Together We Rise: Where Our Struggles Collide, Our Strengths Unite

About the Show:

In Together We Rise, we explore what it means to come together as a community—how we find strength in shared bonds, collective action, and the simple power of not being alone. We celebrate the ways we uplift and empower one another, while also acknowledging the challenges of unity: navigating differences, overcoming division, and confronting discomfort. Building genuine community requires us to face conflict, engage with our biases, and grow through struggle. Through personal stories, we’ll reflect on both the beauty and complexity of community—how we rise together in moments of strength and rebuild after we falter.

During this performance the audience will be invited to tell stories from their lives, then the story will be “played back” by the actors using improv and music. Personal sharing is encouraged and entirely voluntary. Feel free to tell a story or to enjoy the stories of others.

About the Chicago Playback Theatre Ensemble (CPTE):

CPTE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit theatre that facilitates community-building, dialogue, and healing by celebrating, validating, and honoring the stories of the communities they engage with. Since 2019, they’ve curated performances and educational workshops, with a particular focus on LGBTQIA+ communities, underserved youth, and mental health advocacy for disparate communities. Unlike other Improv you might see in Chicago, Playback is not focused on comedy. CPTE “plays back” and honors audience experiences of any kind, from the profound to the ordinary, or from the joyful to the sorrowful. Learn more about CPTE’s work on their website: www.chicagoplaybacktheatre.com

Accessibility Information:

There is an elevator to the performance space. Chairs in the space are movable so we can make room for mobility devices. Lights stay up and static the entire show. The show may include loud sounds and sudden motions. If you have questions or accommodation requests, please email

When and Where:

This show will take place on Sundays March 9th and 16th from 12:30-1:45pm at Third Space Chicago (716 W Addison St, Chicago IL). There is free and metered street parking nearby.

Host or Publisher Chicago Playback Theatre Ensemble