Description:

The Chicago Playback Theatre Ensemble (CPTE) is seeking new artist associates for our 2025 season!

CPTE is a group of performing artists dedicated to building community through Playback Theatre, an interactive improvisational theatre form that brings true audience stories to life on stage. Our mission is to use our unique approach to storytelling to spark dialogue, broaden perspectives, and promote healing by celebrating and validating the truths of the stories we receive. The Chicago Playback Theatre Ensemble (CPTE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has collaborated with community partners in the greater Chicago area since 2019 to create performances and educational workshops designed to engage audiences deeply and make a positive impact on the communities we serve. Much of our work focuses on supporting mental health advocacy, underserved youth, and LGBTQIA+ communities.

In our 2025 season, we are producing two performances in March, two youth workshops in April, and two performances in early June. New artistic associates are expected to perform in at least two performances. Shows and workshops are scheduled based on cast and partner/client availability.

We intentionally strive to continue building an ensemble that is a reflection of Chicago's rich communities. We are seeking civic-minded Chicago-based performers above age 21 of all ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities, abilities, and silhouettes that have strong active listening skills, improvisational abilities, and are great collaborators. We especially welcome performers of color, men (trans or cis), gender non-conforming people, and people over the age of 35. Folks with experience working with youth, teaching or facilitation experience, therapists/counselors/healers, people proficient in ASL, and people with non-theatre backgrounds are also highly encouraged to attend. Because our work is so tied to Chicago's communities and Chicagoan stories, people who live or closely work within Chicago will be highly considered.

Artistic Associates: (All ethnicities & genders) Rehearsals take place on Chicago's north side. First rehearsal is January 15th from 7:30-9:30pm. Required Playback Theatre training intensive rehearsals are January 18th from 12:00pm-4:00pm, January 19th from 5:00pm - 9:00pm, and January 20th from 7:30pm - 9:30pm (we are willing to work with unchangeable conflicts for these dates). Rehearsals continue meeting once weekly on Wednesdays from 7:30pm - 9:30pm through June 11th. After an artistic associate fulfills these expectations, they may become candidates for ensemble membership to continue working with CPTE. Pay: $100 stipend, $30 per show (guaranteed performance in at least 2 shows), and training in the art of Playback Theatre.

Artistic Associates and Musicians: (All ethnicities & genders) Commitment and pay includes the regular artistic associate commitment and pay detailed above. Musician artistic associates will be trained in standard Playback Theatre performance, with added focus on how to perform Playback Theatre using music. We're seeking musician actors who specialize in any instruments! Please specify your specialties in the audition form.

Invited auditions will be held on December 4th from 7:30pm-9:00pm & December 8th from 3:00pm-4:30pm in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood. The audition will be casual and focused on team building where we'll work with some playback short forms. If you cannot make our audition time but this work sounds exciting to you, please contact us anyway and we may be able to accommodate you! To