The Rat Lab

The Rat Lab We exist to foster and celebrate new performance work for Ballarat audiences.

We are a small group of independent artists who provide rehearsal space and support to Ballarat performing artists including writers, performers, directors and creators.

Important Announcement re: SpotLight program We are sad to announce that the inaugural SpotLight season planned for Her ...
29/07/2026

Important Announcement re: SpotLight program

We are sad to announce that the inaugural SpotLight season planned for Her Majesty's Theatre will no longer go ahead. We are working with Creative Ballarat and the lead creative Megan J Riedl to find a solution that will support further development of Travels With My Black Dog. We will provide more details when we can.

www.meganjriedl.com/travels-with-my-black-dog
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Producer Megan J Riedl
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Performer Bailee Scott

Performer Simon Carroll
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Assistant Director & Stage Manager

Assistant Producer JD Wills

We can't wait for this incredible work! Stay tuned!The “edited version” might look like a beach-side van life blog, but ...
01/07/2026

We can't wait for this incredible work! Stay tuned!

The “edited version” might look like a beach-side van life blog, but the reality of this Human’s life is far starker.
Stranded at the beach due to mechanical issues, being lost in the healthcare system and avoiding talking to pretty much everyone, the Human has his hands full just getting through each day. If only Dog had opposable thumbs, maybe they could fix everything!
When a young family member reaches out with a mental health crisis of their own, the pair is forced to stop avoiding a destination, and start embracing the journey.
This play balances witty dialogue, physical comedy and heartfelt connection with an unabashed exploration of the realities of living with Bipolar.

www.meganjriedl.com
www.meganjriedl.com/travels-with-my-black-dog

🎭🔥 Her Majesty's Theatre Ballarat is set to Ignite! with the works from Megan J Riedl!

Ballarat’s creative community continues to shine, with local artist Megan J Riedl announced as the recipient of the SpotLight development pathway through Ignite!, a contemporary performing arts initiative delivered by The Rat Lab with support from the City of Ballarat.

Megan will develop their work Travels with my Black Dog, culminating in a performance at Her Majesty’s Theatre in August 2026.

The Ignite! program supports local writers and performers to experiment, refine their practice and bring new stories to life through workshops, mentorship, development time and funding.

Travels with my Black Dog draws on lived experience to explore mental health, combining humour and heartfelt storytelling while working to destigmatise bipolar disorder.

This opportunity highlights the strength of Ballarat’s performing arts sector and supports local artists to develop ambitious new work for the stage.

🎟️ Dates and ticket details will be announced soon so keep your eyes peeled!

💻 Learn more via the Creative City Ballarat website: https://www.creativeballarat.com.au/theatre-and-performance

24/04/2026

Taking a bow with the Rat Lab PilotLight program for 2026.

Cheeky BTS shots from the Rat Lab Spotlight showings over the weekend, with Andrew  and Chantal.
22/04/2026

Cheeky BTS shots from the Rat Lab Spotlight showings over the weekend, with Andrew and Chantal.

20/04/2026

The Rat Lab tapping up a storm with Andrew Drava's Spotlight development over the weekend.

A great opportunity for theatre makers aged 18-25… 🎉
14/04/2026

A great opportunity for theatre makers aged 18-25… 🎉

APPLY NOW! SpotLight will support 1x well-developed performance project to realise a public showing and provide limited ...
01/04/2026

APPLY NOW!
SpotLight will support 1x well-developed performance project to realise a public showing and provide limited technical support. Open to experienced artists with a well-developed concept and/or draft script - original content only. This is for artists with an established practice, strong concept and existing creative material at an advanced stage.

The performance season will be Thurs 30 Jul - Sat 1 Aug 2026

Applications are now open
Applications close Sat 11 Apr 2026

The Rat Lab's next Pilot Light Artist's is Andrew Drava."A grief stricken family that comes back together for Christmas....
30/03/2026

The Rat Lab's next Pilot Light Artist's is Andrew Drava.

"A grief stricken family that comes back together for Christmas. Processing the sudden loss through their second language of tap dance. Yet with such a sudden change and the world still turning, new opportunities of personal gain arise."

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36 Camp Street
Ballarat, VIC
3350

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