2025 (DG) Convening (Hybrid Event)

What Sustains Us:

Directing Beyond the Industry’s Limits, Cultivating a Joyful Practice

Event Overview

The 2025 (DG) Convening brings together theatre directors and collaborators for a hybrid gathering devoted to care, sustainability, and the creative life of directors.

This year’s Convening explores the theme “What Sustains Us: Directing Beyond the Industry’s Limits, Cultivating a Joyful Practice.” Through workshops, conversations, demonstrations, and reflection, (DG) continues its work of building community, sharing resources, and fostering advocacy for directors at every stage of their practice.

The 2025 (DG) Convening is presented in partnership with the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Commerce, Creative Economy Initiatives. We are proud to recognize Gateway Set Rentals as our Convening Marketing Sponsor, whose support helps make this hybrid gathering possible and accessible to the directing community.

🗓️ Schedule

Sat-Sun, Nov 1-2 | Virtual Sessions (Zoom)

Sat, Nov 8 | In-Person & Streamed Online Evening | 5 – 8 PM ET | CultureWorks Greater Philadelphia, 1315 Walnut Street, Suite 300, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Sun, Nov 9 | Virtual Closing Sessions (Zoom)

🎟️ Registration Paths

Virtual-Only Pass — Access to all online sessions (Nov 1–2 & Nov 9) and livestream of the in-person program on Nov 8.

Hybrid Pass — Includes everything in Virtual-Only plus admission to the in-person evening celebration on Nov 8.

🌟 Special Opportunity for Directors - Register by Mon. October 27

The first 50 directors to register by Monday, October 27 will have the opportunity to participate in the Director Roll Call — a live virtual session where directors introduce themselves and their work to peers and producers. This signature moment gives directors the stage to be seen and celebrated within the community.

💬 What to Expect

A mix of (DG)-curated programs (Meet the Producers, Director Roll Call, Directors Consulting: Live Consultation Demonstration, Honoring Jill Harrison + Keynote by James Ijames) and community-submitted sessions exploring collaboration, equity, power, and joy in theatre.

An environment centered on access, care, and community — welcoming both seasoned and emerging directors.

Opportunities to connect with peers, producers, and collaborators through open discussions and interactive formats.

Visit directorsgathering.org/convening to learn more about each session.

♿ Accessibility & Venue Details

Virtual sessions will include live captions.

The in-person evening ( Saturday, Nov 8 ) will include ASL interpretation.

The in-person event on Saturday, November 8 will be held at CultureWorks Greater Philadelphia, 1315 Walnut Street, Suite 300, Philadelphia, PA 19107.
• Enter the building via the Walnut Street entrance.
• Bring a government-issued ID to check in at the security desk.
• Take the elevators to the 3rd floor and turn left to find the CultureWorks suite (Suite 300).

If you have access needs that are not already addressed by these features, please let us know when you register.

We are also gauging interest in childcare for children ages 4–14; please indicate your interest by Sunday, October 26 so we can plan accordingly.

🩺Community Care: Your Health Matters
The well-being of our community is a shared priority. If you are feeling unwell or experiencing symptoms of illness, including COVID-19 or other contagious illnesses, we ask that you prioritize your health and the health of others by refraining from attending in person.

While testing is not required for entry, we encourage attendees to take a COVID-19 rapid test before joining the in-person evening on Saturday, November 8, as an added precaution to help keep our community safe.

Masks are welcome and supported in all Convening spaces. Complimentary masks and hand sanitizer will be available at check-in, and participants are encouraged to practice good hand hygiene throughout the event.

Thank you for helping us create a healthy, caring environment for everyone attending the 2025 (DG) Convening.

📸 Photo / Video Notice
By purchasing a ticket and/or attending any portion of the 2025 (DG) Convening—whether held in person, hybrid, or virtual—you acknowledge and agree that Directors Gathering (DG) and its partners (including CultureWorks Greater Philadelphia, HowlRound TV, and PhillyCAM) may photograph, film, livestream, and/or otherwise record the event.

Your participation constitutes your consent to the use of your image, voice, and likeness in these recordings for archival, educational, and promotional purposes related to Directors Gathering’s mission and programs, without compensation or further permission.

If you have questions or concerns about being recorded, please contact directorsgathering@gmail.com prior to the event.

🌟Dress Recommendation: Business Casual — look nice by your own standards and wear what helps you feel comfortable and confident.

Questions? Email directorsgathering@gmail.com