What is the movie about?

"Theatre of Pain" is a psychological thriller/horror/mystery feature film about a woman (Sara) who tries to reinvent herself by auditioning for a strange play in an even stranger theatre. She soon realizes that the play is more than it seems and that reinvention can be the beginning of the end. Can Sara get out of the theatre before the theatre gets to her?

"Theater of Pain" has its roots in The Twilight Zone, Bergman's classic "Persona" (1966), with a pinch of David Lynch, and a sprinkle of David Cronenberg thrown in.  It's a twisty-turny head game that will take you places not seen and keep you guessing where it all ends up. And have you ever been in an old theatre by yourself? Those things are scary!

If you like strange (yet approachable) movies that take you to interesting places, then please consider supporting "Theatre of Pain".

Who's Involved?

Scott Eggleston (writer/director/producer)

Scott grew up in a theatre family, has directed a ton of short films, and spent over a decade as "The Frugal Filmmaker" on YouTube. In 2022, he released his first feature film, Bad Bones which can be found everywhere online. He strives to make movies that feel new and provoke conversation, and loves the work of Alfred Hitchcock and James Cameron. Scott has a BA in Film and Media Arts and an MFA in Digital Filmmaking. He waffles between his favorite film being The Manchurian Candidate (1962) and Vertigo (1958).

Leah Mattfield (Sara)

Leah was born and raised in Alaska and is so thrilled to be working here as an actor again. Leah has been based in NYC for the last six years, where she has worked in a variety of local independent films. Her theater works include The Sound of Music Global Tour with Broadway International Group (Sister Margaretta, u/s Elsa Schraeder), Beauty and the Beast with Disney Cruise Lines (Madame Garderobe) and Cabaret with Mason Street Warehouse (Rosie). She has a BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Michigan. Leah’s favorite film is When Harry Met Sally (1989) and she will physically fight anyone who disapproves of that choice.

Tiffany Gilly-Forrer (Lindsay)

Tiffany Gilly-Forrer (she/her) MFA, is an actor for film and the stage, and has been training with artists from across the US to England. Some of her favorite film credits include Kara in the short film, We Need To Talk, Catherine in Paused, and Teefs McGee in Mr. Chesterfield. Some of her favorite theatrical credits include Amélie (Amélie), Alicia (Small Mouth Sounds), Lotte Grimm (Lotte Grimm’s Cinderella, a new play), and Hermia, Helena, and Demetrius in three separate productions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. She is an accomplished writer, scholar, and voice & speech coach. Her favorite film currently stands at a tie between Seven Samurai, (1954) directed by Akira Kurosawa and 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), directed by Stanley Kubrick.

Moriah Stevenson (Emily)

Moriah Stevenson has been performing through dance since she was four years old. She has previously been in Constance and Sinestra in two productions of “Constance and Sinestra and the Cabinet of Screams” at ACT and the Dowager Empress in “Anastasia: The Musical” at GCS. She trained for a summer at the New York film academy in New York and will also be heading to the Berkeley School of Music in Boston. She’d like to say thank you to the cast and crew for making this all possible. Her favorite movie is anything Tim Burton or Tarantino directed.

Chris Linn (Alex)

Chris Linn is originally from Austin, TX but has made Anchorage his home since 2014. Growing up in Austin gave him a great appreciation for cinema and he is extremely excited to have the opportunity to be in his first film. After not acting for 20 years, Chris rekindled his passion for performing while playing multiple roles in ACT’s 2022 production of Annie. Since then, he has jumped headfirst into acting with performances as Dr. Lovelace in They Promised Her the Moon (ACT 2023), Mortimer Brewster in Arsenic and Old Lace (ACT 2023) and Colonel Mustard in Clue: The Musical (Cyrano’s 2024). His favorite movie is Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight (1995) and will argue it’s merits anytime, anywhere.

Matt Fernandez ("Director")

Matt Fernandez, is an actor, writer, director and comedian based in Alaska. Most notably, he has performed in the plays, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest as “R.P. McMurphy”, A Streetcar Named Desire as “Stanley”, and Of Mice and Men as “Lenny.” Matt recently portrayed “Jake” in the film Wight Christmas, and was very privileged to work as an actor in Tyler Perry’s Madea Goes to Jail (2009), and ABC Family’s My Fake Fiancee (2009). When not performing, Matt directs. Recently directing, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, and Always Patsy Cline. Matt also writes stories in play, novel, or screenplay form. Matt’s favorite film as of this moment is Braveheart (1995).

Justin Stewart (Brett)

Justin Stewart starred for a couple of years in a combination live-action and animated educational children’s programs while living in Beijing, China. He has years of experience acting in local films with SprocketHeads, Bradford Jackson Films, Baird Media, Mountain Mind Media, Sadboiz Studios with a bit of love from A Bit Much Productions, and Söm Ep’Laceak media. He’s also been the Composer for Rocket Joe Films’ “No Way Out” and “Hoody”, and Writer for “Repose of the Soul”. In 2022 he was voted Best Director & Best Actor by Anchorage Press readers for his role as Max in the smash hit farce "The Play That Goes Wrong" with Ghost Light Productions. His favorite film is Hook (1991) with Robin Williams.