Mad as Hops was founded in 2015 to provide opportunities for young people to participate in significant, modern pieces of theatre. Founded by directors John Bowden and Trevor Menchions, the company is known to just as likely produce shows by internationally-known playwrights as shows with samurai and robots.

In 2024, Mad as Hops has turned itself into a theatre collective, making our cast and crew an integral part of the creative team.

Addison Brooklyn is an alternative/folk musician and songwriter, as well as actor based in Newfoundland, Canada. Addison has explored how art can advocate for mental health for both the performer and the audience. Whether it is highlighted in her lyrics "One Last Lullaby" (2021), followed by her album "let it sink in" (2022), or conveyed in a theatrical performance, Addison hopes that her audience members can take away a sense of unity and growth from her art!

Rachael Currie is a 22 year-old mezzo-soprano and actor from Portugal Cove, NL. While her training lines primarily in music (B. Mus. Hons., 2024), elementary school theatre was Rachael’s introduction to the arts world — she played a silly Cinderella who rode off into the sunset on a bright blue stuffed-toy horse (classic). Having performed and toured operas and golden-age musicals since 2019 - L’enfant et les sortilèges (Opera Roadshow, 2024), February (Opera on the Avalon, 2023), Cendrillon (Opera Roadshow, 2023), Mary Poppins (PWC Presents, 2019) - Rachael is thrilled to continue acting with this wonderful company. Past plays include 1949 (AOR, 2020), The Wolves (Mad As Hops, 2019), An Image Now of You Then (Mad As Hops, 2019), and The Good Doctor (PWC Presents, 2018).

In her free time, Rachael runs (trails and lines), reads, watches too much TV, and teaches voice and piano lessons at Halliday Music Studio. She attributes her success to the incredible teaching of Dr. Caroline Schiller and the MUN School of Music, Margie Murray-Reed, Terry Howlett, and Trevor Menchions and John Bowden. She would also like to acknowledge the constant support of her personal practice pal and most ruthless critic, her cat, Monty. And her loving parents, of course. Please enjoy the show.

After almost a decade of acting in central, is now based out of St Johns. This will be her second show with the company after making her debut in town with our last production Almost, Maine.

Emyn is a theatre actor who found his way back to the stage thanks to longtime friend and director Cameron Johnston. Most recently, he was on stage with Mad as Hops for their production of Almost, Maine and wrote, directed and co-produced his first short film, ‘THEM’. He is so grateful to be surrounded by such immensely talented and passionate folks that has helped fuel him to keep creating and keep telling stories. Enjoy the show!

Ronan Janes (stage manager) is an 18-year-old aspiring theatre technician based in Harbour Grace, Newfoundland/Ktaqmkuk. He is a recent graduate from Holy Heart of Mary Regional High School, and soon to attend Dalhousie University for his BFA in Theatre this fall. Recent credits include The Grown Ups (Mad As Hops, 2023), Miracle on 34th Street (Holy Heart of Mary MainStage, 2024), Almost, Maine (Mad As Hops, 2024), and more. He's so grateful to be part of such a wonderful collective. Enjoy the show!

Kathryn Lewis is 19 years old, based in St. John’s this will be her third show with Mad as Hops Productions; however this will be her acting and directing debut with the company. She’s previously been an assistant stage manager and sound assistant in the productions Almost, Maine and The Grown-ups.

Austin Noel is thrilled to be making his stage debut with Mad as Hops in their production of All in the Timing by David Ives. Originally from Badger, Newfoundland, Austin is stepping into the roles of Ramon in Variations on the Death of Trotsky and Philip Glass in Philip Glass Buys a Loaf of Bread. Austin is deeply grateful to Emyn Hayden for introducing him to the stage and for inspiring him to take this leap onto the stage. He would also like to thank Mad as Hops and the entire cast and crew who have for their support and encouragement during his first performance. Austin looks forward to continuing his journey in the arts and is excited for what lies ahead.

Cole is a 23 year old actor from the Goulds, NL. He has been a part of organised acting since 10 years old and has been a part of film and stage productions over the years. He has trained with Patricia Andrew’s acting camps for many years. Past works include, Dracula and 1984 with AOR, Son of a Critch (cast as Big Tom), An Unmarked Door (Strange Bedfellows), and has been with Mad as Hops for ten years now. He hopes you enjoy the show!