Theater Is Dead

Source: Jackrabbit Media

Theater Is Dead

EXCLUSIVE: Jackrabbit Media has bolstered its AFM sales by acquiring worldwide rights to the campy horror comedy Theater Is Dead starring Decker Sadowski from Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Shane West from A Walk To Remember.

Katherine Dudas (Juniper) directed the story of an ambitious young actress who lands the role of a lifetime in a Greek tragedy adaptation helmed by a reclusive director, only for her dream gig on a secluded island to descend into a delirious nightmare.

The cast includes Madison Lawlor, Olivia Blue, Jacob Nichols, and Dylan Adler. Dudas co-wrote the screenplay with Blue, Lawlor, and Sadowski. Each also served as producer alongside Nichols and Zach Mann via Juniper Films and Halfway Crooks Entertainment.

“I wanted Theater Is Dead to serve as a much-needed love letter (disguised as a campy, bloody cautionary tale) to theatre kids or to anyone who has been seduced by the magic in the make-believe,” Dudas said. “It’s a true indie film, meaning that the impossible was made possible by our team, and we are beyond grateful to work with Jackrabbit, a sales agent who completely gets this film’s heart and unstolen soul.”

“Right from the opening two scenes, I knew I was watching something special,” said Mark Padilla, president of sales and acquisitions at Jackrabbit Media. “Theater Is Dead is the kind of bold, irreverent genre film that stands out in today’s market.”

The film joins an AFM line-up featuring Kurtis David Harder’s Shudder Original Influencers, as well as a slate of original genre projects in development and pre-production: eco-horror Bloom; feelgood romantic comedy An Arizona Christmas; action thriller Payload; action sci-fi Ambush Point; and action–horror Split.

“We’re excited for this next phase in our company’s evolution,” Jackrabbit Media CEO Jack Campbell said. “The market is challenging right now, but one thing remains true – great stories told in the right genres, with strong execution, always transcend. As we head into 2026, it’s about scale: producing and acquiring more films that travel globally, resonate deeply, and stand the test of time – while continuing to elevate quality and foster both current and new relationships with talented voices and creative partners.”

“Jackrabbit gives filmmakers an opportunity – a real path to get their work made, seen, and monetised,” added Rebecca Campbell, COO and co-founder. “We know how to take great concepts, finance them efficiently, and deliver them to a global audience. 2026 is about doubling down on that momentum.”

Jackrabbit is also teaming up with filmmaker James Cullen Bressack and Sandaled Kid Productions on a slate of micro-budget genre films launching in 2026. “Sandaled Kid Productions was founded to empower emerging filmmakers and bring bold stories to life efficiently and at a high level,” Bressack said. “Jackrabbit shares that same commitment – they understand the balance between creativity and business that defines successful independent filmmaking.” 

Topics