Inclusive Playback Theater Ready For Opening Night

The country’s only inclusive playback theater troupe will give its first performance Friday night at Carmel’s Monon Community Center. 

Playback is a form of improvisational theater where audience members tell their stories to a group of actors who then play them out. Michelle Yadon, inclusion supervisor at the Monon Center, had the idea to introduce the performance art form to people with disabilities but she had her naysayers.

"I was told by some people in the field that Playback couldn't be done by people with disabilities," says Yadon, "and I just didn’t believe that,"

The Roundabout Playback Troupe is the latest expansion of adaptive and inclusive programs at the center. The troupe is made up of people with and without disabilities and is meant for performance and advocacy but the art form, which explores truth and expression, is used by many people, says Yadon.

"They might be educators, social workers, some dancer therapists but also performers," says Yadon.

The troupe hopes to start bringing playback to schools, nursing facilities and conferences. Friday night’s will highlight equality and awareness issues. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and admission is by donation.