Playback Theatre Workshop

[christopher ellinger]

Sweet work together!
We were touched to get feedback from several of you after the workshop, incl.:
"I've been eager to find improv that's more meaningful and not just about being quick and funny...so grateful to find this!"
"I've heard of Playback for while and excited to see it in action!"
"I've seen Playback several times, but this time I really got what it's about."

What we did:
* Opening: Circle up and review goals of the session, invited feedback
* Warmups: (a) Follow the leader (in 4s), (b) Quick clap & vocal jam (to regather)
* PLAYBACK mini-performance:
- Dyads: everyone to share from our hearts something that's up in our lives
- "Chorus" playback of story of first memory of being ashamed as a child
- "Open Story" of mother bereft about her child going to Kindergarden.
- "Pairs": 2 feelings in response to seeing the open story

* Practice Exercise and Debrief show: Everyone get in groups of 3 to practice the playback pairs, and process feelings about the mini-performance.
* Circle discussion focussing on how apply playback skills and learn more.
* Closing 3 tones: unity, disonance, harmony

For more:
* Read Jo Salas' book: Improving Real Life. Excellent and very readable introduction to Playback Theatre.
* See the International Playback Theatre website for lists of Playback companies around the world and articles.
* See the Playback Theatre Centre for getting longer training programs in Playback.

Anyone interested in a pre-conference longer session on Playback at the next AIN conference??

[Viv McWaters]

Playback was my intro to improv and remains the form that I'm most connected with, so I was really pleased to see playback return to AIN. I was reminded during this workshop why I love playback so much - it integrates storytelling, connection, sub-text, metaphor, emotions, action and community. I loved the comment that playback is about community connections. I might even have to start a playback group here in Bells Beach!

[Anne Ellinger]

Hi Viv,
Thanks for these comments. I feel similarly! You might enjoy reading this 2-page article (which started as a letter to my mom) about "Why I Love Playback and What it Does for the World"

[Viv McWaters]

Thanks Anne - that's great. I also blogged about your playback workshop on my own blog http://vivmcwaters.com.au/2009/11/23/community-building-with-playba...

Thanks again for reigniting my passion for playback!

[Matt Weinstein]

That sounds wonderful! Next time I will BE THERE! I especially like (as Lief says below) the opportunity to participate in sessions that explore some Personal Growth in the context of the conference.

[Cat Gilliam]

Ann, Christopher & Zhaleh! i'd soooo love to REALLY find the time & means to connect,Play together AND collaborate on projects... Would totally enjoy doing some training together as well(like the pre-conference day long for next year!)
You are 3 exquisite jewels in this magnificent web of humanity!
LOVEloveLOVE.
Cat

[Jean Bonifas]

It was stunning, evocative and accessible. Thank you! Yes - I vote for a longer session as a pre-conference. I appreciated your comments about how what you do to "conduct" may differ from other's practice. Guiding the players through the beats seemed also to help the teller understand the evolution of their emotional journey through the story - and perhaps then could more easily appreciate its being played out? I'm looking forward to learning and playing more.
Thanks to you both for your wonderful work.

[Anne Ellinger]

Thanks for this, Jean! (I especially like the word "stunning"!) Have you done Playback before, or witnessed it before? I've loved experiencing lots of different troupe's work. Sometimes the Conductors are very neutral. Some very upbeat, showy, entertaining. My personal preference is like Christopher's style -- empathetic and authentic. Just last night we rehearsed with the Playback group in Eugene. Fun! I know that Zhaleh and others plan to lead some Playback workshops in Portland and around the northwest. I bet she'd come to Corvalis if you wanted to arrange it! Anne

[Jean Bonifas]

Anne,
I have not done Playback before. I spoke with Zhaleh before the conference closed to make certain I am on her contact list - and intend to talk with her more about doing a workshop in Corvallis. I have a wonderful space in which to do such work. Christopher also gave the contact person with the Eugene group. Once again, thank you. I know your work brings great joy and relief to all who participate.

[Leif Hansen]

Alan asked me about my morning session....so here was improv answer:
(BTW, to do this onself, anyone can simply paste the 'embed code' from a video in our session, wherever their is a comment box).

Find more videos like this on The Applied Improvisation Network

[Anne Ellinger]

What a joy to see this, Leif! I'm impressed how articulately you could describe the session off the top of your head. Christopher, Zhaleh and I (as the session facilitators) were so happy that Playback again showed its magic, even in such a short bit of time. I hope you continue to pursue Playback in our own work-- and perhaps next year's conference planners would be open to a Playback pre-conference day? Many in our session seemed delighted with that idea.

[Leif Hansen]

I will def. continue to explore Playback, especially as Marc Weinblat's 'Mandala Center for Change' is here in Port Townsend and I know Playback is a big part of their work.

I think that a Playback session would be excellent. Personally, I'd love to see more sessions, talk and support around those of us interested in Personal Growth, etc. (and less so OrgDev work).

Cheers,
Leif