Vision:
Witness Theater Lab envisions a thriving, faith-centered community of artists who are grounded in the joyful knowledge of God, devoted to one another, and capable of creating, telling, receiving, and holding stories with integrity, curiosity, and courage. Through this work, we aim to foster a culture of authentic expression, imagination and play, creative discipline, and transformative celebration.
Why “Witness”:
In the context of theater, actors bear witness, embodying stories for an audience. Audiences witness together, fully awake to what is happening in the room, leaving with a communal testimony. Both come with a posture to be changed by what they encounter. Moreover, a play becomes a witness to a moment, a culture, a struggle, a truth. From a Christian perspective, to bear witness means to testify - to embody and proclaim the gospel through your words, your life, your presence, and your love. “Witness” is the proper name for this theater lab because it is a place of encounter and discovery, where we practice paying loving attention - to ourselves, to one another, and to what is true. In the words of Mary Oliver: “Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.”
Meet the founder
Hi! My name is Lindsay Chandler. I grew up in Kansas City, where my love for theater began at an early age. While theater was always a meaningful part of my life, it was my experience with Arena Theater’s ensemble at Wheaton College (where I majored in Psychology) that profoundly shaped my understanding of what theater could be. There, I discovered the unique beauty of ensemble work— an experience that held something sacred and awakened a passion that has guided me ever since.
After college, I initially pursued other careers, but the call toward theater never dissipated. Eventually, I attended Bethel Conservatory of the Arts and graduated with a degree in Acting in May 2024. During my time there, I became increasingly captivated by the integration of church and theater, faith and craft, and spiritual and artistic formation.
Though I love acting, what draws me more than playing characters is the learning process and the rehearsal room itself—the playfulness, the exercises, the questions, and the community that emerges along the way. I believe theater offers a unique way of studying humanity, practicing vulnerability and compassion, and healing both body and soul.
For nearly a decade, I carried a dream of creating a space where adults could experience the kind of transformative artistic community that had so deeply shaped my own life. Witness Theater Lab is the fulfillment of that dream. After years of prayer, discernment, and preparation, I believe God has provided both a clear vision and an open door to bring this work to the Dallas community.
As a theater artist, educator, and facilitator, I am honored to step into the role of Director of Witness Theater Lab and bring this long-held vision to life.