Cultural anthropologist Catherine Bateson proffered years ago that the concept of economies of shared resources within “primitive societies” was a more practical and sustainable paradigm than the modern obsession with economies of scale. Bateson’s prescient observation comes to mind in our many conversations with theatre professionals about sharing. Considering today’s challenges around resource distribution and scarcity, it’s no wonder that many leaders are focusing on more effective use of available resources as much as on generating new resources. Increasing numbers of these leaders are considering solutions beyond their own organizational boundaries – exploring options to pool their resources (human, financial, time, space, technical) with others to create shared platforms for everything from facility development, to staff infrastructure, to audience building and beyond.

It is important to note that shared platforms are very different from mergers (so popular among funders during economic downturns). The driving force behind mergers is reduction – to add one and one together and end up with one. It is a solution born of a mindset of scarcity – ”There are too few resources to go around, the field must be cut back.” On the other hand shared platforms turn the scarcity mindset around by creating more. They add one and one and end with more than two, in quantity and quality.

Recent shows such as Generations by Soho Rep and The Play Company, and Straight White Men by Young Jean Lee Theatre and The Public are just two examples of the added value of shared producing platforms. Likewise, shared platforms including A.R.T./New York’s South Oxford Space, 64E4 (the new space on E. 4^th Street co-owned by Teatro Circulo, IATI and Paradise Theatre and Films), Arts Pool and Fractured Atlas add value through shared space, infrastructure and expertise. Clearly, when faced with scarcity, we can respond with abundance.