Laboratory Theater

This week, “Bat Boy” opens at The Sarasota Players. Plus, two shows close and four shows continue their runs at Southwest Florida theaters.

In 2024, Annette Trossbach retired as the Laboratory Theater of Florida’s first and only Artistic Director. She was succeeded by Todd Lyman, but he soon departed for health reasons. So, co-founder, Nykkie Rizley, filled the void with Waner Del Rosario stepping in as Board President. And the Southwest Florida theater community held its breath, waiting to see if The Lab would survive intact or have to compromise its reputation to fill seats and attract donors and sponsors.

On June 15, Fort Myers City Council awarded $150,000 in arts and culture grants. Of the 47 applicants this year, grants were awarded to over a dozen arts organizations, one group and one individual artist. The total awarded, $150,000, was the same amount the city awarded last year.

The 16th Fort Myers Film Festival concluded on May 24 with the announcement of awards in 12 categories.

This week, "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical" and "Emma" open, six shows close, 12 others continue their runs and there is one limited engagement at Southwest Florida equity and community theaters.

This week, five shows open, six close and 12 continue their runs at Southwest Florida equity and community theaters, including "Titanic the Musical" at Arts Bonita.

This week, seven shows open, three close, ten continue their runs and there is one limited engagement at Southwest Florida equity and community theaters.

For many, the works of William Shakespeare conjure memories of boring English assignments and awkward readings in high school. It’s an entirely different experience seeing his plays performed onstage, says actor Ryan Adair, who plays Brutus in Lab Theater’s streamlined modern production of “Julius Caesar.”

The Laboratory Theater of Florida is producing Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar." True to its mission to stage edgy, provocative theater, The Lab is modernizing the play in a number of ways.

This week, two shows open, nine close, 13 continue their runs and there is one limited engagement at Southwest Florida equity, community and high school theaters.