Madlab Theatre announces new season with new artistic director – The Columbus Dispatch

Michael Grossberg| Special to The Columbus Dispatch

MadLab Theatre, led by Will Macke as its new artistic director, will catch up after the worst of the pandemic with several new works and two Theatre Roulette shorts festivals during its delayed 25th-anniversary season.

MadLab has built a strong reputation with its focus on new and newer work.With the struggles the COVID world has provided, were elated just to be on stage, telling original stories again, said Macke,the troupes seventh artistic directorwho has worked with the company since 2016. He took over as artistic director in June.

Except for the live August production, which will limit audiences to 80 percent of the Downtown theaters 70-seat capacity, all shows are expected to run at full capacity.

Were all a little tentative with new variants emerging, but were hoping to return to normal by October, said Macke, who replaced Laura Spires, who continues as an ensemble member. Macke, who moved to Columbus in 2013, has worked at such regional theaters as Hartford Stageand Goodspeed Musicals, both in Connecticut.

Except where noted, all 2021-2022 performances will take place at 227 N. 3rdSt.

10thYoung Writers Short Play Festival(Aug. 6-21, streaming only): Two alternating bills of 10 short dramas or comedies, directed and acted by MadLab ensemble members, will showcase the talents of 11 student writers from nine central Ohio high schools.

Sheridan (Aug. 12-28): Christian Missonaks play, a world premiere, is a contemporary drama about an urban couple struggling to save their marriage after the recent loss of their stillborn child.

Lets Hope You Feel Better (Oct. 7-23): Samantha Otys dark comedy, a new play, explores love, mental health, morality, identity and assisted suicide.

21st TheatreRoulette (Dec. 2-18): The short-play festival, postponed from May 2020 and 2021 to a December run for the first time because of the pandemic, will offer three alternating bills of comedies and dramas from across the country.

Love and Laughter Festival(Feb. 3-26): Four of MadLabs sister resident companies including Ember, OG Productions and Two XX Sketchwill be showcased, each on one weekend, with a 90-minute comedy or sketch-comedy collection. (MadLab has not confirmed the fourth sister troupe yet.) The double bill will be capped with Late Night Date Night, a Valentines Day-themed annual improv-comedy show by FFN, MadLabs resident improv troupe.

We want to showcase in our 25thseason as many groups affiliated with us as we can with the theme of love and comedy, Macke said.

You Have Earned Bonus Stars (April 7-23): Vince Gattons dark comedy, a new play, revolves around a womancoping with grief who ison a quest to uncover secrets and lies after a shocking act of workplace violence.

22ndTheatre Roulette (May 12-28): The short-play festival returns to its annual May slot with three rotating bills of new comedies and dramas.

For more information, call 614-221-5418 or visitwww.madlab.net.

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Madlab Theatre announces new season with new artistic director - The Columbus Dispatch