The purpose of NET is to: Advocate NET organizes and promotes
ensemble theatre making as a distinct element of the U.S. theatre
Build Knowledge NET collects, organizes and distributes
information, knowledge, and opportunities to deepen artistic
investigations and organizational innovations. Sustain Ensembles
Through our programs and initiatives, NET strives to secure the
future of ensemble theatermaking by supporting the growth, health
and survival of Americas ensemble.
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Main programs Festivals/Gatherings (MicroFests & National
Summits) Professional Development (Ensemble ABCsprofessional
development sessions both in-person, webinars) Touring &
Exchange Support (NET/TEN) Distribution of information and
opportunities through e-news and social media. Youth Ensemble
Project (YEP) NEW!
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2012/2013 MicroFests Detroit, MI Appalachia: Knoxville, TN
& Harlan County, KY New Orleans, LA Honolulu, HI (National
Summit & Learning Exchange) These events is where we
encountered the amazing work of Youth Ensembles such as yours.
Inspiring the creation of YEP.
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Membership As of March 2014 Wyoming 1 Wisconsin 1 Oregon 4
Colorado 2 District of Columbia 4 Florida 3 Georgia 8 Illinois 10
Indiana 1 Iowa 1 Kentucky 4 Louisiana 9 Maryland 9 Maine4 New
Hampshire2 Vermont 2 Massachusetts15 Connecticut5 Rhode Island2
Mississippi 1 New Mexico 5 New York 51 Ohio 3 California 54
Washington 3 Pennsylvania 11 South Carolina 1 Tennessee 1 Texas 7
Utah 1 Virginia 2 Ensembles:235 Individual Members:84 Student
Members:11 Affiliates:15 Arizona 4 Nebraska 1 Minnesota 12 Missouri
1 Hawaii 2 West Virginia 1 Delaware 1 Michigan 5 New Jersey 1
INTERNATIONAL: Great Britain1 Italy 1 Alaska1
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How do we define an ensemble? An ensemble is a group of
individuals dedicated to collaborative creation, committed to
working together consistently over time to develop a distinctive
body of work and practices. What does ensemble mean to you and your
company?
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The Youth Ensemble Field at a Glance Ongoing survey of youth
ensembles 90+ and growing Youth Ensembles create and perform
together. Different from youth arts classes. Independent companies
and ensembles within larger companies
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Current Participants Ragged Wing Youth Ensemble, Oakland CA
Gritty City Repertory Theatre, Oakland CA EarSay, Queens, NY
Irondale Young Company, Brooklyn, NY Mosaic Youth Theatre, Detroit,
MI Matrix Teen Company, Detroit, MI Young Nation/The Alley Project,
Detroit, MI Albany Park Theater Project, Chicago, IL ArtFarm,
Middletown, CT The Performance Project/First Generation,
Springfield, MA True Colors/ The Theater Offensive, Boston, MA
Bedlam Theatre, The Twin Cities, MN Queer Youth Theater, New
Orleans, LA Rising Youth Theatre, Phoenix, AZ
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Findings Youth ensembles, like their adult counterparts, range
in form, style, and structure. Desire to connect via one-on-one
online conversations or in person Should be youth led Desire to
share performance generating strategies
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Examples of YEP companies
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Performance Project/First Generation Springfield, MA Ensemble
of young adults, ages 15-22 that identify as First Generation
(first in their family to graduate high school, English as first
language, be incarcerated, not be incarcerated, openly LGBT,
question faith, be an artist, ANYTHING) Intensive artistic training
Inter-generational mentoring, research for self-reflection, and
dialogue. Create multilingual performances Sees theater together as
an ensemble Meets twice a week in the evenings and some
weekends
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Ragged Wing Youth Ensemble Oakland, CA Meets once a week after
school for 3 hours Oct-May Fall: Ensemble & Performance
Development Training Winter: Move into development and rehearsal of
show collaboratively written by ensemble performed in February
Spring: Students apprentice on Ragged Wing Ensemble Mainstage show
Year ends with 2 minute play festival of plays written, directed
and performed by the students
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Irondale Young Company Brooklyn, NY Meets weekly on Saturdays
Sept-June Uses the same ensemble techniques created by the Irondale
Ensemble Project Creates and performs 2 productions per year
Travels to see professional shows together Assists with youth
classes
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ArtFarm Middletown, CT Circophany: New youth circus ensemble
ages 12-20 Rigorous training in circus skills, acrobatics,
flexibility and individual and ensemble performance skills.
Building original shows to tour
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You are connected! (Play the video and make your own!)