DirectorsLabChicago was founded in 2005 by Chicago-based directors Elizabeth Margolius and Karin Shook as a result of their experience with the Lincoln Center Theater Directors Lab in New York City. Both felt that Chicago would be an ideal and unique setting for directors from all over the world to collaborate, experiment, and exchange practical information. Their initial announcement to the local theatrical community garnered replies from over one hundred emerging and established directors with a wide range of disciplines and backgrounds. Such profound enthusiasm confirmed their suspicions that directors would benefit from a place to meet, work, share ideas, and socialize; and so, in July 2005, immediately upon their return from New York, the planning began.