Hampstead-based Untitled Theatre Productions nurtures a love of the arts through performances, events and youth-focused camps.
If you are looking for a place where creativity, community and passion collide, look no further than Untitled Theatre Productions. This youth theater in Hampstead, only in its second year, has quickly become a creative hub for arts and performance, giving children an opportunity to showcase their talents in a nurturing environment.
Co-founded in 2023 by Emily Graham, a longtime performer and director, and Steve Campbell, a professional actor, acting coach and teacher, Untitled Theatre Productions was born from an idea to bring more opportunities to experience the arts in Pender County.
“I have lived in the area for almost 16 years, and I have done a lot of theater in Wilmington,” Graham says. “And truthfully, sometimes I would not do more because of the drive, and my kids were getting limited by that as well.”
Graham decided to see if anyone else in Pender County would be interested in starting a community theater. After putting out a call for interest on Facebook, more than 100 people, including Campbell, attended an initial meeting.
“That was the first time I ever direct messaged a stranger in my life,” Campbell says. “And it turned out. And now, we’re like family.”
The theater’s name, Untitled Theatre Productions, came from not having a name.
“I was having a really hard time picking a name, and everything here is all these coastal-related names,” Graham says. “I couldn’t come up with anything, so someone said, ‘Well, we’ll just leave it untitled for now.’ And I was like, ‘Wait, no, that’s it!’ Because then it’s whatever we make it to be.”
Their first production, a holiday show with a cast ranging from ages 6 to 70, was a huge success. Encouraged by the enthusiasm, they quickly followed up with The Music Man and The Addams Family, the latter selling out every performance.
“We sold out 180 seats five times,” Graham says. “That’s when we realized we really had something.”
Accessibility is a cornerstone of Untitled Theatre Productions.
“Our founding principle is that these kids — anybody who does our shows — should never have to pay to be a part of it,” Graham says.
This mission is made possible by community donations, sponsorships and volunteer support. One standout sponsor is Mancini Orthodontics, which funded the rights for their upcoming production of Shrek: The Musical.
“Without them, we wouldn’t have been able to afford the show,” Campbell says.
Untitled Theatre Productions operates with the help of countless volunteers, from parents assisting with costumes and backstage supervision to community members selling concessions.
“We’ve really created an incredible community, not just of the children, but the families,” Campbell says.
Integral to the team is Volunteer Coordinator Stephanie Styons. She built a network of committees that help with everything from fundraising to logistics, allowing Graham and Campbell to focus on productions.
“Stephanie has put together this network of people who are at the ready for basically everything,” Graham says.
Untitled currently rehearses and performs in a space provided by Pender County Parks and Recreation. They are extremely grateful for the partnership and support the department provides, but Graham says they would love to have our own art center in Hampstead someday.
“That’s like the end game for us,” she says. “A place with a theater and dance studios and spaces for chorus and art classes and just so many possibilities.”
In addition to their regular theater season, Untitled Theatre Productions hosts summer theater camps throughout June and July.
The camps are designed for different age groups and offer games, acting, singing, movement, improv and crafts.
“It’s for young performers of all skills levels,” Campbell says. “Our camps are designed to inspire creativity, boost confidence and help kids develop theatrical skills.”
Looking to the future, the theater plans to expand its offerings beyond youth productions to include adult performances as well.
Inclusivity is another key focus. The group casts people of all ages and varying abilities.
“We want to make sure our stage looks like the world and that we are not trying to glamorize or make it look a certain way,” Graham says. “We want all these kids to have a shot at performing.”
Untitled Theatre Productions has already made its mark in Hampstead and surrounding areas, proving that a single idea can bring the arts to life in unexpected places. Whether an aspiring performer or a theater enthusiast, there is a place for everyone here.
BE A PART OF UNTITLED THEATRE PRODUCTIONS
For more information on upcoming shows, auditions, summer camps and how to support Untitled Theatre Productions, visit:
untitledstage.com
untitledstage
