SDCF panels are curated on specific areas of theatre craft and led by seasoned professionals with relevant expertise. Our panels are typically 1- 2 hours long and offer best practices, education and networking.
One on One Conversation with Rachel Chavkin
Join SDCF for a one on one conversation with Rachel Chavkin on Friday Jan 24 in New York City. This conversation will focus on Rachel’s expansive career as an artist and approach to her craft. There will be a focus on her work as founding artistic director of Brooklyn-based experimental collective the TEAM and how her work with the ensemble interacts and influences her work as a freelancer in the non-profit and commercial spaces. A short Q & A will follow. This interview will be conducted by Annie Tippe.
General admission tickets are $10. Tickets for SDC Members and Associate Members are $5. SDCF staff will confirm membership when your ticket is purchased.
Space is limited! If you purchase a ticket and are unable to attend please return your ticket to allow someone else to attend this event.
This event will not be live streamed, but a recording will be made available.
This event will take place at Sunlight Studios:
321 W 44th Street Suite 202, New York City, NY 10036
Rachel’s headshot photo credit: Erik Tanner
Director, Choreographer & Designer Networking Series for Theatrical Performance
Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation is once again partnering with Local USA 829, Studio School of Design and TSDCA to co-host our annual series of director & choreographer-designer networking events, held via Zoom, throughout February. Meet and reconnect with directors, choreographers and designers from across the country!
Each event will primarily consist of a series of one-on-one meetings where directors and choreographers will be paired with designers, with potential for small group meetings toward the end if time allows.
Saturday, February 8th at 1pm Eastern (12pm Central, 10am Pacific)
Monday, February 17th at 7pm Eastern (6pm Central, 4pm Pacific)
Friday, February 21st at 1pm Eastern (12pm Central, 10am Pacific)
SPACE IS LIMITED – Please sign up by February 1st. Everyone may attend one event. This series is open to designers, directors, and choreographers at all stages of their careers. This is open to both union and non-union designers in all categories, and directors and choreographers do not need to be members of SDC to attend.
THIS IS A TWO HOUR EVENT. Since the events are structured as a series of one-on-ones, we ask that you stay the whole time. ASL interpreters are available for this series. To help us book the right number of interpreters, please let us know if you would use this resource at least eight days before the event(s) you would like to attend.
SDCF’s programming is made possible in part by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature; the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council; Stage Directors and Choreographers Society; and many other generous individuals. Additionally, SDCF’s professional development and public programming is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.
Previous Panels & Series
SDCF Virtual Panel: Demystifying Pre-Production
Join the SDCF Virtual Panel: Demystifying Pre-Production with Knud Adams, Maija García, and Delicia Turner Sonnenberg on Monday, June 24 from 6:00 PM ET – 7:30 PM ET. This panel will focus on the pre-production process, giving insights and a better understanding of all the things that happen between when a director signs a contract […]
One on One Conversation with Michael Arden
We are excited to bring you a video recording from our one on one conversation with 2023 Tony Award Winner Michael Arden hosted by SDCF and the Museum of Broadway. Interviewed by SDC Executive Director Laura Penn, this conversation focused on Michael’s expansive career to date including a deeper dive into his work as an […]
The Journey from Dancer to Choreographer
We are excited to bring you a video recording from our panel The Journey from Dancer to Choreographer with Mayte Natalio, Adesola Osakalumi and Ellenore Scott. This conversation focused on career transitions or expansions, specifically for dancers who have shifted or added choreography to their artistic practice. In case you missed it or if you […]
SDCF, Local USA 829, Studio School of Design and TSDCA (Theatrical Sound Designers and Composers Association) Present: Director, Choreographer & Designer Networking Series for Theatrical Performance
Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation partnered with Local USA 829, Studio School of Design and TSDCA to co-host the annual series of director & choreographer-designer networking events, held via Zoom, throughout January. Meet and reconnect with directors, choreographers and designers from across the country! Each event will primarily consist of a series of one-on-one meetings […]
Director, Choreographer, & Designer In-Person Networking Event for Theatrical Performance
This was an in-person event that occurred in July 2023. Due to the nature of this event where multiple one-on-one meetings and small group conversations occur, this event was not recorded. Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation is partnering with Studio School of Design and Local USA 829 to co-host an in-person director/choreographer-designer networking event in […]
In The Choreographers Studio with Christopher Gattelli and Maria Torres
This was an in-person event that occurred in June 2023. This was recorded and you can find the video linked here. Join us in The Choreographers Studio with Christopher Gattelli and Maria Torres. Maria will be interviewing Christopher about his career, sharing highlights of his work, with a particular focus on the difference between choreographing […]
Director and Choreographer Virtual Gathering
This was a virtual event that occurred in March 2023. There is no video since a majority of the time was spent in breakout rooms. Join us on Monday, March 27th from 6:00 – 7:30 PM ET (3 – 4:30 PM PT) to meet and connect with directors and choreographers across the country, to expand […]
SDCF Virtual Panel: Directing Classics
This was a virtual panel that occurred in March 2023. You can watch the video here. Event Description Below: Join us on Thursday, March 2, 2023, from 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM ET for a virtual panel about directing classics with Shana Cooper, Joseph Haj, and Robert O’Hara. This conversation will focus on the importance […]
Director, Choreographer, & Designer Virtual Networking Series
This was a virtual networking event that occurred in January 2023. Event Description Below: Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation is partnering with Local USA 829, Studio School of Design and TSDCA to co-host another series of director & choreographer-designer networking events, held via Zoom, throughout January. Meet and reconnect with directors, choreographers and designers from […]
SDCF, Studio School of Design, and Local USA 829 present: Director, Choreographer, & Designer In-Person Networking Event
This was a virtual networking event that occurred in August 2022. Event Description Below: Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation is partnering with Studio School of Design and Local USA 829 to co-host an in-person director/choreographer-designer networking event in NYC. This event will provide opportunities to meet and connect with other artists to expand your community, […]
Director & Choreographer Virtual Gathering:
This was a virtual networking event that occurred in May 2022. Event Description Below: Join us on Monday, May 16th from 6:00 – 8:00 PM ET (3-5 PM PT) to meet and connect with directors and choreographers across the country, to expand your community, discuss the craft, and network. This event is open to directors and choreographers […]
SDCF, Studio School of Design, and TSDCA Present: Director, Choreographer & Designer Networking Series for Theatrical Performance
This was a virtual series with 3 separate events that occurred in March 2022. Event Description Below: Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation is partnering with Studio School of Design (SSD) and the Theatrical Sound Designers and Composers Association (TSDCA) to co-host a series of director & choreographer-designer networking events, held via Zoom, throughout March. Meet […]
The Role of Broadway Associate/Resident Directors and Choreographers
This conversation took place on Monday, February 21st. If you would like to watch a video replay of this conversation, please click this Vimeo link. In this conversation we hear from associate directors and choreographers to learn what their jobs entail and how they navigate their work in the industry. This event is in […]
SDCF Conversation Series: Returning to Rehearsal
This conversation took place on Thursday, February 10th. If you would like to watch a video replay of this conversation, please click this vimeo link. Join us on Thursday, February 10th, 2022 from 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm ET when we will be having our third SDCF Conversation Series: Returning to Rehearsal panel with Justin […]
SDCF Conversation Series: Returning to Rehearsal
This conversation took place on Monday, January 31st from 5:00 – 6:00 pm ET. If you would like to watch a video replay of this conversation, please click this vimeo link. As live productions resume across the country, theater artists and managers are working to reopen for audiences. There are several conversations they must respond […]
Monday Meetup – December 2021
Monday Meetup is SDCF’s bi-monthly online informal gathering for directors and choreographers. With new hosts and topics each month, each event is an opportunity to gather in community and get to know one another through group conversations about different aspects of the crafts of directing and choreography. SDCF Monday Meetup Join us for our next Monday Meetup […]
SDCF Conversation Series: Returning to Rehearsal
This conversation took place on Tuesday, November 30th at 6:30 pm ET. If you would like to watch a video replay of this conversation, please click this vimeo link. Please join us Tuesday November 30th at 6:30pm ET for the first event in the SDCF Conversation Series: Returning to Rehearsal. As live productions resume across the country, theater artists […]
Monday Meetup – September 2021
Monday Meetup is SDCF’s bi-monthly online informal gathering for directors and choreographers. With new hosts and topics each month, each event is an opportunity to gather in community and get to know one another through group conversations about different aspects of the crafts of directing and choreography. The September Monday Meetup will be hosted by Sivan Battat […]
First Mondays of the Month
SDCF is starting a bi-monthly online informal gathering for directors and choreographers called First Mondays. With new hosts and topics for each month, First Mondays is an opportunity to gather in community and get to know one another through conversations about different aspects of the craft of directing and choreography. Our FIRST First Mondays will be hosted […]
Designer and Director & Choreographer Networking Series
Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation is partnering with United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829 to co-host a series of director & choreographer-designer networking events, held via Zoom, at the end of May and beginning of June. Meet and reconnect with directors, choreographers and designers from across the country as the industry begins to re-open! We anticipate the event […]
SDCF Panel: Choreographing in the Time of COVID
Join us March 22nd at 6:30 PM EST for a virtual panel conversation discussing choreographing safely and creatively during the ongoing pandemic. Hosted by Dan Knechtges, panelists Kelly Devine, Gerry McIntyre, Jenn Rose, and Ellenore Scott share their experiences leading, creating, and working on projects amid COVID-19. If you would like to watch the conversation, […]
Third Roundtable Conversation
Join us virtually on Friday, February 19, 2021 at 3pm EST for a third roundtable conversation about artistic leadership, moderated by SDCF Trustee and Artistic Director Emeritus of Pasadena Playhouse, Sheldon Epps. Sheldon will lead a conversation with newly appointed associate and resident directors about what it means to hold these artistic leadership positions […]
One-on-One Conversation with Sheldon Epps and Seret Scott
Join us virtually on Thursday, October 8th at 5pm eastern when SDCF Trustee Sheldon Epps will continue his conversations on artistic leadership with Gordon Davidson Award recipient Seret Scott. Scott and Epps will discuss her wide-ranging and inspiring achievements and her work with the Free Southern Theatre in the 1960s, her performances as an actress […]
SDCF’s second Roundtable Conversation
Join us virtually on Tuesday, August 25th at 4pm EDT for a second roundtable conversation about artistic leadership, moderated by SDCF Trustee and Artistic Director Emeritus of Pasadena Playhouse, Sheldon Epps. Sheldon will lead a conversation with regional Artistic Directors new to their roles about facing the specific challenges of the moment. He will be […]
Insight on Deaf POC Theater Artists & Our Industry
On August 17th, 2020 at 6pm EDT SDCF and tall poPpy, Inc. will host a panel on what the presence of ASL in theater looks like from the perspective of Deaf directors, choreographers, and Directors of Artistic Sign Language. This panel will bring together Michelle Banks, Monique Holt and Antoine Hunter in conversation with Alexandria […]
Financial Behaviorist Jacquette M. Timmons
Join us for a conversation on Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at 4pm EDT with Jacquette M. Timmons, President and CEO of Sterling Investment Management, Inc. Jacquette will speak with us about financial planning during long-term unemployment and share her unique blend of strategic budgeting advice coupled with candid talk about the ways our emotions play […]
SDCF Roundtable Conversation
This roundtable conversation on July 9th, 2020 at 5pm ET will be moderated by Sheldon Epps, SDCF Trustee and Artistic Director Emeritus of Pasadena Playhouse, who will lead a conversation about the challenges and opportunities of leading a non-ethnic specific organization as a leader of color. Joining Sheldon will be Artistic Directors Robert Barry Fleming […]
Showcasing Deaf Talent: Incorporating ASL on Stage
Showcasing Deaf Talent: Incorporating ASL on Stage with Leah C. Gardiner, Sam Gold, and Sheryl Kaller Moderated by Alexandria Wailes ASL interpreters: Candace Broecker-Penn, Justine Rivera, Heather Rossi, Monique Sarp Monday October 28th, 2019 In collaboration with tall poPpy, inc. LEAH C. GARDINER is an Obie Award-winning director known for the “incisive clarity” (New York Times) of her work with physicality […]
One-on-One Conversation: Producing Theatre for an Ageless Audience
The Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation (SDCF), the not-for-profit foundation of Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC), will host a conversation entitled “Producing Theatre for an Ageless Audience”, moderated by Linda Hartzell, SDC Foundation Trustee and Artistic Director Emerita of Seattle Children’s Theatre, with luminary directors Mark Brokaw, Marcia Milgrom Dodge, and playwright Timothy Allen McDonald on […]
One-On-One Conversation with Erica Schmidt & Davis McCallum
State of the Art: Directing Shakespeare in America Join Ethan McSweeny (Artistic Director of American Shakespeare Center) moderating an intimate discussion with luminary directors Erica Schmidt and Davis McCallum on directing Shakespeare in the American theater. Artist Bios ERICA SCHMIDT: Directing credits include: MacBeth (currently for Red Bull at the Lortel, previously at Seattle Rep […]
One-on-One Conversation with Mandy Moore and Walter Painter
CHOREOGRAPHY ACROSS MEDIA SDC Foundation’s conversation series returns to Los Angeles for another in-depth discussion with prominent artists! Dance and movement are everywhere in our media today: from our nation’s theaters, performing arts venues, and major award shows — to film, television, and video on your digital device. What does is take to create choreography […]
An Artists Conversation: The Team Behind SOFT POWER
Join SDC Foundation and director Art Manke as he sits down with director Leigh Silverman, choreographer Sam Pinkleton, playwright David Henry Hwang, and composer Jeanine Tesori; the artistic team behind Soft Power. A contemporary comedy explodes into a musical fantasia in the first collaboration between two of America’s great theatre artists: Tony Award® winners David Henry Hwang (M. Butterfly, Flower Drum Song) and Jeanine Tesori […]
One-on-One Conversation with Liesl Tommy and Stephanie Ybarra
THE MORE THINGS CHANGE Shifting the Narrative on Who Gets to Lead Large nonprofit theatres across the U.S. are experiencing a sea change of transition in their artistic leadership posts. Today, only about 25% of those posts are held by women, and fewer still by people of color. What are the root causes from a […]
One-On-One Conversation with Sam Gold and David Caparelliotis
BREAKING DOWN ABLEISM Casting, Diversity, and Disabilty Theatre often struggles to include and embrace diverse voices and artists, and this is certainly true of artists with disabilities. However, directors and casting directors are uniquely positioned to change producing practices and the perceptions of audiences well before the lights go up, and indeed, even before the […]
One-on-One Conversation with James Lapine and Lonny Price
Who Really Directed This? Your Intellectual Property in the Age of Live Capture Technology has made the ability to capture and distribute live performances via high quality video a reality the theatre field is embracing with increasing regularity. New players are entering the field every day, including Broadway HD, Amazon, and Netflix, among others. When it comes to the […]
One-on-One Conversation with Rachel Chavkin and Jacob G. Padron
Join SDC Foundation Director David Roberts as he sits down with director Rachel Chavkin and artistic producer Jacob Padrón to discuss the the current climate of theatre organizations, funders, and freedom of expression. Rachel Chavkin is a Tony nominated and three-time Obie Award and Drama Desk winning director, writer, dramaturg, and the Artistic Director of […]
One-on-One Conversation with Giovanna Sardelli and Rajiv Joseph
Monday, April 24, 2017 – Join Foundation Board member Casey Stangl as she sits down with acclaimed director Giovanna Sardelli and playwright Rajiv Joseph to discuss the work of the director, collaborating on new work, and their upcoming production of Archduke at the Taper. SDC Foundation’s One-on-One Conversation series illuminates the creative processes, secret mottos, […]
One-on-One Conversation with Kwame Kwei-Armah & Patricia McGregor
Monday, January 9, 2017 – Join Foundation Director David Roberts as he sits down with acclaimed directors Kwame Kwei-Armah and Patricia McGregor to discuss the intersection of social issues and the work of the director. SDC Foundation’s One-on-One Conversation series illuminates the creative processes, secret mottos, and personal and professional experiences that guide today’s luminary […]