Alternative Theater Ensemble specializes in developing new works and has utilized community-based listening practices since 2011. In the past, we used what we heard to inform the professional productions we developed and produced by putting playwrights in direct conversations with community members. In 2020, we suspended this activity due to the pandemic and are pleased to announce its return with the support of the California Arts Council and other funders. We intend to listen and expand our Community Partnership program to mission-aligned communities across the nine-county SF Bay Area through listening sessions, community meals, and participant-determined theater workshops. 

 

Possible offerings include, but are not limited to: 

• Theater classes/workshops that offer a multitude of entry points to belonging, expression, and healing using its discrete elements (writing, moving, designing, vocalizing, making, etc)

• Further story sharing, focus groups, and culturally rooted gatherings

• A community meal & deeper conversations that utilize cultural exchange as a means to organize

• Original events that are co-created among community members and program staff. 

Over the course of this year we will use art-based offerings to build relationships that advance our shared work in the communities we serve. Funding is limited for the relaunch of this program, but we are in a position to pilot collaborative projects at no cost to our partners. For those who would like to continue working with us in this emergent program we would strategize together to develop a path towards a sustainable program that is able to reach our shared communities throughout the year.

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If you are interested in learning more about us, our work, or this program, please reach out to one of our staff members.