But our mission — using creative collaboration to build empathy, open hearts, and bring people of all backgrounds closer together — is exactly what most Americans say they want.

 

That's why demand for ITP has never been more relevant and in demand. We served 7 communities coast-to-coast in 2025 — and currently have a 29-city waiting list.

​​​

• 79% of Americans say that creating more opportunities for people to talk and interact with those who have different values and views would be effective in reducing divisiveness and destructive disagreement. (Public Agenda)

 

ITP’s theory of change is that when we invite people to create rather than debate with neighbors/classmates/colleagues who look, vote, pray, or afford differently, we give diverse communities a shared purpose, inviting folks to show up, collaborate, and make meaningful decisions together. Through our creative process, participants imagine what’s possible, and act together to bring those ideas to life. Civil society, like theater, isn’t something to sit back and watch—it’s participatory; built by us, with our neighbors. In that sense, ITP provides a rehearsal for participatory democracy, demonstrating what is possible when artists lead the work of connection.​​​

​

​