2025 Wisconsin Directors Lab

In January 2025, I served as the lead producer for the inaugural Wisconsin Directors Lab, produced by Forward Theater Company in Madison, Wisconsin. Over 100 participants gathered for two days to share insights about the directing profession in various panel discussions and workshops. I lectured on the topic of ‘Preparing for the First Rehearsal: Contemporary Theater’, a standout session according to post-lab feedback surveys. (I used The Shawshank Redemption as a reference narrative for this session.)

“Jake Penner’s breakdown of The Shawshank Redemption has been reverberating ever since. It was a weekend filled with revelations!” -Lab Participant

“The weekend doing Directors Lab was absolutely fantastic… Jake Penner’s breakdown of the protagonist’s role in SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION was fascinating. Beyond useful — a treasure trove! What a great experience and offering.” - Lab Participant

Photo Credit: Jenna Wilcox