Hosting a Director Mixer

In November, I hosted a Director Mixer to build a professional support network for directors in Michigan—focused on shared problem-solving, hiring connections, resource exchange, and reducing the isolation that often comes with directing work.

The idea was inspired by my experience in a Yale directing intensive, where a diverse and deeply collaborative cohort became one of the most valuable outcomes of the program. That group—spanning disciplines, backgrounds, and career stages—continues to function as a professional resource years later through ongoing communication, knowledge sharing, and mutual support. It demonstrated how powerful a strong directing cohort can be.

With that model in mind, I set out to create a Michigan-based directing community that brings together directors and emerging directors who are interested in learning from one another and contributing to a shared professional ecosystem. The goal was to intentionally include a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and career paths, with the belief that this diversity strengthens both individual artists and the field as a whole.

The first Director Mixer was a success, and I’m excited to continue meeting, building, learning, and growing together. Looking forward to what this community becomes.