Placer Repertory Theater (Placer Rep) is a new nonprofit offering educational and enriching professional performing arts and cultural programs for Placer County. The theater was about to begin its inaugural season when coronavirus forced it to rethink its opening strategy. Instead of postponing for an undetermined amount of time, Placer Rep regrouped and came up with a virtual solution: Collaboration LAB, an open mic for arts, culture, and humanities. Collaboration LAB allows artists and creatives to share new material, an idea, or a project to others through Zoom in order to hone their skills, market themselves, gain feedback, and more.

“Collaboration LAB is a free arts and culture incubator, which encourages cross-pollination of the arts, culture, and humanities. Anything related to that is welcome, and anybody can participate!” said Teresa Stirling Forsyth, Placer Rep President. Anyone wishing to participate can sign up for a timeslot online at Placer Rep’s website, including audience members who would simply prefer to watch. The work is meant to be enjoyed by all online until the eclectic creativity can be appreciated in person.

Current business hours: Collaboration Lab meets the last Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m., beginning tomorrow, June 30, at 7 p.m.
Future expectations: Placer Rep is planning to physically premiere its shows as soon as it is given the green light to do so. Until then, it is hard at work taking a challenge and turning it into an advantage to allow for greater influence across the Placer area.