CRiTICS is a theatre-based approach to training medical learners (e.g., physicians, nurses, medical students) how to communicate with with empathy, professionalism, and authenticity. We provide learners with time to rehearse difficult communication scenarios along with useful feedback from professional actors who have been trained to work in this particular setting. In phase 1 of the pilot, funded by the Utah Center for Excellence in ELSI Research, we are developing and testing a systematic approach to training our actor-coaches.