Readers' Theatre: What Is It? Why Does It Matter?

Readers’ Theatre is a simple, yet powerful, spoken word art form that can be transformative, informative, and celebratory. Storytelling is an ancient art form that serves purposes ranging from entertainment and education to cultural preservation and building connections. The Readers’ Theatre model, outlined in this article, combines these approaches with a twist. In this case, readers represent the voices of the writers to protect the individuals’ privacy. In other words, no one reads their own story. The article includes personal comments from people who shared a common bond: the Readers’ Theatre experience. In addition to inspiring a message of change, Readers’ Theatre can be used as a unique educational tool that fosters cultures of partnership and empathy. The message is not delivered top-down but instead comes from among those involved. Hearing the voices of those who have a shared experience creates a healing, enlightening environment for a community. Key Words: Storytelling, Theater, Transformative Narrative, Community