The Centre for Playback Theatre evolved out of the first School for Playback Theatre, begun in 1993, by Playback Theatre’s co-founder and first Executive Director, Jonathan Fox. The School was established in response to a growing interest in training, both in the US and internationally. Jo Salas, co-founder and member of the original playback company, became the School’s co-director in 1995. Classes were held in the summer, on the campus of Vassar College, in upstate New York, in the USA, and students came from all over the world to learn the art and craft of Playback Theatre. The School became a non-profit in 2000, in order to receive contributions to sustain a vigorous scholarship program, a continuing commitment of all Playback training programs.
A phase of concerted growth began around 2004, with courses being offered during a Winter Session. Playback Schools in several countries were first established during this time, with the support, guidance and curriculum developed by the original School. Jo Salas stepped down as co-director, in 2004, and a full time operations manager was hired. After an intensive planning and consultation process, the board agreed to expand the mission of the organization beyond just training to include project development and administrative services, deciding on a new name, in 2006: the Centre for Playback Theatre.
The School, and the Centre, have been guided by a Board of Directors since 2000. Many pioneers and practitioners, as well as non-playbackers, have volunteered to serve in this capacity over the years. In June 2010, Jonathan stepped down as Executive Director of the CPT, to make way for the next generation of leadership; since then, Sarah Urech and Heidi Regan have served in that role.
The CPT is now under the leadership of the Board, with seven working committees, responsible for ongoing projects and maintaining ethical and professional guidance in the practice of Playback Theatre. The Centre has three major ongoing initiatives: The Leadership Course, the culmination of multi-level course work and practice experience, held once a year in different countries; the Affiliated Schools of Playback Theatre (currently numbering 16); and the Accreditation Program for PT Trainers, individual practitioners who have completed Leadership and also have extensive teaching experience.
Other initiatives of the CPT include maintaining this interactive website, offering Accredited Trainers and Affiliated Schools of Playback Theatre access to news sharing and events posting. It also makes available a library of articles and research papers on Playback, by students, seasoned practitioners and scholars.
The Centre for Playback Theatre has a long-standing collegial relationship with the International Playback Theatre Network (IPTN). IPTN was formed in 1990, with Jo Salas as the secretary of its Board and Jonathan Fox as its first editor, to support the development of Playback Theatre worldwide, through facilitating connections and shared learning among people interested in this unique theatre form. It is a membership network of individuals and groups interested in this unique theatre form. IPTN organizes international conferences every 4 years. The 2023 Conference will be in South Africa. IPTN also publishes a yearly IPTN Journal, available to its members and containing articles about the state of Playback around the world.
