(upbeat music) - [Narrator] You might not realize it from the outside, but hidden inside this charming pink building in downtown Fort Myers is a magical laboratory, a laboratory that is busy creating some innovative and thought-provoking material.

- We've developed an audience over the last 13 years that has come to expect new material at Lab Theater and has come to expect, I think, intellectually challenging material, which is not to say that everything is educational because, of course, it's entertaining as well, but the educational component and the community outreach component of what we do is really important to our mission - [Narrator] Another aspect of the Laboratory Theater's mission is to support local playwrights and artists that are creating new works while also scouting for innovative productions, wherever they may be.

- [Annette Trossbach] We do the most premiers of new material of any theater in the state of Florida.

So that's a big part of what I really like to do is staying in touch with what other theaters are doing, regional theaters that are promoting new work.

I get in touch with playwrights and see what they're producing and spend a lot of time looking for really interesting, challenging material for our audiences.

- And while the Laboratory Theater has found its niche, bringing innovative and original entertainment to Southwest Florida, we find it's also important to always know your audience and to remain flexible.

- As the political climate and the social landscape changes, I think it's our responsibility as theaters to move along with those things and make sure that we are accurately representing the population and accurately representing the changing fabric of the country and of Southwest Florida and the stories of the people that live here.

So we try to do that for all ages.

And we also have an educational program that goes part and parcel with what we present on stage, as well as a lot of community outreach that's connected to that as well.

- [Narrator] When you have so much diversity in your art form, it stands to reason that you are destined to attract a diverse audience as well.

The Laboratory Theater thrives in that.

- We have an inclusivity statement on our door.

We welcome all.

And if you're interested in our mission, I'd suggest that you have a look at it.

But that's what we're all about.

The doors are open, and we're here to tell your stories.