Written by GAC Staff
Theatre Unmade is a youth theatre organization dedicated to offering young adults opportunities to engage in and experiment with theatre. As Nina, one of the key figures behind the organization, explains, “So often we have a lot of freedom and support in high school, but once we get out, there isn’t really much of an opportunity to just have fun and try some cool stuff.” Theatre Unmade aims to fill this gap, providing a creative outlet for those passionate about theatre.
Theatre Unmade’s cast and crew primarily consist of young adults aged 16 to 25, with some exceptions. “The cast and crew are made up almost entirely by young adults,” Nina states. This group of emerging talents receives support from the Guelph Little Theatre board, which is considered part of their extended crew. Benjamin Brown, another member, adds, “The cast and crew is made up of some Guelph locals as well as some new Guelphites.”
The idea for their latest production, “Incredibly Amateur Dracula,” was sparked during Nina’s high school years. “I got the opportunity to produce a few scenes from ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’ in a drama class and loved it,” she recalls. When Nina and her co-creator Fin Janleigh were brainstorming for a new project, they were inspired by this experience but decided to write their own show to avoid the costs associated with royalties. “Fin mentioned shortly after that Dracula was now in the public domain, and the idea was born,” Nina shares.
Being part of this production has been a thrilling experience for the cast and crew. “For me, this has been amazing,” says Nina. One of her favorite memories involves a day they worked with a stunt coordinator. “It was one of those moments I could see what the final product would look like, and I got very excited that day.” Benjamin echoes this sentiment, saying, “My favorite memory has been the stunt day, where we learned how to fall safely and do some cool rolls.”
The excitement extends beyond the cast and crew to the broader community. Nina hopes the audience will appreciate the ambitious effects and the hard work put into the production. “I’m hoping we get some gasps, some sighs, and quite a few laughs,” she says. Fin is particularly enthusiastic about the unique elements of the show. “It’s hilarious, action-packed, and unlike anything I’ve seen performed in Guelph before.”
Nina emphasizes the dedication of everyone involved: “Everyone has worked so hard to bring the community an amazing show, and we will continue to work hard up until the last show. I just hope people can see the work we’ve put into it, take a chance on us, and come support us so we can do more fun stuff in the future.”
Theatre Unmade is not just about putting on a show; it’s about creating a space for young adults to explore, innovate, and bring fresh theatrical experiences to the Guelph community.
