The gathering brings together a vibrant spectrum of practices, including and beyond: Alternate Reality Games (ARGs), immersive theatre, Live Action Role Playing Games (larp), social practice, performance art, XR, Tabletop Role Playing Games, ritual, and party.
Learn more about last year’s event
Objectives
Host collective studio visit for participatory practitioners to experiment and exchange practices.
Incubate adventurous artistic projects at various stages of life cycles.
Prototype innovative and sustainable models for producing participatory work.
Bolster the development of transdisciplinary fields centered around play.
The 2025 artist lineup will feature practitioners who are reshaping how we gather, play, and make meaning together. Stay tuned for artist announcements in the coming weeks!
In addition to the official programming, all participants will have opportunities to share work and playtest ideas through intentionally designed open blocks in the schedule.
This year’s event will take place at the Allerton Park and Retreat Center in Monticello, IL.
This gorgeous, 1500-acre, early 20th century estate is owned and operated by the University of Illinois and includes multiple lodging options including the original mansion, event spaces, a cafe, and countless gardens, trails, and outdoor spaces. Worlds in Play participants will be the sole occupants of the estate during the four days of the event, giving us lots of space to play and activate.
This 4-day creative retreat will truly be a world of its own, removed from society just far enough so we can really focus on creating connections and advancing this young meta-field of ours. Come share space and time with immersive theatre makers, game designers, experience creators, and innovative makers who defy categorization.
Jake Pinholster & Scarlett KimCo-Founders / Producers