The Performance Laboratory, Inc.
The Performance Laboratory, Inc. (PerfLab) is a Negros-based theater company that was loosely organized in 2002 by a group of Maskara Theatre Ensemble (MTE) alumni from the University of Saint La Salle – Bacolod, along with their Artistic Director, Ms.Tanya Lopez. Its goal was to provide a space for MTE members to
continue pursuing their passion for theater after graduation, as well as to create an environment where theater artists could collaborate, exchange ideas, and strengthen their network and linkages.
PerfLab became a non-stock, non-profit organization registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission in 2007. It was later accredited by the Province of Negros, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts
(NCCA), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Since 2011, PerfLab has been collaborating with the Teatrokon West Visayas Theater Network as the organizer of the Kuris International Theater Festival and Workshops, the NCCA Committee on Dramatic Arts as the implementer of the Tanghal National Theater Festival and the Tampok National Theater Conference, and NCCA Project Grants as the implementer of SanayGuro and Husay Sining. It has also partnered with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) for programs under the CCP Outreach Department and has been responsible for the 11-year Waxworks Halloween exhibit at The Negros Museum.
The Performance Laboratory Inc.'s goals are as follows: Artist Development & Sustainability, Audience Development, and Artistic Collaboration & Exchange.
Artist Development & Sustainability focuses on nurturing regional theater artists by providing opportunities for training and performance that will refine both their skills and their craft. The aim is to encourage artists to create innovative productions that appeal to diverse audiences.
Audience Development aims to foster an appreciation for theater, the performing arts, and related disciplines (e.g., performance arts and multimedia performances). PerfLab plans to present a carefully curated annual season of plays, featuring original Filipino works (both traditional and contemporary), foreign plays in translation or adaptation, all of which uphold the highest standards of professional and artistic excellence. Additionally, PerfLab seeks to expand the regional theater audience through interactive theater performances, marketing initiatives, and activities such as post-performance forums, symposia, seminars, and festivals.
Artistic Collaboration & Exchange encourages collaboration and exchange between artists from various disciplines and regions. This includes producing collaborative works, organizing festivals, facilitating performance exchanges, and offering artist residency programs. PerfLab also aims to provide venues for artistic dialogue and collaboration, fostering the development of innovative productions and partnerships.
MISSION
PerfLab aims to encourage artists to produce innovative (site-specific, experimental works and interactive) performances for varied audiences and aspires to develop Negros as the HUB for theater artists to converge, dialogue, collaborate, exchange and strengthen their network through workshops, symposia/conferences, performances and festivals.
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VISION
PerfLab envisions a sustainable theater movement in Negros where artists can do full-time theater or theater-related works with a public / audience that is supportive and appreciative of this endeavor.