Community-Building Gatherings for Historically Excluded Theatre Artists

The Mosaic Series is a series of rotating gatherings designed to foster connections amongst theatre artists who have been historically excluded and denied access to space, resources, and opportunities (For example: Black, Indigenous, and People of Color; LGBTQ; individuals with disabilities). Each gathering focuses on a different identity, allowing for specificity of conversation and deeper affinity. Additionally, these gatherings provide space for open conversation, allowing historically excluded theatre artists to name the challenges they face in the theatre world and identify what resources would be helpful to support them.

As with all (X) Collective programs, the goal is to produce the Mosaic Series in partnership with other organizations, both theatres and community-based organizations.

Since launching in August 2025, (X) Collective has produced two Mosaic Series gatherings:

A game night gathering for BIPOC theatre artists, in community partnership Arts Administrators of Color, Mud Theatre Project, and Walls Turned Sideways (April 2026)
A gathering for LGBTQ+ theatre artists, in partnership with About Face Theatre and Gerber/Hart Library & Archives (February 2026)
A gathering for BIPOC theatre artists, in partnership with Definition Theatre (December 2025)
A virtual gathering for Black theatre artists (September 2025)

What is the Mosaic Series?

Who anD where do we meet?

Each gathering focuses on a different identity (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color; LGBTQ; Individuals with Disabilities).

We host both in-person and virtual offerings.

Why attend?

These gatherings provide both formal and informal space for networking, conversation, and resource-sharing.

No product. No pressure. Just connection.

Each gathering includes the following elements:

“Mix and Mingle: Attendees are allowed informal time to meet and chat with others in a casual setting with drinks and light bites. This is a moment to break bread and casually build connections with one another.
Structured "Speed Networking”: Inspired by the Goodman Theatre’s Matchmaking Directors and Designers Event produced by Jamal Howard in August 2024, the “Networking Speed Dates” follow the format of “speed dating”, allowing those in attendance individual or small group time with each other to introduce themselves and make connections. Those in attendance are provided a Community Building Journal that includes their rotation assignment (which will allow them to move smoothly and clearly through their networking “speed dates”), a roster of the other attendees, and suggested prompts for their networking “speed dates”.
Community Conversation: Following the Networking “Speed Dates”, the Community Conversation is a facilitated conversation centered around specific prompts that allows attendees to share their experiences as historically excluded theatre artists, discuss challenges, and crowdsource resources and solutions.
Community Building Journal: Attendees receive a Community-Building Journal (either a hard copy or digital) that gives them space to take notes on resources, contact information, or sparks of inspiration. Additionally, the journal will include prompts and activities for them to engage in throughout the gathering to support them in building connections.
Roster: Each attendee will receive a roster of those in attendance with contact information to support connecting beyond the gathering.

Upcoming Mosaic Series Gatherings

MOSAIC SERIES GATHERING:

Black Theatre Artists

Sunday, June 14, 11:30 AM-1:30 PM

Build Coffee & Books

(Followed by a visit to Definition Theatre for their matinee performance of Keerah)

For our June 2026 gathering, we will be hosting brunch for Black theatre artists who work in or around the Chicago area.

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The Mosaic Series is always looking for co-facilitators and venues to host our gatherings. If you’re interested in partnering with us, please email Alexis at Alexis@XCollectiveCommunity.com

MOSAIC SERIES GATHERING:

AAPI Theatre Artists

Monday, August 31, 6-8:30 PM

Location TBD

For our August 2026 gathering, we will partnering with the Consortium of Asian American Theaters and Artists (CAATA) to host a gathering for AAPI Theatre Artists.

Stay tuned for updates!