The National Institute for Directing & Ensemble Creation is a professional peer exchange and mentorship program co-organized by Art2Action and Pangea World Theater that centers BIPOC, women and LGBTQ2+ theatre directors and ensemble leaders--addressing equity in the arts field, as well as culturally grounded and innovative practices among contemporary theatre-makers. This session offers an introduction to the Directing Institute, as well as the forthcoming book The Fire in the Center: Directors on Directing & Ensemble Creation, with some of the methodologies and practices that have been central to the development of the Institute. Co-facilitated by Andrea Assaf and Meena Natarajan, the workshop will include fun, interactive, skill-building exercises for all who attend.