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ENSEMBLE THINKING - certification

First cohort begins August 1, 2025

 

Cost: $3000 USD + cost of ET Labs

Apply by July 15, 2025 by filling out this form: https://forms.gle/f2Rk2sSJDH8EVuiVA

Prerequisite: Applicants will have attended 45 hours of Ensemble Thinking (ET) Labs with Lower Left artists before applying and starting the certification process. Accepted applicants will complete 200 + hour certification process including: 

  • Apprentice – shadow and workshop with Lower Left teaching artists for three ET Labs 

  • ETC Conversations – participate in monthly Zoom meetings (Sept-Nov and Jan-April) 

  • Collaborative Cohort – be a part of a community of invested ET Certification participants

  • Manual – lifelong access to the ever-evolving Ensemble Thinking manual 

  • Pedagogical Retreat – attend one 3-day/weekend Pedagogical Retreat in June 2026 with cohort

  • Reflection- write a culminating reflection

Travel, housing and Ensemble Thinking Lab tuition are not included. This self-directed process will take from one to three years. 

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– – – ET CERTIFICATION DETAILS – – –

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PREREQUISITES FOR CERTIFICATION

Attend 45 hours of Ensemble Thinking Labs with Lower Left: 

  • 3 labs of 15 hrs, 5 days in length or equivalent 

  • These 45 hours must be completed prior to joining the certification process

 

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APPLY

Submit your application, using this form –  https://forms.gle/f2Rk2sSJDH8EVuiVA

by July 15, 2025

  • Only six ET Certification participants will be accepted for first cohort 

  • The certification should be completed within a minimum of one year and a maximum of three years. The exact timeline is self-determined in collaboration with Lower Left. 

  • The first cohort will receive email notification of acceptance by August 1, 2025

  • First payment – $1000 USD due August 15, 2025

  • Second payment – $1000 USD due January 1, 2026

  • Final payment – $1000 USD due July 1, 2026

 

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REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATION

Accepted applicants will complete 200 + hour certification process including:

  • Apprenticing: 

    • Participating and apprenticing in a minimum of three 15 hour ET Labs. 

    • You may apprentice during additional ET Labs, for extra apprenticing fees. 

    • As an apprentice, you – 

      • Sign up for specific ET Labs as an apprentice (maximum of 3 apprentices per Lab)

      • Also register, pay, and participate in the ET Lab and arrange/pay for your own travel, food, lodging

      • Stay two extra days – one before and one after the ET Lab for pedagogical conversations, planning, and reflection

      • Shadow, observe, journal, and participate during ET Lab

      • Participate in meetings with teaching artists, outside of ET Lab hours (often over meals)

  • ETC Conversations

    • Required participation in a minimum of seven pedagogical conversations on Zoom

    • Zooms are 

      • One hour long

      • On the third Friday of each month from Sept-Nov and Jan-April

      • 8am PST/10am CST/11am EST/5pm most of Europe

      • With cohort and Lower Left/ET Certified artists

  • Collaborative Cohort

    • There will be an intimate group of six ETC in your cohort

    • They will be an invaluable resource, community, and collaborative partners

    • You will connect as a group via the ETC Conversations and Pedagogical Retreat

  • Manual 

    • Exclusive access to the digital manual 

    • Various creative tools to support your teaching 

    • Lifetime access 

    • Ensemble Thinking is a constantly evolving system and the manuals will continue to evolve to reflect the developments

  • Pedagogical Retreat (held annually for ET Certifying participants only) 

    • The first retreat will be June 26-28, 2026 at the Peaceable Barn in CT

    • Arrange your own travel: Friday arrival by 5:00 pm and depart Sunday after 2:00 pm 

    • Lodging and food provided

    • Retreat included in Certification fee

    • You may attend future Pedagogical Retreats for an additional charge, if desired

  • Reflection and Final Certification process – 

    • Write a culminating reflection (detailed directions TBA)

    • Receive official certificate of completion of Ensemble Thinking Certification from Lower Left Legacy Project

    • Use of the Ensemble Thinking registered mark and logo  

    • Listed on the Ensemble Thinking website as a Ensemble Thinking Certified teacher

  • Additional possibilities: 

    • Organize an ET Lab and invite a Lower Left artist to co-teach with you  (You are responsible for organization, artist fee, housing and travel of the LL artist).

The Ensemble Thinking Certification process is continually developing in relation to interest, context, and the collective. Please reach out if you have ideas, concerns, or questions.

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Email – lowerleftcollective(at)gmail.com

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