Stories change things. We make sure yours gets told.

For folks with stories to tell—and the organizations ready to act on them—we use Playback Theatre to hear and celebrate community stories, turning lived experience into insight that moves people and can't be ignored.

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Trusted by nonprofits, educators, local government, and community members across New Mexico.

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What is “Playback Theatre?”

According to the International Playback Theatre Network, playback theatre is…

“…an interactive form of improvisational theatre in which audience members tell stories from their lives and watch them enacted on the spot. Created in 1975, Playback Theatre is now used in over 70 countries around the world to help build bridges across differences and to honor the human condition. In addition to public performances, in person and online, Playback Theatre is used with all ages and in a wide variety of contexts–education, health, social services, businesses, and community organizations. Its applications include social dialogue, peace building, conflict resolution, organizational change management, team building, celebrations, and much more.”

Learn more

  • "High Desert Playback is a remarkable group. They are skillful, committed, and passionate about building, celebrating, and healing community through their thoughtful, generous work. HDP continues to inspire me with the ways they create safe space to share stories, explore connections and intersection, and invite us to compassionately lean toward transformation."

    —Elsa Menendez, Deputy Director, City of Albuquerque Department of Arts and Culture

  • "I had never experienced Playback Theatre before. The High Desert Playback actors had an amazing ability to capture the essence of each person’s story with empathy, humor, compassion, sensitivity and care. In the space of an evening, they created a sense of belonging, safety, community care, and support. I would recommend this experience to any group hoping to build a sense of shared compassion and understanding. The message of together we are stronger and can build the world we want and need was clear. Thank you!"

    —National Day of Racial Healing participant

  • "The way that you all made everyone feel in that room was kind of exactly the goal that we had all envisioned as we were planning for the Summit...If y'all can do one thing, it's bring a damn good vibe.”

    -Nathan Saavedra, Director of Policy & People, Equality New Mexico

  • "These amazing artists will make you believe in possibilities you had lost hope of seeing in your lifetime."

    —Frequent audience member