The EcoTheatre Lab

The EcoTheatre Lab, a collaborative effort by three Ames artists – Charissa Menefee, Taylor Sklenar, and Vivian M Cook – partners with ISU and Ames artists and community members to foster arts events that cultivate community and provoke sustainability dialogues. Embracing an asset-based approach, they explore and magnify the diverse assets within their community through art.

Their productions include readings, theatre actions, plays, and workshops, aiming to stimulate conversations on environmental and social justice. Beyond conventional art paradigms, they delve into the transformative potential of art in communication, education, and community-building.

The Lab’s commitment extends to recognizing artists as vital contributors to local ecology and economy. Additionally, they offer a podcast series featuring discussions with artists, farmers, and community organizers who employ arts and storytelling to address climate change and agriculture in Iowa, sharing strategies for wider implementation.