The Theater Lab
Forest View Educational Center, 2121 South Goebbert Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005
About
The Theater Lab is a community theater program where participants take part in live theater and performing arts. Members can be involved as cast, crew, production staff, marketing, front-of-house staff, or as part of the audience. The Theater Lab is D214 Community Education’s own community theater and is always seeking new members to join and be part of the creative process of live theater and performing arts.
• Ages: 13–18 years old
• Schedule: Two theatrical events produced per year; all performances, rehearsals, and meetings are held at the Forest View Educational Center
• Price: Membership dues are just $40 a year.
The Theater Lab is open to anyone age 13 and up regardless of experience, including novices, amateurs, professionals, high school students, college students, seniors, retirees, singles, moms, and dads. Members set their own level of time commitment and are encouraged to be involved as much as they are able in whatever way is most comfortable. Opportunity arises from involvement, and the most involved members will enjoy the greatest benefit. Membership benefits include hands-on behind-the-scenes learning, invitations to special members-only events, access to industry professionals, and special members-only discounts from D214 Community Education. If all a member does is come to the performances using the member comp ticket, the $40 yearly membership dues pay for itself.
The Theater Lab’s mission is to serve as a hub around which the community can collaborate to bring passionate theater to life. District 214 Community Education, which includes The Theater Lab, started in 1947 and has over 75 years of experience in bringing youth and adult enrichment programs and continuing education classes to residents of Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Mount Prospect, Prospect Heights, Rolling Meadows, Wheeling, and beyond. District 214 Community Education also partners with other organizations and businesses throughout the area to provide programming it is not able to host on campus. The Theater Lab has also offered special Zoom presentations, including “It’s a Wonderful Life” in December 2020 and “The Machine Stops” in May 2021.
Last updated January 11, 2026.
• Ages: 13–18 years old
• Schedule: Two theatrical events produced per year; all performances, rehearsals, and meetings are held at the Forest View Educational Center
• Price: Membership dues are just $40 a year.
The Theater Lab is open to anyone age 13 and up regardless of experience, including novices, amateurs, professionals, high school students, college students, seniors, retirees, singles, moms, and dads. Members set their own level of time commitment and are encouraged to be involved as much as they are able in whatever way is most comfortable. Opportunity arises from involvement, and the most involved members will enjoy the greatest benefit. Membership benefits include hands-on behind-the-scenes learning, invitations to special members-only events, access to industry professionals, and special members-only discounts from D214 Community Education. If all a member does is come to the performances using the member comp ticket, the $40 yearly membership dues pay for itself.
The Theater Lab’s mission is to serve as a hub around which the community can collaborate to bring passionate theater to life. District 214 Community Education, which includes The Theater Lab, started in 1947 and has over 75 years of experience in bringing youth and adult enrichment programs and continuing education classes to residents of Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Mount Prospect, Prospect Heights, Rolling Meadows, Wheeling, and beyond. District 214 Community Education also partners with other organizations and businesses throughout the area to provide programming it is not able to host on campus. The Theater Lab has also offered special Zoom presentations, including “It’s a Wonderful Life” in December 2020 and “The Machine Stops” in May 2021.
Last updated January 11, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.