The Laboratory Theater of Florida’s award-winning education department will present the Southwest Florida premiere of Karen Zacarias’s Marvel Spotlight play Squirrel Girl Goes to College.

The Laboratory Theater of Florida takes a “whole actor” approach to acting education. In addition to physical theater, stage combat, voice modulation, blocking, stagecraft, and scene study, students also learn the basics of set design, lighting instruments and design, costuming, stage makeup, stage management, and theater etiquette and best practices. And, of course, theater games.

“Quality education in theater includes valuable lessons in communication, teamwork, organization, and responsibility – as well as specific skills in all elements of theater. In this, our 16th year, I am proud of the high standard of education Lab Theater offers. Our campers are going to have a blast with the show and learn so many skills that will help prepare them for the world,” said artistic director Annette Trossbach.

Madelaine Weymouth, returning as head counselor, said, “I’ve been eyeing ‘Squirrel Girl Goes to College’ since before the pandemic. I fell in love with the script because serialized comics often become a race to see how edgy and dark stories can become. With Squirrel Girl, she is undefeated because of her optimism and goofiness. While picking a show with a good lesson is important to me, I tend to prioritize what the campers will have fun with, and it’s been a delight seeing them riff and explore and be creative with this script.”

Paula Sisk, the Lab’s director of education, added, “As a teaching theater, I love that the education team continues to find fresh and creative plays like ‘Squirrel Girl Goes to College’ for our campers. I am thrilled for our campers to be able to add a Marvel Spotlight production to their resumes and excited to watch our students master the complexities of this comedic romp through the fantasy world of superheroes and their alter egos.”

Squirrel Girl and her squirrel chorus in 'Squirrel Girl Goes to College' at Lab Theater. PROVIDED

Squirrel Girl Goes to College is sponsored by a grant from The School District of Lee County.

Student tickets for Squirrel Girl Goes to College are $10. Adult tickets are $20.

All proceeds go directly into the education program.

Grab your seat for the Marvel Spotlight Squirrel Girl Goes to College HERE.

Professor Brightmind (Katiana Solis) and Professor Smartnoggin (Elan Randle) teach at Empire State University in 'Squirrel Girl Goes to College' at Lab Theater. PROVIDED

Freak and MODOC square off in 'Squirrel Girl Goes to College' at Lab Theater. PROVIDED