Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
After spending the last year and a half covering Orange County’s live theatre scene, I’ve come to understand something unexpected: actors and athletes are cut from the same cloth. Their worlds may seem miles apart, but the competitive drive, relentless discipline and emotional resilience required are strikingly similar. That realization made it easier to tap into the creative mindset behind 'Theater is Dead', an independent horror-comedy that dives headfirst into the chaotic, passionate world of theatre and what happens when that world turns sinister.
I recently spoke with co-writer, co-producer, and director Katherine Dudas, who is celebrating 'Theater is Dead' receiving two screenings at the Newport Beach Film Festival. For her, the film is a tribute to the magic and madness of live performance—one that evolved into something darker and more unexpected. Originally conceived as a straightforward horror film, the project transformed as the team realized that layering in comedy allowed for a more cathartic and captivating exploration of their story. The tension and release inherent in both genres became the ideal framework to examine the artist’s journey, particularly within the often brutal ecosystem of the entertainment industry.
Dudas co-wrote and co-produced 'Theater is Dead' with star Decker Sadowski ('Brooklyn Nine-Nine'). The ensemble cast Olivia Blue ('Animal Kingdom'), Madison Lawlor ('The Conjuring: Last Rites'), Jacob Nichols ('Bel-Air'), Shane West ('A Walk to Remember', 'ER', 'The Dirty South'), Stephanie Suganami ('Opus', 'Doctor Odyssey', Colin McCalla ('Ruthless'), Dylan Adler ('After Midnight'), Tammy Tavares ('Days of Our Lives') and Julie Wittner ('ACME Saturday Night').
Filming took place on location on Vashon Island, WA, a location that also has a special place in my heart as it is the home of All-Merciful Saviour Orthodox Christian Monastery and of one of my favorite monastics, Abbot Tryphon.
From this interview you can hear me gushing over how much I enjoyed 'Theater is Dead' while doing my best not to give spoilers.
To purchase tickets for 'Theater is Dead' visit: newportbeachff2025.eventive.org/.
'Theater is Dead' screens at the Newport Beach Film Festival on:
Fri, Oct 17th, 5:30 PM @ Triangle Cinemas, Screen 5
Mon, Oct 20th, 5:00 PM @ Triangle Cinemas, Screen 5
Triangle Cinemas is located at:
1870 Harbor Blvd.
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
#theaterisdead #nbff #horrorcomedy #darkcomedy #interview #fanboynation
After spending the last year and a half covering Orange County’s live theatre scene, I’ve come to understand something unexpected: actors and athletes are cut from the same cloth. Their worlds may seem miles apart, but the competitive drive, relentless discipline and emotional resilience required are strikingly similar. That realization made it easier to tap into the creative mindset behind 'Theater is Dead', an independent horror-comedy that dives headfirst into the chaotic, passionate world of theatre and what happens when that world turns sinister.
I recently spoke with co-writer, co-producer, and director Katherine Dudas, who is celebrating 'Theater is Dead' receiving two screenings at the Newport Beach Film Festival. For her, the film is a tribute to the magic and madness of live performance—one that evolved into something darker and more unexpected. Originally conceived as a straightforward horror film, the project transformed as the team realized that layering in comedy allowed for a more cathartic and captivating exploration of their story. The tension and release inherent in both genres became the ideal framework to examine the artist’s journey, particularly within the often brutal ecosystem of the entertainment industry.
Dudas co-wrote and co-produced 'Theater is Dead' with star Decker Sadowski ('Brooklyn Nine-Nine'). The ensemble cast Olivia Blue ('Animal Kingdom'), Madison Lawlor ('The Conjuring: Last Rites'), Jacob Nichols ('Bel-Air'), Shane West ('A Walk to Remember', 'ER', 'The Dirty South'), Stephanie Suganami ('Opus', 'Doctor Odyssey', Colin McCalla ('Ruthless'), Dylan Adler ('After Midnight'), Tammy Tavares ('Days of Our Lives') and Julie Wittner ('ACME Saturday Night').
Filming took place on location on Vashon Island, WA, a location that also has a special place in my heart as it is the home of All-Merciful Saviour Orthodox Christian Monastery and of one of my favorite monastics, Abbot Tryphon.
From this interview you can hear me gushing over how much I enjoyed 'Theater is Dead' while doing my best not to give spoilers.
To purchase tickets for 'Theater is Dead' visit: newportbeachff2025.eventive.org/.
'Theater is Dead' screens at the Newport Beach Film Festival on:
Fri, Oct 17th, 5:30 PM @ Triangle Cinemas, Screen 5
Mon, Oct 20th, 5:00 PM @ Triangle Cinemas, Screen 5
Triangle Cinemas is located at:
1870 Harbor Blvd.
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
#theaterisdead #nbff #horrorcomedy #darkcomedy #interview #fanboynation
