The Theater Lab
Have you ever wanted to be in a play? Were you involved in live theater in the past and find yourself wanting to get back to it? Are you interested in making theater a larger part of your life? Are you thrifty, handy, creative or adventurous?
The Theater Lab, D214 Community Education’s own Community Theater, is always seeking new members to join our ranks and help us continue to build a community of people who want to be a part of the creative process of live theater and performing arts. Our goal is to create a fun and supportive atmosphere that allows everyone the opportunity to learn and grow from each other. The Theater Lab is open to anyone age 13 and up regardless of experience: novices, amateurs, professionals, high school students, college students, seniors, retirees, singles, moms and dads. No matter who you are or your level of experience, there’s a place for you in our family!
Our mission statement is simple: “The Theater Lab is a hub around which the community can collaborate to bring passionate theater to life.”
The Theater Lab Membership
Members set their own level of time commitment and are encouraged to be involved as much as they are able in whatever way is most comfortable. Opportunity arises from involvement, and the most involved members will enjoy the greatest benefit. Members will be part of the cast, crew, production staff, marketing, front-of-house staff and, of course, the audience. All performances, rehearsals and meetings are held at the Forest View Educational Center. We produce two theatrical events per year.
Annual membership is just $40 and includes:
Free admission to all member events (listed below)
Hands-on, behind-the-scenes learning opportunities
Invitations to special members-only events
Access to theater and industry professionals
Our new quarterly Members Newsletter
Theater Lab Membership Meetings:
September 17 — 🎭 Season Kick-Off
Start the season with The Theater Lab community! Reconnect with familiar faces, meet new people, and help us celebrate everything ahead.
October 18 — 🔎 Murder Mystery
Who did it? Join us for an entertaining night filled with clues, characters, surprises, and plenty of mystery.
November 5 — ♥️ Giving Back
Theater is about community, and this month we’re putting that spirit into action by coming together to support Toys for Tots.
December 11 — 🎬 2nd Annual Holiday Fundraiser
It’s a Wonderful Life—and we’re celebrating it together! Enjoy a festive holiday gathering inspired by the classic film while helping support the continued growth of The Theater Lab.
January 28 — 🎟️ Producing a Show
What does it take to bring a show from an idea to the stage? Hear from industry professionals about the many creative and logistical pieces involved in producing live theater.
February 25 — ♥️ Intimacy in Today’s Theater
Theater is evolving—and so are the ways intimate scenes and relationships among performers, directors, and production teams are approached. Join us for an engaging and informative panel discussion.
March 25 — ☘️ Theater Superstitions
Break a leg! Enjoy a storytelling night devoted to the strange, funny, fascinating, and sometimes downright bizarre superstitions of the theater world.
April — 🎥 Film Professionals
Curious about life behind the camera? Hear film professionals share their experiences, insights, and perspectives on working in the industry.
May — 🌟 Professional Actors
What is it really like to make acting your profession? Join professional actors for an honest conversation about their careers, challenges, successes, and experiences in the industry.
June — 🎲 Game Night
It’s time to set aside the serious theater talk and have some fun! Join us for an evening of games, laughter, friendly competition, and connection.
July — ☀️ End-of-Season Picnic
Let’s celebrate the season together! Relax, reflect on the year, and enjoy time with the community we’ve built.
Event dates, topics, and details are subject to change.
How to Join
To join The Theater Lab, click the “Become a Member” button below to sign up as a member and pay the $40 yearly dues. To stay up to date on all things Theater Lab, visit and give us a like on our Facebook page.
List of Productions
February 2016 – “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (William Shakespeare)
November 2016 – “Macbeth” (William Shakespeare)
May 2017 – “All in the Timing” (David Ives)
September 2017 – “Lysistrata” (Aristophanes)
December 2017 – “Alice in Wonderland” (adaptation by John Meyers, book by Lewis Carroll)
April 2018 – “Arsenic and Old Lace” (Joseph Kesselring)
December 2018 – “A Christmas Carol” (adaptation by John Meyers, book by Charles Dickens)
April 2019 – “Steel Magnolias” (Robert Harling)
December 2019 – “The Really Most Sincerely Wonderful Wizard of Oz” (adaptation by John Meyers, book by Frank Baum)
April 2020 – “Romeo and Juliet” (the show that wasn't; by William Shakespeare)
December 2020 - Special Zoom presentation of “It’s a Wonderful Life”
May 2021 - Special Zoom presentation of “The Machine Stops” (E.M. Forster)
December 2021 - “Our Town” (Thornton Wilder)
May 2022 - “You Can’t Take it With You“ (George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart)
December 2022 - “A Christmas Carol II: The Present Strikes Back”
May 2023 - “Warden of the Mint” (William Costanza)
January 2024 - “Inherit the Wind” (Jerome Lawrence & Robert E. Lee)
August 2024 - “The Crucible” (Arthur Miller)
January 2025 - “Fools” (Neil Simon)
August 2025 - “Leaving Iowa” (Spike Manton & Tim Clue)
January 2026 - “Romeo & Juliet” (William Shakespeare)
August 2026 - “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (William Shakespeare)