Welcome

Hudson River Playback Theatre, based in New Paltz, NY, creates dynamic, memorable theatre and music on the spot based on true stories told by audience members.

Artistic director Jo Salas, a pioneer of the original Playback Theatre company, founded HRPT in 1990. Company members have backgrounds in professional theatre and music, social work, and community action.

Playback Theatre itself was first developed by Jonathan Fox, Jo Salas, and the other members of the original company in 1975. In performances, audience members are invited to tell stories from their lives and watch as they are played back with action and music. Playback is now practiced in 60 countries worldwide to build dialogue, connection, and change.

Next public show: WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
Thursday May 23, 8pm, Deyo Hall, New Paltz

Our vision:

A society where every voice is heard, every story honored.

Our mission:

To create improvisational theatre and music from stories told by the audience in order to illuminate lives and bear witness to both difference and commonality among people.

Our values:

Social Justice; Artistry; Community.

“I wanted to pass along the feedback to you and your troupe that I felt so deeply listened to in a way that I hadn’t imagined when I volunteered to share [my] story with you tonight. I learned more about my own experience from telling you, and then from watching it come through the players.  I will carry that.” -- audience member after public show