DirectorsLabChicago

First Annual DirectorsLabChicago—A Test Lab
November 4-6, 2005
Stan Mansion, Logan Square, Chicago

The first annual DirectorsLabChicago consisted of a series of panel discussions, hands-on workshops, readings, a designer clambake, and informal sessions with master artists. Approximately 30 directors were in attendance. Guest speakers included: Anne Cattaneo (Lincoln Center Theater), Robert Falls (Goodman Theatre), Steve Scott (Goodman Theatre), Allan Chambers (Theatre Building), Russ Tutterow (Chicago Dramatists), Sandy Shinner (Victory Gardens), Alex Levy (Pegasus Players), and Sheldon Patinkin (Columbia College/ Steppenwolf/Second City).

Second Annual DirectorsLabChicago
October 3-6, 2006
Second City Training Center, Chicago

The 2006 Lab had a focus of “International Influence on American Theatre,” and was attended by approximately thirty directors from across North America and Canada. The Lab was kicked off by Broadway/Steppenwolf stage manager Malcolm Ewen, and included a well-attended opening night Designer/Stage Manager Clambake.
Guest speakers included Anne Cattaneo (Lincoln Center Theater); Steve Scott (Goodman Theatre); Amy Hutchinson (Lyric Opera); and David Diamond (La MaMa). Peer-led workshops included: Elizabethan Staging, Asian Theatre Techniques, German Theatre, and African Drumming. Workshops with master artists included Mick Napier’s Working with Actors and Doug Paterson’s Introduction to the Background, Theory, and Techniques of Augusto Boal's Theatre of the Oppressed.

Third Annual DirectorsLabChicago
"Re-Envisioning the Classics"
August 13-19,2007
Chicago Cultural Center
78 East Washington Street, Chicago

The 2007 Lab welcomed emerging directors from across North America and the UK. The Lab schedule included workshops with Charlie Newell (Court Theatre), Erica Daniels (Steppenwolf), and David Catlin (Lookingglass Theatre), as well as a directors festival, and a unique new series entitled "Stepping Away from the Stage," in which non-theatre professionals discussed their use of imagination and creativity in their chosen fields. "Stepping Away" speakers included a plastic surgeon, a visual artist, and a commercial advertising expert. And finally, for the first time in the long history of Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Artistic Director Barbara Gaines opened the doors to their traditionally closed rehearsal process, allowing Lab directors an opportunity to observe Cymbeline as it was being prepared for the stage.

Fourth Annual DirectorsLabChicago
"The Power of Myth and Ritual"
July 28th-August 3rd, 2008
Chicago Cultural Center
78 East Washington Street, Chicago

The 2008 Lab drew interest and welcomed directors/theatre artists from across the United States as well as England, Scotland, Canada, Germany, Spain, and Bangladesh. Guest artists included: Thomas Riccio (Professor of Performance Studies at the University of Texas), Gary Griffin, David Catlin, Larry Grimm, Blair Thomas, and Jonathan Pitts. Our newly introduced intern program was highly competitive and drew interest from college students across the country.

Fifth Annual DirectorsLabChicago
"The Kinetics of Directing: From Story to Stage"
Monday, July 27th-Sunday--Sunday, August 2nd, 2009
Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago
78 East Washington Street, Chicago

The 2009 Lab continued to draw applicants from across and outside of the country. The theme, The Kinetics of Directing: From Story to Stage, was an intensive exploration of social, physical, and political movement and its role and influence within a theatrical setting. Guest artists included: Mick Napier (Annoyance Theatre), John Boesche (projection design), Ashley Wheater (The Joffrey Ballet), and Jeremy Sher (Suzuki).

Sixth Annual DirectorsLabChicago
"The Rehearsal"
Monday, June 14th through Sunday, June 20th, 2010
Chicago Cultural Center
78 East Washington Street, Chicago

DirectorsLabChicago 2010 is presented in association with the
Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) Theater.

Due to an overwhelming demand, the application deadline for directors has been extended. All applications must be postmarked and emailed no later than Monday, April 5th, 2010.