How to prepare for the first meeting on Chitacle: not at all. That's the whole point of the format. The play is seen for the first time, the text isn't learned in advance, roles aren't rehearsed. Cold reading is part of the arrangement of the meeting.
Why "not at all" is the right answer
On Chitacle there's deliberately no "date preparation." The whole dating atmosphere — choosing clothes, thinking through topics, selecting "best jokes" — is switched off. Instead, one simple truth: the play you'll both see for the first time, and both find yourselves in an equal position.
This is cold reading — a theatrical technique in which the text is read from sight, without prior acquaintance. Emotions, pauses, stumbles on words — all this is part of the format, not a "failure."
What you DON'T need to do in advance
- Don't read the play. You won't get it before the meeting.
- Don't pick topics for conversation. The topic will be the play.
- Don't rehearse the role. You'll get the role on the stage.
- Don't "think through the first impression." The first phrase will be the author's words, not yours.
What you can do
- Check camera and microphone. So you don't get distracted by technology.
- Find a quiet place in the room. So you can concentrate.
- Pour yourself a cup of something. So it's pleasant.
- Turn off notifications. So you don't get pulled out of the meeting.
- Take a couple of deep breaths a minute before the start.
What will happen
- At the appointed time you'll open the third-bell link.
- The curtain will part.
- You'll see the partner.
- The text of your role will appear.
- One of you will start the first line.
- In ten minutes you'll forget you were nervous.
What to trust
Trust the format. Chitacle is arranged so that preparation isn't needed. That's part of its power. Any attempt to "prepare better" works against you. Just open the stage at the appointed time — the play will do the rest.
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.