About Everystory
Everystory is a Memphis-based nonprofit that brings stories to life through the practice of Playback Theatre — a powerful blend of improvisation, deep listening, and community co-creation. We use storytelling and performance as tools to build empathy, unlock social-emotional growth, and transform the way people connect with themselves and one another.
Our trained facilitators and professional artists use Playback Theatre methodology to create safe, creative spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued. Through public performances, school residencies, and customized programming, we support youth, other organizations, and our community. All of our work is rooted in psychological research and proven social-emotional learning (SEL) practices. Everystory is rooted in the training methodology of Centre for Playback Theatre, a longstanding international organization that supports Playback theatre companies in over 70 countries around the world.
In 2008, Virginia Reed Murphy founded Playback Memphis. For 15 years and counting, the organization has brought Playback Theatre to life across the city with more than 500 performances, 750 community workshops, and programs in over 75 partner organizations. In 2025, after a year-long strategic evolution, we became Everystory — a name that reflects our expanded reach and our belief that every story matters.
