PHRENES THEATRE COMPANY 

 
 
Phrenes  was  founded  in  early  2018,  becoming  the  first  official  f​ully  democratic  theatre  cooperative  in 
New  York  City.  We  are  interdisciplinary  artists  who  use  public  performance  as  a  tool  for 
self-knowledge. 

Our  previous  experiences  as  co-artists  have  led  us  to  unconventional  creative  endeavours  with  newly 
conceived  work  as  well  as  classical  texts.  We  will  continue  to  seek  to  re-imagine  the  pre-existing 
processes of conversation, co-operation, and performance. 

ABOUT MEMBERSHIP 

DEMOCRATIC OPERATION: ​Each member of the Co-op is entitled to a single equal vote on all major 
decisions. Regardless of their vote, Phrenes members are expected to support the results of the 
democratic process. 

● Company actions that are decided by majority vote by all members: 

○ Productions to be mounted 
○ Financial expenditures 
○ Administrative amendments 
○ Membership 

PARTICIPATION: 

● We  hold  formal  meetings  where  important  company  issues  are  first  discussed  and  then  voted 
on. 
○ Each  member  has  the  opportunity  to  present  topics  they  would  like  to  discuss  and  then 
topics are voted on to open discourse 
● “Flex”  meetings  are  held  for  more  specific  matters:  production/design  team,  etc.  ​These  meetings 
are usually smaller in attendance 
● Members are required to pay $17 per month in dues 
● Members are required to attend a minimum of 12 formal meetings per year 
● Members are required to make a contribution to each production 
 ● In  the  spirit  of  transparency  and  empowerment  of  the  company,  members  have  the  right  to 
question and debate any issue pertaining to the company, including artistic direction. 

MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS: 

● Prospective  members  must  acquire  a  majority  vote  by  75%  of  members.  This  occurs  after 
prospective members meet 100 points that follows this rubric: 
○ Attendance of a formal meeting - 25 Points 
○ Attendance of a flex meeting - 15 Points 
○ Participation in a production or qualifying workshop - 75 Points 
● Prospective member initiates payment of $17 monthly dues 
● Prospective member has read and agreed to Phrenes Operating Agreement.