Communal Theater Practice
Communal Theater is a practice of making connective theater—work that welcomes the audience as collaborators rather than passive witnesses. It begins with the belief that theater is not simply performance, but a sacred exchange: a communion between artists and audience.
Rooted in years of research and practice, Communal Theater rests on three essential pillars: Catharsis, Reciprocity, and Radical Self-Acceptance. Together, these elements create the conditions for theater that is not only seen, but shared.
CATHARSIS — The Aha!
Catharsis is an epiphany coupled with an emotional release—that clarifying Aha! moment that moves both mind and heart. In much of American theater, catharsis is treated as the actor’s experience, with the audience watching from the outside. Communal Theater shifts the focus to the audience's catharsis. Making theater a shared act of discovery.
Reciprocity — Gift in Action
Every performance begins with the audience’s first gift: their time, their attention, their presence. Theatermakers respond with an intentional offering of the story —all that it holds—and in turn, the audience responds. This cycle of reciprocity has begun. Performers use their energy to engage the audience while remaining intimate with their scene partners. They are the epicenter of the exchange, ensuring the audience is not passive but actively collaborating in the creation of the event.
RADICAL SELF-ACCEPTANCE — You Are Enough
Radical self-acceptance supports theatermakers to create from a place of worthiness. It is the practice of embracing one’s whole self—strengths, flaws, fears, and brilliance—with compassion. Too often, actors are asked to “be more vulnerable” without the tools to do so. Radical self-acceptance provides that foundation. When actors accept themselves fully, they no longer perform in fear of the audience, but in communion with them. This work is both personal and revolutionary. To stand on stage and declare, I am enough, I am worthy to be here—that is radical. And from that center, actors can share themselves with honesty, generosity, and courage.