Island City Stage Launches Second Annual Emerging Directors Intensive with New Cohort of Visionary Talent
Fort Lauderdale, FL – Following the remarkable success of its inaugural session, Island City Stage proudly announces the return of its Emerging Directors Intensive, beginning June 9, 2025. Now in its second year, this groundbreaking three-week program—made possible through the generous support of the Community Foundation of Broward—continues to foster and develop the next generation of dynamic and diverse theater directors.
A panel of Directors gather to share their expertise with the Emerging Directors Intensive participants!
Selected from a competitive pool of more than 30 applicants, this year’s cohort of ten promising directors includes:
Julia Avery (Coconut Creek), Emalie Belokon (Aventura), Jemima Charles (Miami), Elizabeth Guerra (Miami), Spensyr Krebsbach (Boynton Beach), Kim Richter (Tamarac), Pryscila Salinas (Pompano Beach), Ken Schmidt (Oakland Park), Pete Rogan (Deerfield Beach), and Laurie Tanner (Pompano Beach).
Building on the strong foundation of last year’s program, the 2025 Intensive delivers a comprehensive, hands-on curriculum that balances essential directing principles with mentorship from working professionals. Participants explore a wide range of theatrical disciplines—from text analysis and character development to casting, blocking, dramaturgy, pacing, and the delicate art of staging intimacy—with an emphasis on refining their unique artistic voices.
“The response to our first Intensive exceeded all expectations,” said Andy Rogow, Artistic Director of Island City Stage. “We’re excited to build on that success by welcoming this outstanding new group of aspiring directors. Programs like this ensure the future of theater remains innovative, inclusive, and artistically bold.”
Island City Stage is also proud to share the continued achievements of its alumni: Alex Gonzalez, a member of the 2024 cohort, recently premiered his first professional production, MUD, now playing at Empire Stage.
The program culminates in a final showcase performance on June 29, 2025, open to the public. Audiences are invited to witness the growth and artistry of these emerging voices as they present scenes developed throughout the Intensive. Tickets are available now at https://boxoffice.islandcitystage.org/Home/Shows/30112.
For more information about Island City Stage and the Emerging Directors Intensive, please visit www.islandcitystage.org.
Made possible through the generous support of the
