT movement. 
 
HRPT director Jo Salas's book Improvising Real Life: Personal Story in Playback Theatre has been published in six languages, with translations in Russian and Hebrew forthcoming. This and other books, articles, and a DVD about Playback Theatre are available at www.playbackcentre.org/products_Itemized.htm.