about the lab
The Lab is a rigorous scene-study workout originating in Los Angeles and now playing in Grand Rapids, Michigan - designed for adult actors eager to tackle high-stakes roles and explore dream scenes with depth and bravery.
In addition to scene work, the Lab emphasizes ensemble building, movement training inspired by Viewpoints and Suzuki, and vocal work that connects breath, impulse, and sound. The goal is to access emotion through the body and voice, strengthen presence, and build trust within the ensemble—so actors are not “indicating” feeling, but living it in real time.
Actors may team up or sign up solo. We work on 5–15 minute pieces that demand preparation, stamina, and emotional availability. Past favorites include texts by Tennessee Williams, Marsha Norman, Henrik Ibsen, William Shakespeare, Sam Shepard, Katori Hall and Sarah Kane.
Scenes are distributed two weeks in advance and are expected to be off-book. The Lab culminates in a final session where actors share their work with friends and family in an informal showing.
This is not a casual drop-in class. It is an intensive, ensemble-driven process for actors ready to be challenged, supported, and guided toward their most honest work.
In addition to scene work, the Lab emphasizes ensemble building, movement training inspired by Viewpoints and Suzuki, and vocal work that connects breath, impulse, and sound. The goal is to access emotion through the body and voice, strengthen presence, and build trust within the ensemble—so actors are not “indicating” feeling, but living it in real time.
Actors may team up or sign up solo. We work on 5–15 minute pieces that demand preparation, stamina, and emotional availability. Past favorites include texts by Tennessee Williams, Marsha Norman, Henrik Ibsen, William Shakespeare, Sam Shepard, Katori Hall and Sarah Kane.
Scenes are distributed two weeks in advance and are expected to be off-book. The Lab culminates in a final session where actors share their work with friends and family in an informal showing.
This is not a casual drop-in class. It is an intensive, ensemble-driven process for actors ready to be challenged, supported, and guided toward their most honest work.
working with caitlin...
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Nicky Romaniello says, "Caitlin pushed me in ways that I’ve been begging teachers to push me my entire life, instead of leaving class and thinking “damn I wish I would have done more” I left thinking “wow, I didn’t know I had that in me” truly a immeasurable benefit to me as an actor and as a human being. "
See Nicky's work on IMDB |
Arthur Keng says, "Acting at its greatest involves the actor testing the limits of their vulnerability. My experience in Caitlin's high-stakes workshops pushed me to do exactly that. As an example, she had me work on a scene from Streetcar, playing Stanley, a character I didn't think was in my wheelhouse at all. But she knew that I could find it within myself to bring out the strength and the rage necessary to do him justice. She challenged me to dig deep into the darkness of the character because that was the only way to truly begin to understand him. Through that discomfort came the freedom to discover and play at a significantly higher level. I've brought that lesson with me to all my roles since. If one wants to truly understand theatre, they can only dabble at the surface for so long. Caitlin's workshops are about exploring the depths of the characters and finding their truth in the joy and pain of their lived experiences."
See Arthur's work on IMDB. |
Eddie Ramos says, "Caitlin is a great director and an amazing person. I can't thank her enough for working with me".
See Eddie's work on IMDB. 
Karina Wolfe says, "Caitlin's rigorous acting workouts have proved invaluable lessons in my acting journey. In every session, her meticulous approach pushed me to new heights, refining my skills and deepening my understanding of the craft. I can confidently say I always emerged as a more prepared and empowered actor."
See Karina's work on IMDB. |
Caitlin Hart (she/her) is the founder and Artistic Director of the award-winning theatre company The Vagrancy, as well as a theatre director and intimacy professional in both theatre and film. She holds a B.A. in Theatre Arts and completed the Atlantic Theatre company’s two-year Professional Acting Conservatory in NYC. Some favorite directing credits include Indecent by Paula Vogel (Broadway World 2023 Best Director & Best Play Nominee), Romeo and Juliet (Broadway World 2018 Best Play Nominee), Macbeth (Broadway World 2017 Best Play Nominee), and The Revolutionists (Broadway World 2023 Best Director Nominee). She is the Resident Director of ‘Capitol Comedy’ and helms their new touring production yearly. She has produced and directed many new plays, new play development workshops, staged readings, and instructed acting and intimacy choreography classes and workshops. She is a proud associate member of SDC. You can see her resume and learn more about her theatre work at caitlinhartdirector.com.
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The deadline to sign up is
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 Dates: February 17th-March 31st Tuesday's 6PM-9PM (7 weeks) $175 *two pay-what-you-want spots available Location: TBD Grand Rapids, Michigan Maximum 12 actors per lab session Questions? Email: [email protected] |