One person stands surrounded by four people who hold up clothing, images of clothing, and a book.

Project Description


In 1990, Mixed Company launched the first Community Initiative Project, offering a forum and a voice for people who have experienced homelessness and street life. This collective theatre experience challenged common conceptions and misconceptions about people who live a different lifestyle. Over the years it has garnered intense media interest and has resulted in transforming experiences, for both participants and company members alike.

Each iteration of the Community Initiative Project began with an intensive workshop led by Associate Artists of Mixed Company Theatre. Working with a core group of 10 people who were homeless or who had experienced homelessness, the Troupe would be guided over a three-week period in the development of a 75-minute play as a means of creative expression and of educating their community. The play would then tour to community gathering places (hostels, shelters, job training centres) and to national and international poverty and activist organizations.