The Empty Space Theater

The Empty Space Theater (TEST) is Babson’s premiere, faculty-led theater company cosponsored by BabsonARTS and the Division of Arts and Humanities.

TEST’s objective is to produce socially relevant, thought provoking and compelling plays and musicals. All TEST productions are directed by Babson faculty members or theater professionals, and we seek to strengthen and formalize curricular ties, making the classroom-to-theater experience highly integrated, intellectually and artistically challenging, and rewarding to both participants and audiences.

For me, TEST was an amazing space to express myself, tell stories, and build friendships. Moreover, it is simply such a supportive community where everyone is welcome. With so many talented artists, it shines as a hub of creativity across campus. I am so proud of this program, and I was honored to be a part of the TEST family.”

Kellen Harrison ’23

Everybody

A play by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins – Directed by Beth Wynstra

October 23, 24, 26, 7 p.m.
October 25, 2 p.m.

Embark on a theatrical journey like no other with Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ Everybody, a riveting modern adaptation of a classic fifteenth-century morality play. Follow the protagonist, Everybody as they traverse life’s ultimate adventure—facing death and seeking the true meaning of living. With humor and profound insight, this play explores themes of love, friendship, and the human condition, making audiences question if anyone is ever fully prepared for their final curtain call. In this groundbreaking play, roles are assigned by lottery each night, creating dozens of possible casting permutations, and ensuring a unique performance every time.

Sorenson Black Box – Tickets $5

EVERYBODY is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC, servicing the Dramatists Play Service collection. (www.dramatists.com)

Buy Tickets

Earn Course Credit

Participate in this production of Everybody as an actor, stage manager, choreographer, or backstage crew member and earn course credit. Actor auditions and interviews will be held August 27 & 28.

Email Professor Beth Wynstra for more information and to sign up for a slot!

What We Do

TEST produces two full-scale performances each year and sponsors several workshops, staged readings, and master classes throughout the fall and spring semesters. TEST also supports and facilitates the integration of performing arts into course curricula.

Faculty members who direct TEST productions teach theater and music courses at Babson such as:

Fundamentals of Acting and Improvisation
Global Pop
Dramatizing the American Dream
Constructing and Performing the Self
African American Music in the United States
European Theater in Theory and Practice (abroad course)
Politics and Performance in San Francisco (abroad course)

Past Productions

2023	Kingdom City by Sheri Wilner
2022	Storying Our Selves: A Night of Original Solo Performance
2020	Altered States: A Digital Theater Production
2019	The Intelligent Design of Jenny Chow by Rolin Jones Storying Our Selves: A Night of Original Solo Performance
2018	The Love of the Nightingale by Timberlake Wertenbaker
2017	Clybourne Park by Bruce Norris
2016	Dead Man’s Cell Phone by Sarah Ruhl Storying Our Selves: A Night of Original Solo Performance
2015	Falsettoland by William Finn and James Lapine Provincetown Four (four one-act plays: Suppressed Desires, Freedom, Lima Beans, Constancy)
2014	Urinetown by Mark Hollman and Greg Kotis Midsummer: A Play With Songs by David Greig and Gordon McIntyre
2013	Avenue Q by Robert Lopez, Jeff Marx, and Jeff Whitty The Goat, or Who is Sylvia? by Edward Albee
2012	Eurydice by Sarah Ruhl Working by Stephen Schwartz and Nina Faso
2011	The Laramie Project by Moisés Kaufman and members of the Tectonic Theater Group

TEST provided me the opportunity to explore theater through a different lens during its digital production of Altered States. They were able to pivot and provide me with an outlet to express my creativity in the midst of Covid.”

Nikki Phillips ’23

Cast members and Artistic Director, Prof. Beth Wynstra, discuss the 2017 production of Clybourne Park

How You Can Get Involved

Audition

We are always looking for actors, singers, and dancers as well as musicians for our fall and spring productions as well as for staged readings and workshops.

Work behind the scenes

TEST seeks to give participants a full theater experience where they can contribute as directors, stage managers, lighting designers, costumers, or dramaturges.

Take a class

We also encourage you to explore theater and dramatic literature in your course work.

Contact Us for More Information

Be informed of upcoming auditions and opportunities—in your email, please include any previous experience or theater interests you have.

Send Email