I first attended an introductory Playback workshop in 1989 when Francis Batten was establishing the Brisbane troupe. I was too scared to join…“How could I do that? A few years later I commissioned Playback to perform at a conference. During the performance, Diz Synnot, the then conductor invited audience members to "have a go". In that moment my desire outgrew my fear and I acted for the first time. I joined the troupe in 1993. Since then I have attended many workshops here and in America and taken on a variety of roles in the troupe as actor, conductor, trainer. Playback is an integral and important part of my life and my work and I am very grateful to all the people who have assisted me on my Playback journey.

I now invite you to join with us as audience member, storyteller, friend, workshop participant or potential troupe member and "have a go".

I began my love affair with Playback Theatre in 1999 when I participated in a series of workshops held by the Melbourne Playback Theatre Company. In 2003 I joined the Brisbane company and have since performed in the roles of actor, conductor, and facilitator. I am developing my courage to perform in the role of musician. I love Playback Theatre for its ability to build a common ground where all stories are welcome. Honouring a tellers story is a simple and heart felt act of service for the many voices in our communities.

Playback is different because there are no stars, careers or agents involved; it's an ensemble effort. You get to know your fellow performers over weeks, months and often years. In my day job as a doctor there is a lot of 'serious conversation' and so I enjoy the opportunity to jump around and make silly noises at Playback. In fact if that is all we did I would still probably turn up to rehearsals. I love hearing stories about people's lives; everyone has fascinating stories to tell. Playback is an opportunity to tell stories to a room full of attentive people without interruption, moderation or complaint - I don't know anywhere else where that can happen.

To be updated!


I joined Brisbane Playback in 1997. I was doing psychodrama core training which was being taught by Francis Batten, who founded the Brisbane Playback troupe, and by Peter and Brigid (who were both current members), and had first seen a Playback performance at the psychodrama conference the year before. When Peter told us that the troupe was holding an open day and was looking for expressions of interest to join following this I was immediately interested. Since then Playback has become a big part of my life - a place for spontaneity, creative self expression, satisfying my hunger for acting and a space where I have felt priviliged to hear and perform many wonderful stories for our audiences. Officially I am on leave in 2008.

My theatre experience commenced at the age of eleven with 'Queensland Musical Theatre' and continued over numerous productions. I have also performed with "The Royal Ballet" (England) and "The Australian Ballet" and as a instrumental musician and vocalist at many events. I have been performing with Playback since 2002 and bring numerous physical skills from my background as a Sports Coach and Sports Referee. My past associations have been with "Queensland Shakespeare Ensemble", "Playdoh", and "Play It Again Sam". I am a current student of The Actors Conservatorium.

I come from the mid deep south. Past time I was involved in student politics and Aboriginal rights; and more recently conservation. I really enjoy learning more about people, ideas, singing and playing. Playback is a bit special: its actually listening carefully to other people’s stories; testing my courage and joy in setting out into the seemingly familiar and yet unknown to play the story back; and playing with members of my troupe. I have been learning for four years, there is so much more to learn; about listening and watching, artfulness and what yes and can mean. Brisbane Playback troupe is another family – one in which I can actually negotiate – and that’s a great gift. All in all for me Playback is a great gift.

I have been a member of Brisbane Playback Theatre since the beginning of 2006, and commenced performing in 2007 in both commissioned and public performances. I am thrilled when I am able to perform on stage in front of an audience with our ensemble. I especially enjoy our trainings and twice yearly weekends, facilitated by international and national Playback professionals.

I first saw playback performed in April 2005 in a workshop facilitated by Jen Barrkman, a Brisbane Playback veteran, and became hooked on it. I work full time as a visual artist and feel playback facilitates a deepening of the artistic and healing process within me. It is also very satisfying to be part of a like minded group that has the strong desire to serve the community in such a meaningful way.

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