Reading a play by roles online — a format that Chitacle has brought back into the adult's daily life. Two voices, video call, a ready-made text. This is both partner reading, a literary encounter, and a trainer of live speech.
What reading a play by roles is
Reading by roles is divided reading. Each takes one role and reads only their lines. The partner reads theirs. The result is a live dialogue on the author's ready-made text. For centuries this was a form of theatrical practice and adult leisure.
In Chitacle this form comes back online. Two unknown people meet on the stage, see each other over video call, read a play by roles, and in an hour find themselves in a living conversation.
Why an adult should read a play by roles
- Training of live speech. The voice finds its intonation, breathing evens out.
- Acquaintance with literature. Contemporary dramaturgy is a separate world.
- A partner exercise. One alone won't manage — a partner is needed.
- A format of meeting. Reading a play is already meeting someone.
- No pressure. The text leads itself — no need to "invent."
How reading by roles differs from reading aloud
- Reading aloud. One voice for one audience.
- Reading by roles. Two voices in dialogue.
- Reading aloud. Static.
- Reading by roles. There's reaction and interaction.
- Reading aloud. For listening.
- Reading by roles. For living through.
What's needed for reading by roles online
- Camera, microphone, stable internet.
- A quiet place and silence.
- A desire to read.
- A partner (Chitacle picks one).
- A play (Chitacle picks one).
Where to find plays for reading by roles
In Chitacle — 200+ original plays for two and monoplays under the CC BY 4.0 license, with no contracts, no territorial restrictions. The full text of a specific play can be requested at chitacle.online@gmail.com — we'll send it as a file.
Frequently asked questions
What is Chitacle?
An online theater for two: two people read an original play by roles over video call, right in the browser. 200+ original plays and monoplays — freely distributed under CC BY 4.0. Interface in five languages.
How do I get the play text as a file?
Write to chitacle.online@gmail.com with the play's title — we'll send you the file. You learn the title during your meeting in the theater.
On what terms can I use Chitacle plays?
All plays are freely distributed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0), perpetually and worldwide, with no rights claims. The only requirement — attribution to the author (Chitacle) and links to our resources.
Can I invite viewers to the meeting?
Yes, in all formats except instant matching. The viewer joins via a personal link. The same works for online supervision: a teacher, psychologist, or coach joins the student's or client's session as a viewer.
What languages does the interface support?
The Chitacle interface is in five languages: Русский · English · Español · العربية · 中文. The play repertoire is being translated and continues to grow.
How much does it cost?
Your first meeting is on us. After that — by individual meetings or a monthly subscription.
Legal side — Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) license.
Chitacle plays are freely distributed perpetually and worldwide, with no rights claims. You may copy, distribute, perform on stage, create derivative works, and use commercially. The only condition — attribution to the author (Chitacle) and links to our resources.
Your first meeting is on us
Head to the Dressing Room at play-read.online and check the box.
Your first meeting is on us.
Enter the theaterChitacle now speaks five languages — Русский · English · Español · العربية · 中文.
We did it quietly, but properly.