what we do

The MITTEN Lab is an artist residency located in Northern Michigan aimed at providing early career theatre artists with the time, space, and support to develop new theatrical works and engage with the local community.

The MITTEN Lab (A Michigan Incubator for Theatre Talent Emerging Now) was conceived to give early career theatre artists the opportunity to generate and showcase work in an encouraging environment as well as play a part in expanding and strengthening the development of new theatre in Michigan. Our ultimate aim is to provide Michigan theatre organizations with the chance to encounter diverse, dynamic talent and work, leading to meaningful collaboration with emerging artists and meaningful partnerships with neighboring organizations.

The MITTEN Lab focuses on the advancement of works in the performing arts and thus is aimed at cultivating early career playwrights, theatre composers, lyricists, librettists, choreographers, and performance artists. Projects can vary in degree of development—from the seed of an idea to a final draft. Housing, travel, studio space, and food are provided at no cost to participating artists.

We define "early career artist" as one whom:

is in the early stages of their creative development
has a clarity of vision for their work, while still developing their individual artistic "voice" and aesthetic
has yet to be substantially celebrated or recognized within the theatre industry, the media, or the public at large

The Lab initially began by working with 3 artists, with the hope of expanding to include more artists and longer residencies in the near future (though we are committed to including at least one Midwest-based artist each year). We began an open submissions process in 2018.

Donation-based presentations of works-in-process created at the MITTEN Lab will be showcased in Northern Michigan for the local community as well as various venues across the state.

Click a tab on the drop-down menu to learn more about how to apply to the Lab and our past residencies.