Please note: this form is for new theater groups that would like to join the Network of Ensemble Theaters. Existing NET members can register for an ensembletheaters.net account and/or login by clicking here.
Renew your NET Membership
Current NET Members may renew membership dues by visiting this page.
What is NET?
The Network of Ensemble Theaters (NET) is the coalition of North America’s permanent ensemble companies committed to preserving and passing on the legacy of the ensemble theater movement. The companies making up the NET include some of the most prestigious and vital ensembles in the United States as well as new ensembles that will inherit and reinvent this movement.
The Network of Ensemble Theaters was officially formed in 1996 and it builds on a solid record of accomplishment. NET produced the first national Ensemble Theater Festival in June 2005 in Blue Lake, CA, hosted three national conferences, facilitated a nationwide ensemble touring exchange, begun efforts in national advocacy, and encouraged communication and collaboration among ensembles.
In the spring of 2005, ENSEMBLE WORKS, an anthology of ensemble created plays edited by Ferdinand Lewis was published by Theater Communications Group. The Ensemble Movement is gaining momentum and visibility. NET gives us voice on a national scale. It builds bridges and champions “the ensemble way” to the world at large.
Why Join?
There’s strength in numbers. It advocates for all of us. NET provides the opportunity to organize ourselves at the national level. NET positions the form of Ensemble Theater in the national arena as none of us could do individually. NET establishes the ensemble as a specific and recognized form of making theater and organizing artistic assets, with unique advantages and special accomplishments.
NET offers real benefits right now. As a member of NET you will:
• Receive advance notice and discounts on national NET Gatherings and Festivals. At these events you’ll meet other ensemble artists from around the country and have the chance to share resources, methodologies and creative work. These events promote the vital exchange of experiences through structured panels and workshops as well as lively informal discussions.
• Have the opportunity to perform at national NET Conferences and Festivals.
• Be eligible to receive travel stipends to participate in NET events.
• Be part of a NET Directory — on the web that features a link to each member’s website. NET members can offer this resource to funders and presenters as a way to contextualize their work. It also serves as a resource for ensembles that wish to tour or present other ensembles, by providing complete contact information of all NET member companies.
• Have access to the NET Listserve where you can exchange ideas and resources with other ensembles, learn about job opportunities, internships, exchange and touring information, post announcements, and more. The listserve is an information clearinghouse for ensembles and a way to stay connected to a support network of other like-minded artists.
• Have a voice in how NET serves the field and vote in NET Planning and Leadership. Each company has one vote for each board candidate. Individuals not part of a company can join NET and will also have one vote for board candidates.
• Contribute to an organization that is impacting the future of ensemble theater funding.
• Have access, and contribute to, a growing archive of ensemble theater documentation. NET is creating an archive dedicated to recording the evolution of the ensemble movement in the U.S. This includes having access to records of other companies’ performances, NET’s gatherings, board meetings, festivals, panels on funding and anything else that makes our work unique. This archive will also serve as a place where NET members can submit and retain a record of their work for the public to access.