Download our just-released Connector mobile app to share skills, resources, and artist exchanges with other NET members nationally, regionally, and virtually.
A national community of artists and organizations dedicated to collaborative creation, the Network of Ensemble Theaters (NET) works to propel ensemble theater practice to the forefront of culture and society.
What is an Ensemble?
NET defines an ensemble as a group of individuals dedicated to collaborative creation, committed to working together consistently over years to develop a distinctive body of work and practices. Ensemble members, both artists and administrators, are empowered as core decision-makers and help to shape their company's artistic direction and organizational structure.
How do I join?
We welcome all performance-based ensembles, collectives, artists, co-creators, practitioners, producers, scholars, educators, teaching artists, students, cultural workers, organizers, activists, policy makers, funders, community partners, and other allies. If you are intrigued by or passionate about collaborative artmaking, the theory and practice of collective creation or devising work, or the vitality of the ensemble sector, come join us!
Find out more about becoming a member of the NET community here.
NET advocates for ensemble theatermaking as a distinct element of the performing arts field, amplifying the collective voice of our 350+ member companies and individuals for local and national impact.
Become a MemberNET hosts in-person and online events and gatherings to develop and deepen connections among NET members and colleagues, and provide opportunities for peer-based field learning and knowledge sharing.
Connect NowNET nurtures the growth, health, and vibrancy of the ensemble community. Our NET/TEN grant program has distributed over $1 million to support relationship building and exchange among NET members.
Learn MoreNET/TEN Exchange Grants build on and deepen existing relationships through shared activity and peer-to-peer learning.
Grants range from $3,000 to $10,000. Lead applicant must be a NET member in the Ensemble category.
Exchange Grants must address one of these two goals:
(A) Artistic or technical/production exploration. Builds on a prior relationship in order to go deeper into a technique or methodology, follow a mutual interest, build a shared work, present a performance, etc. Performance tours are not a required element of these grants, although they may be included as part of the exchange.
(B) Administrative development/exchange. Deepens existing relationships by exploring practices unique to the operation or management of an ensemble, such as (but not limited to): approaches to shared or rotating leadership, training in consensus decision-making, use of non-traditional structures, etc.
Applications due February 4, 2022 at 11:59pm PST
Read Full Guidelines and ApplyNET wants to acknowledge that there is still much uncertainty due to the continued effects of COVID-19 in our communities. Please review the project periods on the NET/TEN timeline page and we welcome applications who would feel most comfortable with a combination of remote and in-person activities. NET will also continue to vigilantly assess the current circumstances as this process unfolds and adjust if needed to be responsive to assuring everyone's safety as the top priority.
If you have any concerns or questions please do not hesitate to reach out at [email protected].
NET
As an organization that champions ensemble practice and collaborative creation, NET advocates for access, inclusion, and the empowered agency of multiple voices. We have published a full accountability statement to the community.
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Patricia Garza
2020-2021
Through NET's Summer 2021 NET/TEN Virtual Exploration Grants, NET has provided support to a breadth of their members to build relationships across distance and further community healing, reflection, and learning. NET awarded $100,000 in funding to 118 ensembles and individual artists across 25 states and Puerto Rico.
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NET
Winter 2020-21 Remote Connection Mini-Grants
Building off our last Community Forum, we invited the NET community to gather again on Friday, September 3, 2021 around the remote connections made by individual and ensemble members this year.
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Sandglass Theater and Linda Parris-Bailey
NET/TEN 2018-19 Exchange
Eric Bass of Sandglass Theater (Putney, VT) and Linda Parris-Bailey (Knoxville, TN) shared and learned each other's approaches to writing, dramaturgy, puppetry, and song; they will examine how both artists stand in the moment of passing the legacy of their theaters into younger hands, while continuing to be creators of theater. The resulting project addresses both an exchange of creative practices and the act of leadership succession.
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NET
The Network of Ensemble Theaters loudly and lovingly supports and honors the activists and community members who have taken to the streets this week in the Twin Cities and across the country to defend human and civil rights and demand justice for Black Americans.
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NET
Over the last few weeks, NET has heard countless stories from our members of show cancellations, project interruptions, and financial uncertainty. The spread of COVID-19 and the need for physical distancing has made our collective work -- of bringing together communities through ensemble performance and practice -- extremely difficult. In this unsettling time, our social connections and the interwoven support and camaraderie provided by networks such as NET become even more critical.
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