(Previously Pocket Playfest) Inc. is a new play incubator that strategically pairs 6 early career Chicago directors with 6 budding Chicago playwrights to develop a new script over a dedicated 3 month process. During the process, the cohort participates in various professional development workshops led in collaboration with Chicago storefront leaders. Inc. culminates in a 2 week festival that is presented live to audiences as well as filmed in Virtual Reality, exploring how to welcome audiences to experience live Chicago theatre from anywhere in the world.

2025 cohort

Kim Campbell (playwright) + Sivan Spector (director)
Andres Coronado (playwright) +
Octavio Montes De Oca (director)
Kolin Lawler (playwright) + Devon Hayakawa (director)
Kandace Mack (playwright) + Keimon Shook (director)
Jamaque Newberry (playwright) + Izadorius Tortuga (director)
Zoe Soteres (playwright) + Stefan Roseen (director)
Madie Doppelt (dramaturg), Cori Lang (dramaturg)

2024 cohort

Annika Andersson (playwright) + Kayla Menz (director)
Ky Baity (playwright) + Keimon Shook (director)
Kevin Blair (playwright) + Rebecca Schilsky (director)
Sam Hurley (playwright) + Mcmanus (director)
Andrew Piechota (playwright) + Faith Hart (director)
Keegon Schuett (playwright) + Liam Shannon (director)
Maddie Brown (dramaturg), Joseph Bryant (dramaturg)
Ben Mills (Production Manager, Casting)