Fear before the first date is fear of a big stake. One hour should decide the fate of the meeting. Chitacle removes this stake: the first date isn't "an evaluation of compatibility" but simply reading a play together.
Why the first date is so frightening
The first date is arranged like an exam. In one hour you need to be likable, surprise, hold attention, not say too much, not be boring. Any small thing is perceived by both as "a sign." And a "sign" is always pressure.
Therefore many prepare for a first date like a public performance: pick topics, rehearse answers, plan jokes. And still leave the meeting drained.
What the play changes
On Chitacle there's no "exam." There's a text that needs to be read. The hour you'll spend together is already occupied with this text. You don't have to "entertain" each other — the play's author does it for you.
This removes the main tension of a first date: you're not responsible for every second. You're both responsible for how you read. And only.
What's calming about this
- No pause that needs to be "closed" there's a pause in the text.
- No question of "what to talk about" there's the play.
- No role of "entertainer" there's the role of reader.
- No "obligation to be liked" there's shared work on the text.
- No "verdict" at the end there's a shared experience.
What you'll feel
- After 10 minutes of reading, breathing will even out.
- After 20 minutes you'll notice the partner's voice.
- After 30 minutes a conversation about the play will begin.
- After 40 minutes the conversation will become a conversation about you.
- After an hour you'll notice you don't remember what you were afraid of.
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 "I want to be invited" 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.