OUR STORY
Deadset Theatre Company began in 2017, originally to produce our first show; a stage adaptation of Puberty Blues based on the book by Kathy Lette and Gabrielle Carey, which we went on to reprise in 2018.
Since then, we have continued to present two shows each year, giving many of Adelaide’s young people a real chance to step into community theatre.
Zoe MULLER
I first became involved in theatre at age nine at Hills Youth Theatre, where I met Matilda. We formed a friendship that would later lead to the creation of Deadset Theatre Company (DTC). Initially, I preferred acting and performed in numerous productions with local theatre companies, including The University Theatre Guild, Stirling Players, and Matt Byrne Media, in plays such as The Crucible, Picnic at Hanging Rock, and The Peach Season.
In 2017, I adapted Kathy Lette and Gabrielle Carey’s novel Puberty Blues into a play. Matilda and I founded DTC to produce the play, which was successful enough to return for a second season in 2018. Since then, I have directed eight productions with Matilda for DTC and written two original plays, one of which, Rattling the Keys, was performed in Sydney in 2021 by Theatre Travels.
I have really enjoyed taking on the backstage role and have continued to work primarily as a director for DTC. Now, as a Drama and English teacher at a high school, I love helping young people discover their passion for theatre.
MATILDA BUTLER
At the age of six, my parents enrolled me in drama classes at Hills Youth Theatre (HYT). Though I was very shy at the time, theatre helped me discover my voice. It was at HYT that I met Zoe, and after several years of friendship, we decided to launch Deadset to produce our first show, Puberty Blues. While acting and being on stage was always a passion of mine, Deadset has allowed me to discover a love for producing and directing.
Our mission is to create opportunities and produce shows that highlight the stories of young people, and the many talented young individuals we've had the pleasure of working with truly reflect that commitment. With every Deadset production, we've witnessed the growth of young actors and forged lifelong friendships with our cast members.
As a nurse, Deadset serves as my creative outlet, and there's nothing I enjoy more than producing dynamic, immersive shows. Although Zoe and I have directed productions individually, our collaboration as co-owners has been incredibly rewarding. Creating these shows with my best friend is, without a doubt, the greatest joy of being part of co-owning Deadset.
Our Mission
Deadset was founded to create real, meaningful pathways into theatre for young people. For many of our cast members, Deadset is their first experience beyond school — a place to take creative risks, discover their talents, and build lifelong friendships.
Since 2017, more than 100 actors, writers, directors and theatre-makers have been part of the Deadset family. Watching them grow, pursue further study, and step onto bigger stages across Adelaide and beyond is at the heart of why we do what we do.
We’re proud of where we’ve come from, and we’re excited about where we’re heading - championing bold, authentic storytelling and creating new opportunities for the next generation of South Australian theatre-makers.
DEADSET
DEADSET
The word DEADSET was a common slang word in the 70s with numerous mentions scattered throughout the story of Puberty Blues. It seems fitting that the name carries within it an homage to our first show, as well as accurately describing the shows we produce; “determined, serious, and honest”.