Championed by Professor Micha Espinosa (Left, University of Wisconsin-Madison) and Associate Professor Cynthia Santos DeCure (Right, David Geffen Yale School of Drama) with committee members: Jacqueline Flores (LTC), Joann Yarrow (Syracuse Stage), Adriana Gavina (The Sol Project), Andrew Aaron Valdez (New York Theatre Workshop), and Anna Novak (University of Wisconsin–Madison).
March 27-30th, 2026
Hosted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Theatre and Drama
Madison, WI
Building on the research and contribution from the award-winning volume, Latinx Actor Training, the Laboratorio includes scholars, practitioners, and theatre makers advancing the field in actor training practices and approaches. This three-day gathering will feature keynotes from leading actor trainers as well as hands-on practical training workshops designed to engage professional actors. Preference will be given to actors who are in the early to mid-stages of their careers.
The Laboratorio seeks to build change through collective exploration, and will:
Reimagine and restructure the practice of actor training
Investigate heritage and identity practices
Examine historical acting methodologies and principles
Explore linguistic identity and dialectical representation
Address industry and casting considerations
Call for Actor Participants
We are seeking a limited number of early to mid-career actors to join the Laboratorio. Participants will be reimbursed for their travel expenses, and accommodations will be provided.
Want to Learn More?
Register for our virtual info session on Monday October 20th to hear an overview of the program, training, and application process. There will also be a Q&A portion to answer any questions you may have.
Application will be open until November 21st, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dates of the Laboratorio?
We ask that participants arrive by mid-day on Friday, March 27, as events will begin that evening. Training sessions will take place throughout Saturday and Sunday. While our closing dinner concludes by 9 p.m. on Sunday, we encourage everyone to stay overnight and travel home on Monday, March 30. Accommodations will be provided through Monday morning.
When is the application due? When will applicants be notified?
The application is due November 21, 2025. Applicants will be notified no later than January 30, 2026.
Can my resume be in Spanish?
Yes! We welcome Spanish or English.
What do we need to prepare for the Laboratorio?
You will be asked to prepare a very small amount of text. Details will be provided upon acceptance.
How do we coordinate travel to Madison, Wisconsin?
Participants are responsible for coordinating, booking, and purchasing their own transportation to Madison. Travel expenses will be reimbursed up to $500 per participant. Estimated turnaround time for reimbursements is two weeks after travel is taken.
Are you only looking for early-career actors?
Our goal is to cultivate a cohort that reflects a diversity of backgrounds, ages, and artistic experiences. To align with our program’s focus, preference will be given to early to mid-career artists, though applications from artists at all stages are welcome.
Can I participate in only one day of the laboratorio?
No, all participants will have to be available for the entire weekend.