A youth theatre lab that focuses on unleashing the most authentic storytelling imaginable while simultaneously nurturing the capacity to be authentically human.
About us.
In the Theatre we use stories as a way to travel the distance between the experiences and circumstances of individuals with vastly different identities across time. We use a LAB format to experiment with how to travel that distance as both performers and human beings.
As an arts and education organization, BLK BOX LAB focuses on the development of artistic excellence in performance and performance education through the integrated use of current research in areas from performance studies to neuroscience in order to create a generative artistic model that is constantly questioning the human condition while making art that represents it.
The Story-Centered IDEA
We believe in the power of a story. We want to tell stories that encompass the depth and breadth of humanity as experienced by young people, and we're committed to tapping into a wide representation of stories with a particular interest in finding complex stories and stories that have been unexplored, forgotten, erased or neglected. The people and origin of the story should guide decisions about who should tell and direct those stories, and the story should be accessible to a wide audience.
In order to meet those story objectives, we will continue to adjust practices at all levels of the organization until this type of expansive storytelling becomes part of the natural way we think about and create stories. We believe this effort involves intense reflection and education, and we recognize that we'll have to constantly reflect on and rework our process.
What we do.
Youth Theatre Conservatory
BLK BOX LAB creates Youth Theatre that views young artists and youth audiences as capable of tackling timely and age appropriate issues through theatre. We expect the youth to challenge each other, challenge us, and challenge their audiences while working together to create excellent works of art that are innovative because of the texture and complexity the performers embody.
The LAB format provides a liminal space to experiment with, and practice performance techniques that will activate this fully connected state of being and allow for the most authentic type of storytelling.
Educator Training
Educators are invited to observe any rehearsal and each production will have a corresponding education packet available. We train educators to look for markers that indicate students are maximizing the full benefits of engagement, and we will provide paradigms and strategies for them to use with their own students. Educator LABS allow for intensive training and collaboration.
Targeted Projects
We are building a roster of artists, educators and researchers who are specialists in their field and can build targeted curriculum and intervention strategies in partnership with a wide range of organizations and populations who might benefit from using theatrical strategies.
BLK BOX LAB is registered with the State of Utah to accept charitable donations, and has been recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization. Make a contribution today. Thank you!