Meet the Playback Troupe!

"I believe in the transformative power of storytelling.  My life has been shaped by really powerful stories and I feel honored to get a chance to retell someone's story back to them in the form of playback theatre.  Playback is a powerful medium of storytelling and I am excited to see what I learn about myself, my troupe mates and my community as the future progresses."

Craig Draheim earned recognition in undergrad when the Eastern Michigan University Theatre Department created The Craig Award based on his hard work and dedication to the craft.

Madeline Bohl thinks improv is scary but they also think that storytelling is important and fun, so they're trying to be brave.

"My heart fills with gratitude and hope thinking of the opportunity this troupe will give to our communities as we listen, witness, and honor each other through the stories our lives hold, and most of all . . . connect."

Ariel S. Pompey earned her Bachelors of Arts from The University of Michigan- Ann Arbor; where she studied Communication Studies and African American Theatre; and her MFA in Applied Drama/Theatre for the Young at Eastern Michigan University.

Hananiah Wiggins serves as a Program Manager focusing in Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.

Maria has been performing playback theatre for three years as a member of EMUs Playback theatre troupe Six Figures.

"I love Playback because it brings people together in a way they would have never expected. I love how Playback touches everyone in the room, even if they are not the one sharing a story. Playback is truly an art form that is for everyone and anyone. It builds community in a way no other art form does."

"I think the most eye-opening thing about Playback for me is how universal, but also completely unique the human experience is. One gets to go through a range of emotions when listening to a story, and sometimes you end up realizing the mundane is really, really special. I am so excited to bring this ancient, yet new-ish form of theatre to people's attention and to build more human connections."

"Playback gives our stories voice, sound, and dimension, allowing us to share our experiences and gain perspective. Every story sparks another, weaving a tapestry of inspiration, compassion, and community."

Mike Fedel is a musician, educator, and improvisor from Ann Arbor.

Originally from Chicago, Safiya Merchant has been living in Michigan since 2015 and now resides in Detroit, where she works in affordable housing and homelessness policy.