On Saturday, May 16, The Drama League in conjunction with The New School for Drama will present the 2009 Directors’ Project Symposium Directing Today—and the next 25 Years, as part of the Project’s 25th anniversary alumni weekend. The symposium begins at 10:00 a.m. at The New School for Drama, 151 Bank Street, with a presentation and keynote speech by Oskar Eustis, artistic director for The Public Theater.

A full series of panel discussions will continue throughout the day, featuring a variety of accomplished industry professionals, including director Diane Paulus(Hair), Ginny Louloudis (executive director of ART/NY), Carl Forsman (artistic director of the Keen Company), Morgan Jenness (Abrams Artists Agency), Kristin Marting (artistic director of HERE), and Alex Timbers (artistic director of Les Freres Corbusier). Panel topics include: "Directing and Producing Theatre in the New Economy", "The Director / Playwright Relationship", "The Business of Show: Promoting and Marketing Yourself", and "Articulating and Sustaining Your Artistic Mission."

The Drama League Directors Project is the nation's leading career development program for early and mid-career theatre directors. Founded by former Drama League President Julia Hansen and run by Roger T. Danforth since 1995, the Directors Project is aimed at identifying and helping young, talented directors bridge the gap between academic training and professional success. Through its partnerships with professional theatres across the United States and its commitment to ongoing career development, the Directors Project uniquely supports aspiring theatre artists in America.

"The 25th anniversary of the Directors Project is a wonderful opportunity to bring new attention to the mission and work of the Drama League," said Roger T. Danforth, artistic director of the Directors Project, "and particularly, to the opportunity the Directors Project provides to young talent, to the accomplishment of our alumni, and to its lasting impact on the American Theatre and the entire entertainment industry.”

Admission to the 2009 Directors Project Symposium is free, but seats are limited.
To reserve a seat for any of the panels, please email symposium@dramaleague.org .

For a complete schedule of panels and participants, please visit the Drama League website .