Our manifesto is a co-created statement about who we are, what we do, and what we believe. An updated manifesto is currently being developed and will be available in autumn/winter 2025.

We are Collective Encounters, and we make Theatre for Social Change. We are artists and activists, thinkers, and doers. We are informed by diverse experience and common cause. We are rooted in communities and guided by our ethics. We are kind and welcome all. We strive for excellence and the continual development of our work. We believe that too many people in our world are left behind while a few race far ahead; the odds stacked. We believe that the time for change is now. It doesn’t have to be like this. That there are different choices; better, fairer ways. We believe that theatre is a powerful tool to challenge the system and redress the inequalities of our times. We use theatre to entertain, engage, excite and delight. To expose realities, challenge the status quo, champion human rights. To tell stories that are often ignored. To bring people together to share ideas, explore difference and find connections. To spark debate, facilitate conversations. To imagine alternatives, rehearse change and play out new possibilities. We use theatre to provoke action. We are cooperative and collaborative. We work within and across disciplines, sectors, cultures and countries, To share our practice, learn from our peers and foster new thinking; To extend our reach, deepen our impact and enhance our art; To find solidarity. We are Collective Encounters and we dream of a brighter future.