Residencies

Beyond performing, PTN also has teaching programs, including residencies in area schools, which empower young people with the skills of improvisation and the confidence that comes from their own storytelling—all while having an enormous amount of fun.

Residences, workshops and classes are unique opportunities for students of all ages to learn for themselves the skills and thrills of the Playback format. In a studio atmosphere, we introduce the basic concepts of Playback Theater through games and exercises. Students learn trust & ensemble-building, active listening, creative movement and stage presence. Tapping their own resources of empathy and imagination, they build self-confidence and kinship through the power of sharing stories.

Here’s what some educators have had to say about our residencies:

“Having the opportunity to collaborate with Playback Theater Northwest has been such a positive and powerful experience for the students and instructors of the Southwest Education Center. The students and teachers built a stronger classroom community with increased levels of understanding and respect because the stories told during this interactive performance gave everyone present greater knowledge of each other.”
Alison Ersfeld, Education Center Coordinator
Southwest Youth & Family Services

“Playback Theater is one of the most beneficial programs I’ve ever run across in the Seattle Public School system. From almost the beginning, the children began processing meaningful experiences and memories, bringing them safely to the surface. They became self-assured, courageous, and open. This openness led to discovery of themselves and, in a non-threatening way, invited them to explore their own worlds and who they really are.”
Marty Christianson, Classroom teacher
Summit K-12

For more information about bringing Playback Theater Northwest to your school or group, please contact us.