Strengthening Our Network: Sharing Our Stories

Nonprofit staff and managers from organizations focused on public health to those providing education and advocacy were engaged, challenged, inspired and, at times, amused by the energy-filled interactive performance by True Story Theater company at the NonProfit Center in October.

A unique local theater troupe, True Story employs a form of improvisation called Playback Theatre. The form brings true stories to life in the moment, amazing the audience when they see the essence of their own stories captured in drama, song and movement.

“The mission of True Story Theater is to promote social healing by listening deeply to people’s stories and transforming them spontaneously into theater,” founder and artistic director Christopher Ellinger explained to the audience. “Our events create a respectful atmosphere where every voice can be heard and any story told. They offer audiences fresh perspectives, deeper connections, and a renewed appreciation for our common humanity.”

Capturing a Diversity of Experiences

Joining host Third Sector New England at the NonProfit Center were nonprofit managers and staff members from organizations focused on health, advocacy, education and partnership, and human services. One participant commented on the rich diversity of nonprofit experience in the room.

Another spoke about her excitement at having the opportunity to meet colleagues who shared her passion for social justice. Still another, currently co-manager of a new social networking group in Boston, stated his appreciation for the event’s ability to bring nonprofit professionals together for a truly unique experience.

Audience members volunteered their stories of challenge and triumph in the nonprofit workplace to their colleagues and the performers, and then the performers interpreted the message. One audience member shared his struggle to complete a research report and then present it to top policymakers at an international forum. Despite “turning his hair grey,” the work helped to change national policies and protect wildlife.

Another audience member talked about his struggle to meet tight deadlines while keeping everyone in the loop and incorporating their sometimes contradictory comments into the production of a final product. This time another audience member was asked to reinterpret the scenario.

Looking Within and Without

During the evening of networking and theater, audience members had the chance to meet one another and share answers to the questions that drive their nonprofit work. The theater troupe members asked each participant to consider: 

• What has drawn us into the nonprofit sector?
• What have been the biggest sacrifices and biggest benefits? 
• What sustains us over time?

It was refreshing and vitalizing to remember why we do the work we do and to hear our colleagues reinforce their and our own commitment to the work of community building and social justice. 

True Story Theater is a nonprofit ensemble based in the Boston area, using theater for nonprofit team-building, diversity work, donor engagement and more. The troupe works with groups ranging from youth leaders, people formerly incarcerated, hospice volunteers, Jews & Palestinians in dialogue, and philanthropists.

To learn more about the company, visit True Story Theater at http://www.truestorytheater.org/.

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