The Imaginists began in 1993 as the ensemble theater company Knights of Indulgence Theatre United States (KITUS), whose vision was a break from the traditional venues and hierarchy of professional and regional theatres. The group of actors began what was essentially an experiment; how to create as a group, listening to each individual voice in the development of material and the life of the company, and how to connect to community through the art of theatre. Intentionally placing itself in rural areas, KITUS grew and thrived for nine years, building a philosophy of performance and learning through their unique journey. In 2001 the original ensemble disbanded and the remaining members went on to create The Imaginists Theatre Collective.