NET is a lifeline. A practice ground. A sanctuary. A refusal to disappear, a refuge, a rallying point, and a catalyst.
Your investment ensures that ensemble artists and collective creation practices endure this moment of upheaval. We know our field depends on the integrity of our interdependence. If we work together, there is abundance for us all. And so we gather—again and again—not just to respond to the fiery moment we’re living through but to activate and enact what is possible when we lean in, when we dare to be radically beholden to each other and ourselves.
What is NET?
The Network of Ensemble Theaters (NET) is a national collective and community of organizations, artists, organizers, and cultural workers committed to the power of collaborative creation as a force for artistic innovation, cultural organizing, and systemic change.
What Is An Ensemble?
Ensemble practice is more than a way of making theater—it’s a model for community building, shared leadership, and mutual support. It’s how we create, how we gather, and how we build something bigger than ourselves.
NET defines a performance based ensemble as a group of individuals dedicated to collaborative creation, committed to working together consistently over years to develop a distinctive body of work, practices, and ways of being. Ensemble members, both artists, administrators, are empowered as core decision-makers and help to shape their company's artistic direction, values, processes, and organizational structure.
But NET serves and is comprised of more than performance ensembles, collectives, and individual ensemble practitioners.
We also welcome and need to be in community with co-creators, producers, scholars, educators, teaching artists, students, cultural workers, organizers, activists, policymakers, funders, community partners, and other allies.
Let’s Build A Better Field Together
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Field Impact
NET advocates for ensemble theatermaking as a distinct element of the performing arts field, amplifying the collective voice of our 300+ member companies and individual practitioners for local and national impact. We collect data and research to do this work. We need your participation for strongest impact.
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Field Connectivity
NET hosts in-person and online events, workshops, gatherings, and convenings to develop and deepen connections among NET members and colleagues, and provide opportunities for peer-based field learning and knowledge sharing.In addition to member-only events, we do offer programming and initiatives for the field at large
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Field Sharebacks
Nurturing the ensemble community's growth, health and vibrancy, NET has distributed over $1 million to support NET members' relationship building and exchange. See the sharebacks that detail this knowledge here. More resources are available to membership in our member portal. Expanded public resources coming soon.
If you are intrigued by or passionate about collaborative artmaking, the theory and practice of collective creation or devising work, the vitality of the ensemble sector, or cross-sector collaboration for change and just transition, join us!
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WHY
NET
Membership?
Because #TheFutureIsEnsemble.
The Network of Ensemble Theaters (NET) is a national collective of artists, organizers, and cultural workers committed to the power of collaborative creation as a force for artistic innovation, cultural organizing, and systemic change.
Ensemble practice is more than a way of making theater—it’s a model for shared leadership, mutual support, and solidarity economies. It’s how we create, how we gather, and how we build something bigger than ourselves.
When you join NET, you don’t just gain access to resources—you help shape the future of ensemble practice. Whether you’re an independent artist, a long-established company, or a group experimenting with new forms of collaboration, NET is where ideas become action, relationships deepen, and the field evolves. Here, we offer a space to co-create, experiment, and push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Membership isn’t just about what you get—it’s about what we build together.
Join a network that nurtures and strengthens ensemble practice.
Lead, shape, and build the future of ensemble practice.
Access original programming, convenings, and peer-based knowledge sharing.
Join a national advocacy movement pushing for real economic and structural change.
Be part of a decentralized, member-led network built on equity, justice, and collective care.
Let’s build together.
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