Cutting-edge Fort Myers theater seeks new home

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FORT MYERS, Fla. – The Laboratory Theater of Florida is trying to raise nearly $1 million to buy its own building and expand its offerings.

“The Lab,” as the theater at 1634 Woodford Ave. in Fort Myers is commonly known, is courting younger patrons and those who like shows with an edge. It’s launched a fundraising drive to find a new home, with a money-raising event set for 6:30-9:30 p.m. Sept. 24 at the Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St.

“We have only 99 seats — we need more, and we need more lighting,” said Annette Trossbach, The Lab’s founder and artistic director. “We are in a former church, and we are leasing the space and sharing it with another group.  We need our own space, available 24-7. Also we need a big space for our educational programming, so we can expand our community outreach.”

 

The theater’s education programming includes classes for LGBT youth from across Southwest Florida. The Lab is planning to continue the program after bringing in 186 participants this past year. Those who took part put their experiences in finding their identity into a play and staged it for audiences.

“I found it interesting that the gay people have the same hopes as straight; they want to find that one person, the person to be forever,” said Rosie Deleon, one of the participants. “I think the people who came and saw the show, say, it really made a difference.”

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