Playback NOW! St. Louis
Playback NOW! is a St. Louis-based performance troupe that employs the techniques of Playback Theatre to entertain, engage, and educate and promote empathy for audiences of all ages. Playback Theatre is a highly specialized form of improvisation that was created by Jonathan Fox and Jo Salas in the 1970s, in an effort to encourage individuals from all walks of society to let their stories be heard.
Performances range in length from 20-60 minutes and can be designed to cover any topic or theme. Some of our previous performances have focused on: racial, sexual or ethnic discrimination, gender identity, and sexual orientation, coming out, freedom and equality, New Year’s resolutions, and Halloween stories.
We can work with you to develop a custom theme for your event!
Playback has been performed for:
Webster University Conference on Diversity & Inclusion, Missouri History Museum, Diversity Awareness Partnership (Boeing, Edward Jones, St. Louis Zoo, Missouri Botanical Garden), Toyota Bodine Aluminum, Monsanto, the Monocle, Grand Center Theatre Crawl (International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum), and the Theatre Communications Group National Conference.
How it works!
Space: We are very versatile in where we can perform. Lecture halls, meeting rooms, theaters, and even living rooms have hosted us in the past. Ideally, a performance area (our stage) would offer a minimum area of 12x16 feet. We would also appreciate a private area for our troupe to meet and warm-up privately before the show.
Technical requirements: We work best with one wireless microphone (that can be used to amplify audience members’ comments and stories) and the accompanying PA. In larger venues (such as a theatre) we may need for our troupe to be equipped with lavaliers/body mics.
Other: It would be helpful if your venue could provide one small table and at least four chairs. Depending on cast size, it might be helpful to have more chairs. Other accommodations may be needed, based on the venue and other factors.
Our troupe ranges in size from four to eleven. Sometimes this is limited by the venue and sometimes by player availability (our cast is made up of some very sought-after performers!). Playback is very versatile and easily allows for variations in cast numbers without changing the quality of the show.
After a brief (and fun) series of ice-breakers, volunteers are invited on stage to tell a story about their life. They are interviewed “talk show style” by our host. Our cast is listening intently as emotional details are mined. The players then portray the story.
Cost: We are flexible. Your organization may even qualify for a free performance. Among the criteria: open and accessible to people of all ages and from all walks of life.
