Drama therapy — a direction in which theater becomes a tool of psychological work. Chitacle offers a working platform: partner reading of a play by roles as a gentle exercise in which the client lives through someone else's text and, through it — themselves.
What drama therapy is
Drama therapy is psychotherapy through theatrical methods: role plays, improvisations, reading texts, living through characters. At its base — an observation: when a person speaks as another, they often say what they wouldn't say as themselves. The role becomes a protective layer for genuine expression.
Chitacle — a format specifically convenient for drama therapy: video call, a ready-made text, a partner who is also in role.
What exercises are possible
- Cold reading of a play by roles the basic exercise on presence.
- Reading a monoplay in front of the partner an exercise on the courage of voice.
- Reading with a change of the character's gender an exercise on flexibility of identity.
- Reading with emotional changes one scene in different colors.
- Continuation of the play in improvisation exit from the text into freedom.
Why this is convenient for a drama therapist
- Ready-made material. 200+ original Chitacle plays — a working bank.
- No client preparation. Cold reading removes "need to rehearse."
- Video call. Convenient for remote work.
- Data safety. Video isn't recorded, the confidentiality policy is transparent.
- CC BY 4.0 license. Texts can be used in any therapeutic contexts.
Who to work with
- Individually. Therapist + client read the play as two equal voices.
- With a couple. A play for two gives spouses a shared support for a conversation about the difficult.
- In a group. Although Chitacle is a "one-on-one" format, group sessions can be run with a queue.
Online supervision through the viewer mode
In the Schedule a Meeting, Read to Me, and Read with a Friend modes, the therapist can be present at the supervisee's meeting as a viewer: to see and hear, without intervening. The viewer needs no authorization — an invitation link is sent. This allows the drama therapist to observe the process in real time and then discuss the experience with the supervisee.
What's important to remember
- Cold reading can touch strongly. Be ready to stop the exercise.
- A role is protection, not a mask. After the scene — exit from the role is mandatory.
- Chitacle texts are contemporary. Themes may resonate unexpectedly.
How to get plays
Specific plays can be requested as files at chitacle.online@gmail.com. For regular practice — a selection from the themes and genres you need.
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.