Worlds in Play is a gathering of play practitioners—game and theatre artists—exploring new forms of agency in storytelling and experience. It is a space to share unfinished work, exchange tools, and test new ideas in a spirit of collective curiosity. The inaugural event took place in January 2024. The 2025 event will take place August 4-7 in Monticello, Illinois.
Worlds in Play is a playful “collective studio visit” for practitioners, researchers, and producers, and curious humans. If you’re passionate about participatory practices, exploring agency, or contributing to this emergent field of play, you’ll likely find kindred spirits—and maybe even new best friends—here!
Practices span a wide spectrum of participatory mediums: Alternate Reality Games (ARGs), immersive theatre, Live Action Role Playing Games (larp), social practice, performance art, XR, Tabletop Role Playing Games, ritual, party, and more.
All of the above, and none of the above. Worlds in Play is a retreat-style convening that combines the spirit of a studio visit, the rigor of a lab, the energy of a festival, and the intimacy of a gathering. There are no keynotes or panels. No passive spectatorship or prosceniums. Just a shared space to experiment.
There’s no set theme. Worlds in Play is designed to respond to the artists and what they are responding to at the moment. The focus is whatever we co-create together.
Artists and attendees from last year said that their experience sparked new collaborations, revitalized their creative practice, and deepened their relationship to participatory work.
- 100% felt inspired to make new work
- 98% said they’d recommend it to their network
- 95% agreed that it creates a much-needed space for exploration across game, theatre, and immersive fields
The inaugural Worlds in Play has seeded meaningful partnerships, commissions, and creative ecosystems. We’re excited to see what this year sparks!
We’re seeking sponsors and partners who want to support the future of participatory storytelling. As a sponsor, you can:
- Support artists through directly sponsoring travel, lodging, and attendance
- Receive public recognition, consulting hours, and opportunities to collaborate on programming
- Join a visionary network of institutions and producers shaping this field
Reach out to producers, Jake (jakepin@gmail.com) or Scarlett (scarlett@scarlett.kim), for details.
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