What happens during a show?

A group of people, the audience, meets in a room, theater or hall, facing a group of actors (play-backers) sitting in boxes. On one side of the stage, there is a musician surrounded by different musical instruments. On the other side of the stage there is a conductor who waits next to an empty chair.  This chair is reserved for the teller who volunteers from the audience to tell a personal story. The actors act out the teller’s story using mime, fabric, music, voices and movement. In this way, the teller and the audience share their personal and collective journeys and the actors’ job is to capture those precious moments and to give them back with love and respect; taking care with every detail.

Then the audience, actors and conductor split in small discussion groups where we brainstorm actions to take to celebrate and welcome diversity in our community. We write those actions down on speech bubbles. Our graphic artist will create a colorful mural using those speech bubbles that we will carry with us to our next performance.

In a big circle, audience and actors share ideas and actions. Then, actors close the experience and leave inspired and grateful for what they’ve learned; hoping that those words, ideas, actions and stories will spread out like wings, embracing our community to make it a more welcoming one; a community where we all feel  that we belong!!!

Ana Carrizales
R in 3D Trainer & Social Media Coordinator