Usually in a lab, people experiment to test their hypotheses and theories. In the Lab Rats Comedy laboratory, located in the basement lab theater in McComas Hall, that is exactly what happens. A wide range of students come together to create this improvisation and comedic group that has brought many laughs to audience faces through numerous shows during the year.
Senior communication major, short-form director and head director for the fall semester Christopher Roland said Lab Rats shows offer students and visitors a unique and fresh form of entertainment not available anywhere else in the Starkville area.
“Those who have never attended a show and enjoy comedy, in any form, are missing out. Our shows have something for everyone. We are made up of students from all majors and departments,” Roland said.
Through sketches, short video clips and even movie spoofs such as “Black Mop” and “Interception,” Lab Rats’ mission is to make people laugh. 
Sophomore biological sciences major and troupe member Becca Keith said everything done at shows is made up on the spot, based on suggestions from the audience.
“Most people are familiar with ‘Who’s Line is it Anyway:’ it is very similar to that, but funnier,” Keith said.
This eclectic organization began in 2003 with a mission in mind to bring laughter to people. Under the name “Ironman,” the troupe began its humble journey. After changing its name to “Running with Scissors,” the group grew bigger, stronger and funnier. An audience vote decided to change its name to “Lab Rats Comedy” because of its location in actual labs.
 But Lab Rats Comedy does a lot more than make people laugh and have a good time. 
As a completely student-operated organization, Lab Rats does not perform for money.
Hannah Procter, a senior English major, long-form director and treasurer said the troupe uses its talents and strengths to help others.
“A unique quality about Lab Rats is that we love any opportunity that lets us give back. Every year we have a show from which 100 percent of the profit goes to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Last year we also had an additional fundraising show for Operation Smile,” Procter said.
Lab Rats Comedy affects more than its audience and its philanthropies. The members develop friendships and grow personally while performing.
Senior international business major and Lab Rats member Justin Glover said members grow to love and support one another.
“Lab Rats is a group of people who are together to have fun doing something they love. What could be more fun than a big group of friends just goofing off together?” Glover said.
“I love being a Lab Rat. It’s one of those weird things that is hard to put into words. Being a Lab Rat really means so much to me. I found a place where I genuinely feel like I belong,” Keith said.
Lab Rats Comedy’s first performances of the fall semester are scheduled for Sept. 9 at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. in the McComas lab theater. Auditions for new rats will be held on Sept. 12 and 13 at 9 p.m. in the same theater.
Junior performer and sketch actor Maurice Duplantis encourages anyone who is interested to try out.
“No one is too shy for improv.” Duplantis said.
Editor’s note: Wendy Morell, opinion editor, is a member of Lab Rats Comedy.