What you need for a meeting on Chitacle: camera, microphone, internet, and the desire to read a play with a stranger. No preparation, no role assigned in advance, no "homework." You'll see the text for the first time — together with your partner.
Equipment
- Laptop or PC with camera and microphone. Phone works, but a laptop is more comfortable.
- A modern browser Chrome, Edge, Safari, Firefox. WebRTC must be supported.
- Stable internet wired or good Wi-Fi. Mobile 4G/5G will do if the signal is steady.
No apps to install. Everything works in the browser.
Environment
- Quiet in the room. Background noise makes it hard to hear the partner.
- Light on your face. The partner should see you, not a silhouette.
- A calm background. Something neutral behind you — a wall, a cabinet, a window.
- A cup of tea or water at hand — useful after half an hour of reading.
Inner readiness
- The desire to read. That's the main thing.
- Readiness to listen to your partner not wait for "your turn to speak."
- A calm attitude toward mistakes. In cold reading — they happen.
- Openness. To the fact that the meeting may not go as expected.
What you don't need
- To prepare for the role. You see the text for the first time.
- To learn the lines. Cold reading is the format.
- To pretend to be an actor. Your voice — that's enough.
- To know the play. Chitacle picks it itself.
- To dress "for a date." Comfortable clothes are enough.
How much time
A meeting takes 30–40 minutes of reading + as much conversation as you want. Plan for an hour and a half of free time.
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.