[Sign Up] Playback Theatre Training Program

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  • Home
  • Shows
    • Li
    • Passage
    • June is the First Fall
    • Young People Social Death
    • The Gaza Monologues
    • In Between
    • Two Goldfish
    • Monologues of n Women
  • New Works
    • Wandering
    • Brother Brother Brothers
    • In Between Staged Reading
  • Education
    • Playback Theatre
    • Freeing the Voice
    • Yun's Lab
    • Acting Fundamentals
    • Acting & Public Speaking
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    • About Yun
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Sundays, March 15 - April 12, 2026 | Freehold Theatre Studio

Playback Theatre Training Program

Participants will develop skills as actors and musicians in spontaneous performance, deep listening, and community storytelling. The program combines in-person trainings, online rehearsal, and a by-invite performance at the end. 

Sign Up

Why Playback?

On March 1st, we introduced Playback theatre with 20 participants in our community. We hope, starting with this upcoming Playback training program, we can bring this heart-warming practice to more community organizations across Seattle, especially within AAPI communities. 


The goal for this training is to form a troop of actors and musicians, who can use their spontaneity and sensitivity to hold stories brought by community members.


Playback supports dialogue around identity, migration, and community resilience. Performances can be adapted for youth groups, elders, family programs, and cultural institutions. Globally, it has been implemented in youth programs, elder groups, family services, and cultural institutions—offering accessible spaces where lived experiences are honored and communities can gather, reflect, and stand together. 


If you have any suggestions or communities that might be interested in collaborating, feel free to reach out at claraz@yun-theatre.com.

What is Playback Theatre?

Playback Theatre is a form of improvisational theatre founded by Jo Salas and Jonathan Fox in the 1970s. At its core are the real-life stories of audience members (“tellers”). A conductor interviews the teller, and a group of actors and a musician immediately “play back” the story using structured improvisational forms. It is practiced worldwide in community spaces, schools, social justice settings, and theatres.


Playback Theatre trusts:

  • The power of personal stories
  • The power of collective witnessing
  • The creation of temporary community through performance

Course Details

Language: English / Mandarin

Location: Freehold Theatre Studio, Chinatown

Total program hours: 20 hours

Maximum enrollment: 10 participants

Selection is based primarily on availability to ensure participants can commit to the targeted April performance.

Training and Rehearsal Schedule

FOUR in-person training sessions:

  • March 15, 22, 29, and April 5
  • 3 hours each 
  • 📍Freehold Theatre Studio, Chinatown


ONE online rehearsal session:

  • April 7 or April 9 (TBD)
  • Evening · time TBD
  • 2 hours
  • 📍Zoom


All five sessions are mandatory.

Final Performance

On April 12, we will host a final showcase performance, and participants are welcome to invite their friends and family. Tickets are free.

The performance will run for approximitely 1.5 hours. Participants will meet hours earlier for rehearsal and warmup.

How to Apply

To apply, please complete the registration form by March 9. We will review applications based on availability and notify applicants of their selection status. 

Questions? Contact us at claraz@yun-theatre.com

Pricing

Community Rate: $150

General: $175

Pay It Forward: $200

Sign Up Now

Meet the Instructor

Clara Zhang

Clara is a NYU-trained drama therapist and Playback practitioner facilitating cross-cultural, story-centered theatre spaces in the U.S. and Asia.


Clara has been trained with Jonathan Fox and Randy Mauld. 


She has been a proud member of Cidi Playback in the Bay Area since 2024 and has conducted 4 performances since then.


Copyright © 2026 Yun Theatre - All Rights Reserved.

Yun Theatre is a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization in Washington State. 


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