Theater is Dead (Scottish Premiere)

Part of Dundead Film Festival 2026. DCA Supporters, Members and 18-25 Members get early access to tickets and passes (log in to access) with the festival opening for general sale on Fri 27 March at 10:00.

There is an infectious theatre kid energy to this charming horror comedy from writer director Katherine Dudas, which plays a bit like if the cast of High School Musical suddenly found themselves in a John Carpenter film (just minus the songs).

Willow (a fearless performance by Decker Sadowski, who throws herself into the cringe comedy scenarios with total abandon) is a young engineering student working on designing a new menstrual cup with her annoying pal. When a new theatre show from an impresario played by Shane West (ER, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen) holds open auditions, Willow decides to give it a shot, despite having no acting experience. But something strange and horrific seems to be happening to local actors behind the scenes. 

This is an ensemble piece, with a cast all putting in great work, and there’s a knockabout improv feel to a lot of it. It is also a film unafraid to embrace the kitsch and the cringe while remaining self-aware, poking fun at itself and the theatre world along the way. It is a knowingly campy film that nonetheless has something to say about the business we call show.