The Philadelphia Design Center

#WeGather in collaboration with United Scenic Artists Local USA 829 for one of the regional virtual #DirectorDesigner #MeetUps this coming month. While (DG) w...ill be in attendance at the Philly meet-up (Philly (DG) members and Philly directors join us!), we are also spreading the word on all the regional meet-ups ((DG) members from outside of Philly join the additional regional meet-ups and regional partners!)! Form for directors to sign-up: https://docs.google.com//1FAIpQLSe6_pcp0MIPSYNx8u/viewform

The Wilma is looking to broaden our connections with local Philadelphia Designers. While anyone is more than welcome to submit, we are actively seeking and prio...ritizing submissions from local Philadelphia designers and artists who identify as Global Majority/BIPOC. If you are interested, please fill out the submission form on our website and include a link to your website, portfolio, or any other attachments that showcase your work. At this time, we cannot guarantee that all portfolios received will be reviewed and/or receive feedback. ARTIST SUBMISSIONS: https://wilmatheater.org/about/artist-submissions/

Hello, Creatives! I will be offering my Zoom Summer Workshop Series starting in July. I will add additional dates if needed. Each class is $25. They are liste...d below: Makeup Basics Workshop: 3pm-5p CST July 1 July 11 Hair Basics Workshop: 3pm-5pm CST July 8th July 16th BTG Makeup for Early Career Performers & Working Artists: 12 pm-2 pm CST July 28 August 9 ** New** From the Motherland to America: 12 pm-2 pm CST Historical Workshop- I will discuss what dress looked when the first slaves made it to America in 1526 and what dress started to look like as time moved ahead. I will also talk about major hair movements and how they affected history. August 22 ** New** Wig Prep Workshop: 12pm- 2pm CST Cost: $45 for Day 1& 2 Having knowledge of wig prep for textured hair is important. This workshop will happen over two days. You will also need to have access to a mannequin head for day 2 practice. I will let you know what else you need. Class size will be small( 5-7). ** Day One- Introductory Powerpoint Info on textures, grades, and potential preps to try. ** Day Two- Wig Prep Work Day: Teach and Learn ( My hope is that you will walk away with 2-3 preps you feel comfortable with doing). Set One- July 18, July 21 Set Two- July 23, July 26 Set Three- Aug. 2, August 5 Please email [email protected] to sign up. Please let us know if you have any questions, we are happy to answer. All classes will take place on Zoom.

"Designers imagine realities that have not been created yet into existence. We figure out the systems that are needed for support and make sure they are in service of the story being told. Being in a room with people who are creative in this way is unbelievably inspirational and sparks new thinking and innovation." https://howlround.com/design-equity-lens

Good design affects everyone.

In the past, I’ve written about how the theatre field can move forward, how it can increase diversity and access, and how it can practice equity and inclusion and justice when it comes to the hiring of designers. But perhaps I should’ve also been writing about how important it is to support designers once they’ve been hired; how practices like ten-out-of-twelves drive people out of the industry, sometimes before they’ve really begun; how not having clear pathways to report abuse of all kinds particularly hurts freelance theatre artists.

Good design affects everyone.

Any user of Vectorworks is welcome to join!

We haven't gone away! We're looking into, as many people and institutions are, how to continue to serve designers in the Philadelphia area with the given circumstances. Stay tuned for more info!

Illumination for All is a two-part, virtual lighting design workshop for anyone in performance or production that feels that they could benefit from a refresher... (or introduction) to the power of light. A team of designers from across the US will tackle not only the fundamentals of lighting color theory, but also how our diverse skin tones can be affected by it. Participants will gain insight on the applications of lighting through numerous opportunities in live entertainment, themed entertainment, and film & television. We will also tackle the challenges of diversity in the workplace and hopefully inspire everyone to embrace our similarities so that we can continue to collaborate and create brilliant, cohesive productions. Have you lit dozens of productions? You’re welcome here. Do you hope to understand lighting better so you can emphasize your costume or scenic designs? We would love to have you. Directors, producers, performers, stage managers and even curious lovers of entertainment lighting are all encouraged to join us for these workshops that will hopefully launch you into your own further discovery. August 26 & 28 3pm-5pm Register Here: https://airtable.com/shrNLlXgi6LZKXIPd A link will be sent out via email to all participants closer to the date of the event. Please note that our intensive is donation based. We encourage any of our Allies that have the means to consider donating to help fund future intensives. Donate Here: www.fundrazr.com/atltheatre4justice

If you've designed at a LORT theater in the past, please fill out this survey! It's invaluable data.

#amplifyReminder: TODAY submit a video of your performance or a testimonial about the importance of the arts in our community to the digital rally which protests the 2021 city budget which proposes a cut to all arts and culture funding.

Theatre Philadelphia Emergency Relief is available to any theatre worker, from front of house staff and performers to administrators and teaching artists. Find out more about eligibility for micro-grants and apply now --> www.theatrephiladelphia.org/emergencyrelief

Philadelphia Arts continue to be deeply affected by COVID-19; festivals, productions, and concerts have been postponed through April and beyond. In addition to artists losing gigs, so are the hardworking people behind the curtain: Production and Front of House Staff. Donate, if you can, below. To apply for assistance:... https://forms.gle/xGadWjYEpcCwvaUv7 See more

For all of the Philadelphia independent artists out there. Thanks, Broad Street Review!

Because there’s only been seven women who have even designed on Broadway, designing less than 20 shows over the past 17 years. With 35-50 shows opening each year on Broadway, women Sound Designers make up a TINY percentage of the hired designers. If women aren’t given the opportunities to design the shows, then how can they get the recognition for them? Producers need to start recognizing the extraordinary talent and experience that women Sound Designers can bring to a show. https://soundgirls.org/women-in-sound-design/

Friends, we have not gone away! We’re working with new owners/operators to get re-open soon. In the meantime, feel free to reach out and let us know what you need from a place like the Design Center. You can message us here, or email Robin at [email protected].

Vectorworks 2020!