Play, learn, share experience and grow the community across borders.
On 10 and 11 October 2026, Tallinn, Estonia, hosted the third Baltic Playback Theatre Forum. For two days we worked side by side with playback practitioners from different countries, beginners and experienced performers alike. Overall, 27 adults and 20 teenagers took part, and they came from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Finland, Ukraine and Spain.
Maria Bambulaka and Elena Kalashnikova organised the Forum on behalf of the Baltic Playback Theatre and Psychodrama School (BPTPS). Endel Hango and Tartu Spontaneity Theatre also hosted us in Tallinn.
A first for the Forum: a dedicated teen group
This year, for the first time, the Forum had a separate group for teenagers. Over two days they worked in parallel with the adults, in their own group and following their own plan. Maria Koreneva and Maria Susla led the group. Then, on Saturday evening, teenagers and adults performed together in one shared performance. For us, this is one of the most valuable moments of the Forum, because playback theatre connects generations.
Who led the Forum
Maria Koreneva and Maria Susla led the teen group. In addition, Elena Kalashnikova, Alisa Volkova and Maria Bambulaka led masterclasses and sessions for adults. Finally, Mari Karm conducted the public performance for the Tallinn audience.
Programme highlights
- Masterclasses on playback technique and depth of work
- The Baltic Playback Lab, a workshop for practice and experiments
- A separate two-day programme for teenagers
- The public performance “Playback Meets Tallinn” on Saturday evening
- Reflection circles and a social evening
- A playback jam on Sunday
Full programme: 3rd Forum of the Baltic Playback Theatre and Psychodrama School.
Talking about what matters
We discussed the questions that matter to the playback community today, from communication to community building. Above all, everyone wants to keep the connections they already have and to make new ones. That is why the Baltic School is increasingly becoming a place where these connections form and last.
The playback jam: our traditional finale
The Forum ended with the playback jam, which has already become a tradition. In this shared performance, everyone who wished could play, for the participants themselves. It was warm and deep. Also, participants exchanged experience and styles of playing on stage. They told many stories, funny and sad, and each one found a response.
What participants say
“What a wonderful weekend in Tallinn! I’m coming home with so much warmth, joy and gratitude. First of all, what a fantastic bunch of people! So many talented, creative, open and lovely playbackers in one place. It was such a pleasure to see old friends, meet new ones, play together, share stories and simply enjoy being part of this community.”
“One thing that made me particularly happy was having both adults and teenagers at the Gathering. I love that our School is making space for young playbackers, taking them seriously and giving them opportunities to become part of the wider community.”— Elena Kalashnikova
“The time with people whose vibe matched mine was very good, pleasant and even healing. It was a wonderful feeling to be in a crowd of people united by something beautiful. It’s great to see people who are on fire about all this, who ask questions and write down answers and observations in their notebooks. Would I go again? Absolutely, yes!”— Julija Spicina
Thank you
Participants left happy, so for us that is the best evaluation. We thank Endel Hango, Tartu Spontaneity Theatre and the Tallinn playback community for hosting us this year.
Maria Bambulaka, Elena Kalashnikova and Alisa Volkova took an active part in organising the Forum and leading masterclasses, so we thank them warmly. Maria Koreneva and Maria Susla worked with the teen group for two days, and Mari Karm conducted the public performance for the Tallinn audience. Finally, our thanks go to everyone who came, played, listened and shared.
We are glad that the Baltic Playback Theatre and Psychodrama School has become a link for playback practitioners in our countries. Moreover, the Forum has now run three years in a row, and it is becoming an important annual event for the whole Baltic region.
Next stop: Vilnius
Next, the baton passes to Vilnius. The 4th Baltic Playback Theatre Forum takes place on 9–10 October 2027 in Vilnius, Lithuania.
Everyone is welcome: those who have been playing for years, those who are just taking their first steps, those who teach, study, or are simply curious about playback theatre. In fact, you need no experience, only a wish to play, listen and be together. We are still shaping the programme, but the date is worth saving now.
The earlier you register, the lower the fee. For example, participation costs €40 right now, and from the new year the price starts to rise. You can find all fees and registration on the Forum page: 4th Baltic Playback Theatre Forum, Vilnius 2027.
Liepāja → Vagabunda → Tallinn → Vilnius ❤️
Frequently asked questions
What is the Baltic Playback Theatre Forum?
It is an annual meeting of playback theatre practitioners from the Baltic states and beyond. Because the Forum moves from city to city, participants practise together, share methods and watch each other’s work in a new place each year.
When and where did the 3rd Forum take place?
It took place in Tallinn, Estonia, on 10–11 October 2026, at the Tallinn Business Incubator.
When and where is the next Forum?
The 4th Baltic Playback Theatre Forum takes place in Vilnius, Lithuania, on 9–10 October 2027.
Do I need experience to take part?
No. Beginners, experienced performers, teachers and students are all welcome.
Is there a programme for young people?
Yes. Since 2026, the Forum includes a separate group for teenagers and young playbackers.
What is playback theatre?
Playback theatre is improvised theatre in which audience members share real moments from their lives. Then actors play these stories back on the spot. Learn more on our Playback page.