Welcome to the International Playback Theatre Network !

Formed in 1990, the International Playback Theatre Network (IPTN) is an association of Playback Theatre groups, practitioners and supporters. The IPTN exists to enable all of us to connect as a global community, foster networking and deepen collective learning and wisdom. Anyone is welcome to join IPTN, as a powerful way of supporting the values and practice of Playback Theatre. IPTN members agree to value the form and spirit inherent in Playback Theatre.

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The Vision
People engaged in Playback Theatre embrace the unfolding of life and the inherent spontaneity of persons and communities within their own cultural, social and political contexts. We recognise the universal longing for affirmation and for connection with others. The spontaneous enactment of personal experience, the essence of Playback Theatre, builds connection between people by honoring the dignity, drama and universality of their stories.
The Mission

The mission of the IPTN is to facilitate connections among people interested in playback theatre, to support the development of playback theatre worldwide, and to promote shared ethics and values in the global playback community. This is accomplished through membership services including:

  • Membership Directory
  • Web Site
  • Interplay Journal and online newsletter
  • Support for International and Regional gatherings
  • Recognition of Practitioners and Groups
A Path to Integrity
Please read the seminal essay of IPTN's founding director Jonathan Fox: {English version} – {Japanese version}
International Playback Theatre Network Membership

Please join the International Playback Theatre Network!

  • All members are listed in the Member Directory, which is distributed to members and published online.
  • Group and Practitioner members can use the trademarked name and logo of Playback Theatre, and be listed in the IPTN website with the opportunity to provide information about their work, including links to their own web pages.


There are three categories of Membership:

  • Group member
    A Playback Theatre company engaged in regular performances, or in the process of developing skills to perform.
  • Practitioner member
    An individual engaged in teaching, performing or using Playback Theatre method in a professional context, and approved by her or his regional membership secretary in accordance with established criteria.
  • Regular member
    Any person interested in supporting of Playback Theatre, including those involved with Playback but not yet qualified to be Practitioner Members.

Please click our contact form (chose "Membership questions and queries"). You may also contact the membership secretary for your region.