Why Joining NET Now Is More Important Than Ever

In a world that consistently pushes us toward individualism, isolation, and competition, ensemble practice has always been a form of resistance. It's a declaration that we are stronger together—that the wisdom of the collective exceeds the brilliance of any single voice. That true innovation happens in the sacred space between us.

The Network of Ensemble Theaters (NET) was born from this understanding. For years, we've connected collaborative creators across the country, nurturing the belief that ensemble practice isn't just about making theater differently—it's about reimagining how society itself might function.

Today, as we face unprecedented challenges in the arts ecosystem and beyond, this reimagining isn't just aspirational—it's essential. And NET's new membership model represents our most ambitious attempt yet to create the future we need.

A Critical Moment for Collaborative Creation

This is a challenging time for artists. Spaces are closing. Funding is shifting. Traditional models of support are failing many creators, particularly those from historically marginalized communities. Individual artists are shouldering impossible burdens, trying to sustain their practice while navigating systems designed for their exhaustion rather than their flourishing.

In this landscape, ensemble practice offers something necessary: working models of shared leadership, mutual support, and solidarity economies. Real examples of how we can distribute both the challenges and the rewards of creative work. Practical demonstrations of "power with" rather than "power over."

NET's new membership structure is designed specifically for this moment—not just to help ensembles and artists survive, but to collectively build the conditions where we can thrive.

From Service Organization to Movement Building

The new NET is more than a service organization—it's a member-led, action-oriented network. When you join, you don't just gain access to resources; you become an active co-creator and co-conspirator in shaping the ecosystem that sustains us all.

This shift from transactional membership to transformational community is reflected in everything we do:

Collaborative Advocacy: NET actively advocates for ensemble practice, mutual aid, and solidarity economies at local, regional, and national levels. We're fighting for policy changes that recognize and resource collaborative creation, pushing for funding models that support process as much as creative outcome, and building partnerships that strengthen our collective power.

Connected Community: Through free-for-members local, regional, and national convenings, virtual collaboration pitch sessions, and programs like Create + Activate (C+A) for BIPOC ensemble leaders, we're building relationships that transcend competition and isolation. These aren't just networking events—they're laboratories for collective problem-solving and innovation.

Shared Knowledge: Our expanding directories, resource libraries, and peer-led workshops ensure that no one has to reinvent the wheel. From governance models to accountability practices, from production templates to funding strategies—we're creating a commons of knowledge that benefits everyone.

Distributed Leadership: Through our new governance structure, members directly shape NET's priorities, programs, and resource allocation. This isn't token participation—it's genuine power-sharing that models the collaborative values we champion in our artistic work.

A Membership Model That Embodies Our Values

The redesigned NET membership structure—launching now as a pilot through June 2026—is itself an experiment in creating more equitable, accessible systems. It offers multiple ways to engage:

For Ensemble Organizations ($500/year): Companies, collectives, and artist groups gain two complimentary registrations for all in-person events, unlimited virtual participation, eligibility for fiscal sponsorship, and the ability to nominate Steering Committee members who will help guide NET's future.

For Individual Practitioners ($165/year): Independent artists, scholars, producers, educators, and cultural workers receive similar benefits, including free event registration, fiscal sponsorship eligibility, and the opportunity to directly shape NET's evolution through leadership participation.

For Institutional Partners ($1050/year): Community partners, funders, and values-aligned organizations can support this critical work while building meaningful relationships with the field's most innovative creators.

Most importantly, we recognize that financial barriers should never prevent participation. That's why we offer:

• 100% and 50% fee waivers (available every other year via this application)

• Flexible payment plans and subscription options

• Travel and housing support for in-person convenings

• Caregiving assistance to ensure participation is possible for parents and caregivers

And if you join before July 2025, you'll lock in these pilot-level rates for three full years—a significant opportunity as we build this new model together.

Not Just Membership—An Organizing Movement That Is New World Building

When you join NET, you're not simply purchasing services or resources. You're investing in a collective vision for the future of our field—one where ensemble practice is recognized, resourced, and central to conversations about artistic innovation and social change.

You're adding your voice to a growing chorus advocating for structural transformation in how art is funded, how artists are supported, and how creative work is valued.

You're connecting with a nationwide community of practitioners who understand the unique challenges and profound rewards of collaborative creation—people who can become artistic partners, thought collaborators, and true allies in your work.

And you're helping to build something that none of us could create alone: a sustainable, equitable ecosystem where ensemble practice can flourish for generations to come.

The Future Needs You

This reimagined NET is a living, collaborative experiment—one that will evolve based on who participates and how they choose to engage. Your membership doesn't just support this work; it actively shapes what NET will become.

In a time of profound challenge and possibility, we need each other more than ever. We need spaces where we can share resources rather than compete for them. We need collective strength to advocate for the changes our field requires. We need models of collaboration that remind us what's possible when we truly work together.

The future is ensemble. And that future needs you—your voice, your wisdom, your participation, your leadership.

Join us. Build with us. Transform with us.

Because none of us can create the future alone. But together? Together, we're unstoppable.