Playback Theatre Core Training

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Goodman Arts Centre90 Goodman RoadSingaporeSingapore
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Playback Theatre is a form of community theatre where personal stories from the audience are improvised spontaneously on stage. This applied theatre method seeks to create community connections and dialogue through surfacing untold stories from lesser heard voices.

This core training provides a dynamic introduction to the essential skills of Playback Theatre, including deep listening, embodied storytelling, and ensemble play. Participants will explore the fundamental roles—Teller, Conductor, Musician, and Actor—learning how to honour and transform stories with authenticity and artistry.

Through engaging exercises, improvisational techniques, and reflective practice, this course builds confidence in spontaneous performance and fosters a sense of connection and empathy. Whether you are new to Playback Theatre or seeking to strengthen your foundation, this training offers a supportive space to develop skills and deepen your understanding of this powerful form.

This workshop is designed for social workers, community workers, educators, drama practitioners, facilitators, and anyone interested in Playback Theatre or in using applied theatre as a tool for their work.

Core Training is a level one course that is a prerequisite for entry into higher levels of learning in the Playback Theatre Curriculum Pathway.

About The Course

Course Objectives*:

  • Introduce basic skills and performance forms used in Playback Theatre
  • Introduce principles, applications, history, and ethics of Playback Theatre

*Course content offered is in line with the curriculum set by the Centre for Playback Theatre

What You’ll Learn:

By the end of the course, participants will: 

  • Know how to perform the basic Playback Theatre forms
  • Practice basic skills required in the different roles in Playback Theatre.
  • Gain insights into the Playback Theatre process
  • Have a basic understanding of the impact and applications of Playback Theatre

Who Should Attend? 

This course is highly recommended for: 

  • Social service professionals & Community workers – Social workers, caseworkers, therapists, community outreach staff, and facilitators
  • Drama practitioners – Professionals using drama for community engagement
  • Educators & Facilitators – For those leading group-based learning
  • Anyone interested in Playback Theatre or in using applied theatre as a tool for their work

Pre-requisites:

Participants must be at least 18 years old.

No prior theatre experience required.

Course Schedule

23 August 2025

Time: 9:30am – 6pm
Venue: Goodman Arts Centre

  • Basic Playback Theatre Forms I – Fluid Sculptures, Transformation, Pairs
  • Group Process
  • Basic PT Acting I

24 August 2025

Time: 9:30am – 6pm
Venue: Goodman Arts Centre

  • Basic Playback Theatre Forms II – 3-Part Story, Scenes  
  • Music in Playback Theatre 

30 August 2025

Time: 9:30am – 6pm
Venue: Goodman Arts Centre

  • Group Practice in Forms   
  • Arc of Playback Theatre Performance  
  • Playback Theatre Theory – Narrative Reticulation 

31 August 2025

Time: 9:30am – 6pm
Venue: Goodman Arts Centre

  • Playback Theatre Mini-Performance  
  • Ethics in Playback Theatre  
  • Introduction to Applications of Playback Theatre 

*Includes a 1.5-hour lunch break

About The Facilitator

Michael Cheng is an applied drama practitioner and educator from Singapore. Over the years, he has initiated and facilitated socially engaged applied arts projects with a wide range of communities, including children and youth with disabilities, seniors, and at-risk groups. In addition, Michael teaches applied drama methods as both a freelance trainer and adjunct lecturer. As an accredited Playback Theatre trainer (APTT), he has taught internationally across all levels and is currently a faculty member of the Centre for Playback Theatre’s Leadership course. He is also an accredited trainer and guide of The Listening Hour. Michael holds a Master’s in Arts Pedagogy and Practice from Goldsmiths, University of London, supported by the National Arts Council (Singapore)’s Arts Scholarship.

Course Fee

Early Bird SDEA Members: S$450 (O.P. S$480)

Early Bird Standard Registration: S$570 (O.P. S$600)

*Early Bird discount ends 29 June 2025.

(inclusive of admin and registration fee)

Course Application

Register here

If you require any support, please contact projects@sdea.org.sg.