WELCOME TO THE LAB! THEATRE
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 theatre, usually culminating in two shows per year in the Historic Playmakers Theatre.
Called “The Lab” because they rehearsed and preformed in the basement of Graham Memorial, the early LAB!bies were now able to perform up to 12 shows per year. Additionally, students were able to gain administrative experience overseeing what was the only student theater group on campus at that time. The LAB! eventually got an exclamation point attached to its name. Nobody is quite sure how that happened, but legend has it that it was appointed to the LAB! by audiences who were amazed at the innovative and professional quality that LAB! is known for.
Still a laboratory for young artists, The LAB! is dedicated to projects and event that promote artistic growth as well as social opportunity. This year, the LAB! has added a LAB!oratory show to each set. These shows will focus primarily on the process of creating a show and are intended to give students the opportunity to explore and experiment. LAB!oratory shows will be performed in the Center for Dramatic Art.
