Lab Twenty6 is a lab for professional writers who seek a safe, supportive environment in which to develop their work. Formed by six writers in 2002, the Los Angeles writers group now has a membership of sixteen.

Our members are screenwriters, playwrights, novelists, and short story writers.

Meetings are held at The Open Stage Theatre. This an intimate, clean space with 66 seats, a full light board and lobby.

We meet once every week (Thursdays), starting at 7:30 P.M. Three writers present work each evening. By "present" we mean the work is read by actors who sit onstage. Each writer has a total of 45 minutes to himself/herself. No more than 30 minutes may be used for the presentation/reading. Time remaining is used for criticism and feedback.

Screenwriting, playwrighting and fiction writing all have a place at Lab Twenty6. Many of our members write in more than one medium.

There is no limit placed on the material writers may bring. The only requirement is that it be narrative "story telling." That is, no non-fiction, no poetry.

Lab Twenty6 is continuing to look for members. To become a member, a writer submits material to the board that represents his/her best work. Three of four board members must vote "YES" for admission. In this way no single board member may admit a writer on his/her say-so alone.

Specifically, the process works like this:

1. Audit on any night you wish. See if you like the lab, the format, the folks, etc. Bring five copies of your submission material with you. We do not accept electronic submissions.

You MUST participate in the notes section of the evening. That is, we want to hear from you while you're there -- give the presenting writers notes, since that's what it's all about, and we want to know you're comfortable with the process!

2. Submit your printed material at the end of the night you audit.

To apply or request further information, send us an email by clicking "Contact" above.

Auditors are always welcome! Drop us a line and let us know you'd like to sit in. (Just click "Contact" above.) Or just come on by and take a seat.

The Open Stage Theatr is located at 14366 Ventura Blvd. in the Oak Ridge Plaza in Sherman Oaks. The corner of Beverly Glen and Ventura Blvd. First floor rear.

Take the 101 freeway, exit Van Nuys and go south. Turn left on Ventura Blvd. Beverly Glen is two blocks east.

There is plenty of free above ground and underground parking.

We have a roster of over seventy professional actors.

Actors pay no dues.

Lab Twenty6 is more than just an outstanding Los Angeles writing workshop. Lab Twenty6 is an excellent arena in which to keep up cold reading skills. Because roles are frequently double cast, and we use the same actors time and again, our actors get the opportunity to play parts that they might otherwise not be asked to play.

Writers call actors the week they are needed. We make every effort to divide roles evenly. Also, whenever possible no one actor will read stage directions more than once a night.

We encourage our actors to participate in the note session after each reading, and welcome their feedback.

For their privacy, we distribute actor contact information to the writers alone. Only the actors' headshots are viewable fromo this site. (Click "Actors" above.)

Lab Twenty6 - A Lab for Professional Writers in Los Angeles

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