Directors Inclusion Initiative

Established in the 2015/2016 season, the Directors Inclusion Initiative aims to encourage and develop emerging Chicago directors who identify as people of color, disabled, women, transgender, gender non-conforming and LGBTQ+. We continue our commitment to cultivate a new generation of diverse directors who create dynamic theater work from their unique points of view.

Under the leadership of Ken-Matt Martin and Roxanna Conner, the initiative has been reimagined with a new curriculum which includes four free masterclasses by leading theater artists, observing first rehearsal for each mainstage production, and directing one reading in the 20/50 Festival. The Director Inclusion Initiative cohort will also have the opportunity to attend optional events such as technical rehearsals, final dress, and gatherings hosted by VG leadership.

2021/2022 Directors Inclusion Initiative Fellows

Devin Christor
he/him
Grace Dolezal-Ng
she/her
Aliza Feder
she/her
Arti Ishak
they/them
 
 
 
 

[lgc_column grid=”50″ tablet_grid=”50″ mobile_grid=”100″ last=”false”]

TIME COMMITMENT

  • 35 hours total, January 2022 – August 2022
  • 12 hours of free masterclasses with leading theater artists
  • 15 hours directing one reading for the 20/50 Festival
  • 8 hours observing rehearsals
  • Additional optional opportunities may be offered periodically.

[/lgc_column]
[lgc_column grid=”50″ tablet_grid=”50″ mobile_grid=”100″ last=”true”]

2021/2022 COHORT DATES

  • Tuesday, January 4, 2022: first rehearsal for Queen of the Night
  • Saturday, February 26, 2022: Masterclass #1
  • Tuesday, March 8, 2022: first rehearsal for In Every Generation
  • Saturday, April 23, 2022: Masterclass #2
  • Tuesday, May 17, 2022: first rehearsal for cullud wattah
  • Saturday, June 4, 2022: Masterclass #3
  • Monday, June 27 – Saturday July 2, 2022: 20/50 Festival
  • Sat, August 20: Masterclass #4

[/lgc_column]

COMPENSATION

$350 for directing one reading for the 20/50 Festival; commensurate with pay for the Ignite Chicago Reading Series.

TO APPLY

Submit a resume, two letters of recommendation, and a portfolio of no more than 5 production photos, or one video of a piece you’ve directed. Applications are due by 12PM CT on Friday, October 15, 2021. All materials should be sent to vmusoni@victorygardens.org with the subject line “Directors Inclusion.” Please send your files as a single .pdf document, named as follows: Last_First_DII2122.

Past Directors Inclusion Initiative Fellows

Alexander (Lex) Turner
Tiny Beautiful Things
Learn More
Lanise Antoine Shelley
The First Deep Breath
Learn More
Christina Casano
How to Defend Yourself
Learn More
Jeremy Ohringer
Dhaba on Devon Avenue
Learn More
Aliza Feder
Right To Be Forgotten
Learn More
 
 
 
 
 

Lauren Katz
Indecent
Learn More
Mikael Burke
Rightlynd
Learn More
N. Emil Thomas
Pipeline
Learn More
Denise Yvette Serna
Cambodian Rock Band
Learn More
Ruby Des Jardins
If I Forget
Learn More
 
 
 
 
 

Elizabeth Swanson
Learn More
Fun Home
Hannah Tova Wolff
Learn More
Fade
Regina Victor
Learn More
Breach
Carol Ann Tan
Learn More
Mies Julie
 
 
 
 

Kaiser Zaki Ahmed
Learn More
Hand To God
Arianna Soloway
Learn More
Roz and Ray
Charlotte Drover
Learn More
Queen
Ameenah Kaplan
Learn More
A Wonder In My Soul
Alyssa Vera Ramos
Learn More
Native Gardens
 
 
 
 
 

Toma Tavares Langston
Learn More
Sucker Punch
Lavina Jadhwani
Learn More
Never the Sinner
Lexi Saunders
Learn More
Cocked
Kevin Matthew Reyes
Learn More
Hillary And Clinton
Chika Ike
Learn More
The House That Will Not Stand