Collective Roots
Listening deeply. Cultivating possibility.
Collective Roots is a Birmingham-based community arts organization rooted in empathy, storytelling, dialogue, and connection.
We create spaces where people can listen deeply, share stories, build relationships, and imagine new possibilities together.
About
Collective Roots brings together performance, facilitation, and community-centered creative practice.
Our work is grounded in the belief that every story matters—and that when people are heard, witnessed, and connected, something meaningful can take root.
Led by Cristal Brister, Collective Roots grows out of more than 15 years of work in theatre, arts in health, community engagement, non-profit, Playback Theatre, and participatory arts practice.
Our Work
Playback Theatre
Performances
Experience stories brought to life.
We create spontaneous theatre inspired by real stories shared by audience members, transforming lived experiences into moments of recognition, connection, and shared reflection.
Performances can stand alone or be designed around themes and questions important to a group or gathering.
Oral Histories & Story Projects
Connect memory, meaning, and legacy.
We partner with organizations and groups to develop projects that gather, preserve, and share the stories and lived experiences of individuals, communities, and institutions.
Each project is thoughtfully designed around its participants and purpose, creating meaningful ways for experiences to be documented, shared, and carried forward.
Community Dialogue
Explore issues and shape new possibilities.
We design and facilitate creative, participatory processes that help people explore complex issues, engage different perspectives, and play a meaningful role in shaping what happens next.
Drawing from Theatre of the Oppressed and Legislative Theatre methodologies, experiences can range from individual workshops and facilitated conversations to sustained processes that move from listening and exploration toward ideas, recommendations, and action.
Creative
Project Management
Bring meaningful ideas from concept to completion.
We provide short-term project management for creative and mission-driven initiatives, helping partners move strong ideas from concept to completion.
From planning and coordination to partnerships, logistics, and implementation, we bring structure to complex projects while keeping the people, purpose, and creative vision at the center.
Connect with Us!
hello@wearecollectiveroots.org
205.558.6371
IG: @wearecollectiveroots
FB: facebook.com/wearecollectiveroots