In the Creative Arts Center during the weekends, theatre students host shows in the Directors Lab, or the "D-Lab." The intention behind the D-Lab is to give students a chance to exercise their creativity. There are two main types of shows performed: cabarets and stage plays, which range from lighthearted to serious productions. At the end of day, the D-Lab creates a safe space for all performance art, a principle that makes each show what it is.
A safe space for performance art
The D-Lab is a 92-seat theatre that allows for a wide variety of performances. Of course, the lab also relies on students to schedule, plan and host these performances.
Skye Hodgkin, a senior acting major, is a key piece in everything running smoothly. As the Artistic Director, she is responsible for planning each night. She knows the ins and outs of what it takes to put a show on the stage.
Hodgkin can be spotted almost every weekend, either in the crowd or putting on the show herself. For her, the D-Lab opens a space to find originality away from standard teachings.
“This [is an] open space where you can learn how to be an artist outside of the traditional mold. There are things that I thought that I would never be interested in that I am deeply passionate about because of D-Lab," Hodgkin said.
The nature of the Director's Lab fosters a place away from pressure, critical audiences and working for a grade. It instead becomes a spot for passion projects and a place to try things without the fear of making mistakes.
Ways to try new things
The D-Lab also gives students the chance to participate in activities that they get to personally choose, develop and practice for, meaning they can treat it like a hobby or activity rather than an assignment.
Elle White, a sophomore dance major, recalled her time being part of last year's dance cabaret. She has also partaken in many dance events previously, one being the Emerging Choreographers Concert.
“I had a lot of fun [in the D-Lab]. I didn’t feel as much pressure on me as I would at an ECC or a Spring Dance Concert, it was just something that I was doing for me. I did really enjoy being able to choreograph my own stuff and perform it,” White said.
As a dance major and a member of the Dayton Ballet Student Ensemble, there is not always a chance to express one’s creativity within the confines of a set dance curriculum. The piece she performed, a contemporary duet with her childhood friend and a musical theatre dance to "A Year with Frog and Toad," allowed her to enjoy dance in a new way, which is not always possible outside of the D-Lab.
Community comes together
The D-Lab has unique aspects in many ways. For Hodgkins, the standout comes from how much love and enthusiasm comes with each show.
“Everyone, any type of performer, can enter that space and create something beautiful, and you know that you are going to have a community there that is going to show up and support you,” Hodgkin said.
Anna Rude, a sophomore dance major, agreed with this sentiment.
“[During] random duets night, when people were called up, they had to perform without any preparation and the whole audience was just super supportive even though people messed up. It was just really supportive and really encouraging,” Rude said.
Rude went to nearly every D-Lab show last year and plans to continue attending in the future. For her, the community created there is special.
As the year progresses, the D-Lab will continue to host shows every weekend. Each night with an event suited for different interests. Filled with community and talent, D-Lab fosters a unique environment on WSU's campus.
