Exploring the Essence - and its ripple effects

Exploring the Essence: A Playback Theatre Retreat for Growth & Change

January 8-10, 2016

Camp Eder Retreat Center  (near Gettysburg, PA)

Friday, January 8 at 7 pm — Sunday, January 10 at 2 pm.
Hosted by River Crossing Playback Theatre
Facilitated by Deb Scott, Asheville, North Carolina

Exploring the Essence is a weekend to dig into the deeper notes of the stories all around us using Playback Theatre and related improvisational methods. The retreat will help us listen to stories more deeply and respond to them authentically with improvisational skill. It provides an intensive experience with Playback Theatre core skills and long-form stories focusing on both personal empowerment and social change.

Deb Scott - right - with Shawn at the 2014 Playback Theatre Leadership Course

Deb Scott – right – with classmate Sean Cai at the 2014 Playback Theatre Leadership Course

Deb Scott, M.A. is an accredited trainer and graduate of the Centre for Playback Theatre (New Paltz, NY). She began Playback with Asheville Playback Theatre in 1994 and was Artistic Director for 18 years. She studied acting with Stella Adler in New York City, working for 15 years as an actor and designer. Deb currently works as a coach with low income individuals who are re-writing their stories toward self-reliance. She also teaches open monthly Playback Theatre workshops and is most interested in how sharing stories leads to empowerment.

Is It for You?

Want to learn, grow, refresh, sharpen your improvisational artistry? The weekend welcomes people with all levels of experience with Playback Theatre, though some prior training is recommended. Hosted by members of River Crossing Playback Theatre, it is designed to equip you with broadly applicable tools to listen and respond to stories more deeply and sensitively.

What’ll we do?

  • Friday will open with Playback Theatre and interactive games to warm us up and build trust in our group
  • Saturday will take an intensive look at deepening our skills and our to work in a Playback Theatre troupe
  • Sunday will close with time to reflect, celebrate and integrate what we’ve learned for our personal growth and service to the community
Participants from the 2015 training-retreat, Playing with Privilege

Participants from the 2015 training-retreat, Playing with Privilege

How much?

$175 is the standard discount, $195 the full price (institutional rate). Includes dynamic leadership, cozy lodging and prepared meals in a newly rebuilt lodge in wooded South Central Pennsylvania. Sleeping accommodations are in two shared bunkrooms.

We strive to make this retreat affordable and appreciate your honest self-assessment of how much you can afford. If you would like to attend but cannot afford the discount rate, contact us to arrange a scholarship or work-share.

Because the weekend increases in intensity and requires increasing trust, we ask that you stay for the duration.

How to get there?

Camp Eder is located at 914 Mount Hope Road, Fairfield, PA 17320. (1.5 hours drive from Washington, DC and 2.5 hours from Philadelphia.) Members of River Crossing may be able to pick you up at bus stations in Gettysburg or York or train stations in Lancaster or Harrisburg; please request by Jan. 2nd.

How to register?

Reserve your spot online below or send a check payable to Jubilee Arts to 5075 Admire Road, Thomasville, PA 17364.  Please include: 1) Your name, 2) Your email and address, 3) Your lodging preference (male or female bunkroom), 4) Any dietary or other preferences/ restrictions. Space is limited so register ASAP!


Registration Options
Weekend Lodging
Your Name
Special dietary, other needs



PA Council on the Arts logo
This project is supported in part by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

Questions?  Contact the registrar, Carol Stowell, stowellcarol@gmail.com or 717-292-0708.