Where’s the best place to meet an artsy person in Sarasota? Downtown at the Art Ovation Hotel, of course. (https://www.artovationhotel.com/)
Today, I'm sitting down with Olga, the founder of Thread, a Playback Theater project that adds something unique and exciting to our city. I've known Olga for a long time, and she always amazes me with her artistry, energy, deep knowledge of psychology, and love for any performance.
Olga’s story starts in Moscow, Russia, where she grew up in a family celebrating creativity. Family gatherings were filled with music, poetry, dance, and improvisation—her happiest childhood memories. Though she initially studied psychology, her love for theatre never faded.
Her passion for Playback Theatre ignited at a psychological conference in Oxford. Olga saw a brief Playback Theatre performance and knew this was her calling. This inspired her to train with a European Playback Theatre expert in Moscow. From the first workshop, she felt at home.
Playback Theatre is all about improvisation. Audience members share personal stories, and actors bring these stories to life on stage, complete with music. “It’s like magic,” Olga explains. “You see your life on stage, like watching a movie about yourself.” This can be profoundly moving and insightful, providing new perspectives and a strong sense of empathy.
Olga traveled to New York to meet and learn from Jonathan Fox, the co-founder of Playback Theatre, and his wife Jo Salas, who has been performing, teaching, and using Playback Theatre in social projects since 2012.
Now, in Sarasota, Olga runs Improv. Their troupe, Thread, symbolizes the connections they create through their performances. Though new, they’ve already made waves, performing at venues like Florida Studio Theatre and The Cook Theater. Playback theater is flexible and ready to bring unique performances to various events, from personal celebrations to business meetings.
One of the most incredible things about Playback Theatre is how it brings people together. When someone shares a story and sees it performed, it can be a powerful experience. Even if you’re watching, the stories resonate and build connections. “Through stories, we create dialogue,” Olga says. “It’s like gathering around a fire, sharing and making sense of life together.”
Olga also runs workshops that are about more than learning Improv. They’re fun and playful and reconnect participants with their inner child. These workshops help people explore leadership skills, achieve emotional balance, and, most importantly, have a good time.
Follow 'Improv' on Facebook or Instagram under Playback Theatre Sarasota to stay updated on their performances and workshops.
This summer, she will lead a workshop at the Sarasota Improv Festival. In August, Olga will teach at the International Playback Theatre Camp in Georgia (the country, not the state).
Playback Theatre is about freedom of expression, fun, and connection. It’s not just a show; it’s an experience that fosters personal growth and community connection. By sharing and seeing stories, we remember what it means to be human and connected. Check out 'Improv' and dive into the magic of Playback Theatre—you won’t be disappointed!
Comments