History...
The
Lab! Theatre began in 1982 following a conversation between the then
chair Dr. Milly Barringer and a few undergraduate Dramatic Art Majors. They
decided unanimously that undergraduates needed their own venue to promote and
explore their training in acting, directing, and designing. Prior to this,
undergraduates could only participate in an ad hawk style of theater,
usually culminating in a two shows per year in Historic Playmakers.
Called “The Lab” because they rehearsed and preformed the laboratory theatre in the basement of Graham Memorial (the then building for Dramatic Art, prior to the CDA) the early Labbies were now able to perform up to 12 shows during an academic year, six times the amount they were able to previously. Additionally, students were able to gain administrative experience by allowing three elected student producers to oversee the only student theater group on campus at that time.
The
Lab eventually got an exclamation point attached to its name, and nobody seems
quite sure how that happened. Legend has it, however, that it was appointed to
The Lab by audiences who were amazed at the innovative and professional quality
and style The Lab! has become known for. From Shakespeare to Sondheim and from
Miller to Kushner The Lab! has always enjoyed a wide range of theatrical
material.
Still a laboratory for young artists, The Lab! is dedicated to projects and event that promote artistic growth as well as social opportunity. While many of our participants are majors, many non-majors are actively involved or regularly support our productions. Labbie’s have gone off to medical schools, law schools, and teaching careers in addition to all of those who enjoy lucrative careers as working actors, directors, and designers. No matter what your future has in store, the education you get from The Lab! will help you get there.
Labbies in The Movies: Billy Crudup (Almost Famous),
Laurel Holloman (Boogie Nights),
and more recently
Maddy Curley (Stick It)
Photo Credits: The Three Lives of Lucie Cabrol, directed by Ted Shaffner (1996); A Bright Room Called Day, directed by David Chapman (2003)