Mission
At Carolina Ensemble Theatre, we weave the power of live theatre into the fabric of the communities we serve by creating captivating experiences that inspire, entertain, and enrich the lives of audiences. We provide work for North Carolinian theatre artists, celebrate regional narratives and storytellers, and tell bold stories that speak powerfully to our place and time here in the Piedmont Triad.

Vision
CET seeks to position itself as a driving force in the development of our state’s theatrical identity. By prioritizing partnerships with influential cultural organizations and artists here, we can create work that reflects our history, our future, our North Carolina. Ultimately, our work will add innovative storytelling and responsible approaches to creative practice in the American Theatre.

Values
CET believes in the transformative power of theatre to bring people together, spark creativity, and reflect the diverse stories of our diverse communities. We are a grassroots, community-centered organization grounded in the values that strengthen the connection between our artists, audiences, and the world around us. These values will guide our work and our mission as we strive to create a welcoming and enriching space for all.

Accessibility and Belonging
We are committed to making theatre accessible to all members of our community, regardless of background, ability, or experience. We actively work to remove barriers to participation, both at our performances and behind the scenes, ensuring that everyone can see themselves reflected on stage and feel welcomed in our theatre. We embrace accessibility and belonging as core tenets of our identity, providing a sense of belonging for all who engage with us.

Collaborative Community
The heart of CET lies in the power of collaboration. We believe that the best theatre comes from a collective effort, where diverse voices and perspectives are valued and respected. We work together—artists, community members, and audiences—to create spaces where creativity thrives and everyone feels they have a role to play. Our theatre is never just a venue, but a shared experience where relationships are built, nurtured, and celebrated.

Creative Excellence
We are dedicated to producing theatre that challenges, inspires, and elevates the human experience. Creative excellence is at the forefront of everything we do, from selecting bold, engaging stories to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. We celebrate both seasoned professionals and emerging talents, cultivating an environment where innovation and artistic integrity are always prioritized.

Education
As a community-centered theatre, we are deeply committed to education and the development of future artists and theatre lovers. We offer opportunities for people of all ages to explore, create, and learn. We strive to ignite a passion for the arts and equip individuals with the tools they need to express themselves, think critically, and engage meaningfully with the world around them.

Responsibility
At CET, we take our responsibility to our community seriously. We recognize the power of theatre to create change, provoke thought, and foster empathy. We are dedicated to being a responsible steward of the environment, creating a sustainable and equitable future for our theatre, our artists, and our audiences. We also take responsibility for fostering a culture of respect, accountability, and transparency within our organization and our community.

A Christmas Carol 2024 photography by Elliott O’Deen.