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 Theatre 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 Theatre 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 theatre funding.  

• Have access, and contribute to, a growing archive of ensemble theatre 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. 

OK, How much? 

NET dues are based on a sliding scale, and are figured in US dollars. 

- Companies with budgets under $100,000 are asked to contribute $100. (This still may be high for a new company. Contact National Coordinator Mark Valdez to discuss NET dues.)

- Companies with budgets between $100,000 and $500,000 are asked to contribute $200. 

- Companies with budgets over $500,000 are asked to contribute $300. 

- Individuals, not currently associated with member companies, may join for $50.00. 

Once a company joins, all of its members are part of NET, but each company has only one vote. 

Join the movement. We’re it.  NET is collaborative.  It is a collective of collectives.  It means keeping your ear out for the whole.  Joining NET indicates your willingness to commit time and creative effort by adhering to our mission statement and core values. 

 You've sold me! How do I join?

Joining is simple. Simply fill out the Membership Form and send it with your dues to: 

NET
c/o Irondale Ensemble Project
PO Box 150604
Brooklyn, NY 11215 

Make the check for the dues out to "Irondale" and write NET dues in the memo. 

Keep Ensemble Theater robust and healthy. Join NET!