Dedicated to producing regional, local and world premieres that embody the values of theatrical ingenuity, integrity, and sincerity.
Black Lab Theatre is committed to producing great plays that are new and relevant. Our aim is to challenge and entertain by providing audiences the opportunity to see a wide range of new works from up and coming and established playwrights whose work represents the finest contemporary theatre.
Rather than focus on major revivals, traditional productions or outright experimental theater, Black Lab Theatre will focus on bringing newer, socially conscious dramatic shows to audiences in fresh and innovative ways.
The Company
Jordan Jaffe • Artistic Director
Artistic Director Jordan Jaffe founded Black Lab Theatre in the spring of 2011. Under Jordan's leadership Black Lab Theatre has quickly grown into one of Houston's most exciting theatre companies. Jordan's producer credits as artistic director of Black Lab Theatre include the Houston premiere of Peter Sinn Nachtrieb's apocalyptic comedy boom, the regional premiere of Theresa Rebeck's scathing satire Our House, the regional premiere of Beau Willimon's political drama Farragut North, and Christopher Shinn's award winning drama Dying City. His acting credits with Black Lab Theatre include Jules in boom, Vince in Our House press secretary Stephen Bellamy in Farragut North, and identical twins Peter and Craig in Dying City. In addition to his work with Black Lab, Jordan has acted in productions on both the Houston and Los Angeles stage. Jordan is a graduate of Rice University with a BA in Visual and Dramatic Arts, and has also trained at the Atlantic Acting School in New York..
Justin Doran • Director in Residence
Justin Doran is a resident director at Black Lab Theatre. Directorial credits include Farragut North and boom. Justin has over 100 professional theatre credits nationally, regionally, and locally as an actor, director, and producer. He is a former resident company member of the Alley Theatre and frequent performer at both Main Street Theater and Stages Repertory Theatre. Among his work nationally, he is most proud of his previous company member positions at both The Will Geer Theater and LA Shakespeare. Off the boards, Justin has worked on numerous television shows, commercials and voiceover projects. Mr. Doran has worked with many established artists like John Lithgow, Renee Zellweger, Kathy Bates, Nia Vardalos, Mike Meyers, Rita Wilson, Paul Reiser, and Tom Hanks. As an educator, Professor Doran has served on the theatre faculties of UCLA, The University of Houston, Rice University and the University of St. Thomas. Professor Doran's mentor teachers include Ellen Geer, Stephen Sondheim, Tim Miller, Kathy Bates, Gil Cates, and David Craig. He holds a BFA in Theater from Southern Methodist University's Meadows School of the Arts and his terminal degree is a M.F.A. from UCLA's School of Theater, Film, and Television.
Aaron Garrett • Artistic Associate
Aaron Garrett is an artistic associate of Black Lab Theatre. Aaron directed Black Lab Theatre's debut production of Dying City and assistant directed Farragut North and boom. He is a graduate of Rice University's Visual and Dramatic Arts department where he concentrated on theatre. While at Rice he served as the producer and production manager for the Rice Players. Other Houston credits include Generations A Theatre Company, Rice University, and Houston Shakespeare Festival. He currently works as the technical director for Episcopal High School.
Kendahl Atkinson • Company Stage Manager
Kendahl is the company stage manager of Black Lab Theatre. Credits with Black Lab Theatre include (Stage manager) Farragut North, Our House, (Stage manager and properties design) and boom. Other Houston theatre credits include Texas Repertory Theatre, Horse Head Theatre, Mosaic Theatre, Main Street Theater, University of Houston, HITS, and Wildfish Theatre.
Macy Perrone • Company designer
Macy is a resident designer of Black Lab Theatre and a Houston based freelance costume designer. Credits with Black Lab Theatre include Farragut North, Our House, and boom. Other Houston theatre credits include Stages Theatre: Great American Trailer Park Musical, Auntie Mame; Main Street Theatre for Youth: Magician's Nephew, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Afternoon of the Elves, Sideways Stories from Wayside School, Bud Not Buddy; Main Street Theatre: Dog Act, The Light in the Piazza; HGOco: Courtside; Millder Outdoor Theatre: Ragtime, Hairspray, Cats; Rice University: Macbeth, The Threepenny Opera; Texas Repertory Theatre: It's a Wonderful Life, Wait Until Dark; Okoboji Summer Theatre: The Fantastics. Macy received her Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Design from Utah State University.