ShenCoLAB FAQs

ShenCoLAB: A Night at the Conservatory is a new take on Shenandoah Conservatory’s signature ShenCoLAB project. In a continuous 24-hour period, interdisciplinary groups will produce performance projects based on randomly drawn creative prompts. Artistic innovation and unpredictable outcomes emerge as actors, dancers, designers and musicians work together to produce a piece that showcases their passions, skills and creativity. All groups will then present their performance at a final showcase event open to the public on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.

ShenCoLAB: A Night at the Conservatory will be held Friday, January 16 through Saturday, January 17, 2026. Final performances will be held on Saturday evening, January 17, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. in Armstrong Concert Hall.

• To foster a greater sense of community between all parts of Shenandoah Conservatory
• To allow participants to try new things
• To foster creativity, teamwork and leadership
• To foster a sense of shared purpose in our community
• To help students develop skills that will serve them well in their future careers
• To set Shenandoah Conservatory apart from other arts schools
• To allow participants to expand their own artistry and creative horizons

All students will be expected to attend all of their non-conservatory courses as scheduled. Please be aware of the following:

1. WORK STUDY / SU EMPLOYMENT RESPONSIBILITIES: Shenandoah Conservatory students are expected to continue fulfilling their Work Study and other paid Shenandoah University employment responsibilities during the ShenCoLAB dates unless they have reached an agreement with their supervisor for a change to their schedule. (Students: Please understand that such a change may or may not be possible.)
2. INTERNSHIP or other PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Some Shenandoah Conservatory students (in programs such as music therapy or music education) may have ongoing professional commitments related to their studies that cannot be easily changed during ShenCoLAB. Those students are, of course, expected to maintain those commitments.
3. SU COURSEWORK: Please note that courses across Shenandoah University are not impacted by ShenCoLAB and Shenandoah Conservatory students are absolutely expected to meet all their obligations in courses (including class attendance) run by other Shenandoah schools (College of Arts & Sciences, School of Business, etc.).

Yes, graduate students are highly encouraged to participate in ShenCoLAB. Such an event is a perfect opportunity for all students to delve into their art and learn something new.

• The Shenandoah Conservatory community will submit thematic prompt suggestions, which will be reviewed by the taskforce
• Students will apply to participate as individuals or small groups of 2-4; the taskforce will combine small groups and individuals to form teams of 8-10
• On Friday night at the kick-off event, each team will select a thematic prompt at random
• At the same time, space assignments will be assigned at random and final performance/presentation slots will be assigned
• All rehearsals will take place in Ruebush Hall after the kick-off event; groups will have full access to the building and an assigned rehearsal room
• The culminating performance will be held on Saturday, January 17 at 7:30 p.m. in Armstrong Concert Hall

Participants may apply to participate as a pre-formed small group of 2–4 participants or as individuals. Groups and individuals will then be combined to form teams of 8–10, representing different majors and areas of artistic practice. Submit the ShenCoLAB: A Night at the Conservatory Participant Sign-Up Google Form to participate.

It is up to the members of each project to decide how decisions will be made.

Groups will have access to the following:

• Each group will receive a $50 stipend to support the acquisition of materials for their project that cannot otherwise be provided from available conservatory resources
• Access to basic lighting/sound support is available in Armstrong Concert Hall. This does not include lighting and sound design (simple on/off only).
• Access to Shenandoah Conservatory teaching and learning spaces in Ruebush Hall (except those rendered off-limits by ongoing productions)
• A selection of furniture items and props will be available to groups for check out

The final performance/presentation will take place at 7:30 p.m. in Armstrong Concert Hall. The program order will be determined by the ShenCoLAB Taskforce.

This is perhaps one of the first things your group should figure out. There are many different possibilities and everyone needs to be on the same page.

ShenCoLAB participants will be supported by various teams/offices, including scheduling, facilities, ticketing, promotions and front-of-house. In addition, access to conservatory spaces, selected materials and late night snacks will be provided.

No. Students may choose whether or not to participate. At the very least, it is hoped that all students will submit prompts to be selected and attend the final performance to help each group celebrate its collaborative work.

Because of the condensed nature of this year’s ShenCoLAB: A Night at the Conservatory, only conservatory students are permitted to participate.