Chattanooga, October 2, 2025
News Summary
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga will open its 2025-2026 theatre season with ‘Dracula: Mina’s Quest’. Directed by Laurie Melnik Allen, this adaptation reimagines Mina Harker’s role as the story’s protagonist. The play runs from September 30 to October 4, with matinee performances and ticket prices ranging from $15 to $20. Designed to captivate audiences ahead of Halloween, this production promises an inventive theatrical experience.
Chattanooga
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) will host the production “Dracula: Mina’s Quest.” This play marks the opening show for the UTC Theatre Company’s 2025-2026 season and will be presented at the UTC Fine Arts Center in the Dorothy Hackett Ward Theatre.
Performed nightly at 7:30 p.m. from September 30 to October 4, the production will also feature a matinee performance at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 4. General admission tickets are priced at $20, while tickets for students and seniors, with valid IDs, will be sold for $15. Tickets can be purchased in person, online at the UTC Fine Arts Center Box Office, or by phone at 423-425-4269. The UTC Fine Arts Center is conveniently located on the UTC campus, specifically at the intersection of Dr. Roland Carter Street and Palmetto Street.
“Dracula: Mina’s Quest” is a reimagining of Bram Stoker’s classic novel, adapted by Steven Dietz. In this version, Mina Harker is not portrayed as a victim but as the main character and an important asset in the mystery concerning Dracula’s desire for her soul. The production is directed by Laurie Melnik Allen, who serves as the Lyndhurst Chair of Excellence in Arts Education and a professor of practice in Theatre Education at UTC. The cast consists of nine UTC students, with sophomore Cameron Schulz in the lead role of Mina Harker and sophomore Liam Phillips portraying Dracula. The production is described as a stimulating puzzle that utilizes inventive stagecraft to engender suspense among the audience.
Laurie Melnik Allen expressed enthusiasm about returning to directing for the first time since 2017 and emphasized the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of the creative process involved in this production. The UTC Theatre Company aims to provide a thrilling experience that resonates with audiences, particularly as the Halloween season approaches.
Event Details
- Show Title: “Dracula: Mina’s Quest”
- Location: UTC Fine Arts Center, Dorothy Hackett Ward Theatre
- Performance Dates: September 30 – October 4, 2025
- Nightly Performance Time: 7:30 p.m.
- Matinee Performance: October 4, 2025, at 2 p.m.
- Ticket Prices: $20 general admission, $15 for students and seniors
- Purchase Tickets: Online, by phone (423-425-4269), or in person
- Director: Laurie Melnik Allen
- Lead Cast: Cameron Schulz as Mina Harker, Liam Phillips as Dracula
- Cast Size: 9 UTC students
Background
The UTC Theatre Company has a rich history in the local arts scene and is committed to bringing engaging theatrical experiences to the community. The production of “Dracula: Mina’s Quest” aims to reframe a well-known story, shifting the focus to its female protagonist and providing a fresh take on a classic narrative. The deep-rooted themes in the storyline, combined with inventive staging, are set to enthrall audiences during one of the most popular times of the year for themed performances.
FAQ
- What is the title of the play?
- “Dracula: Mina’s Quest.”
- Where will the play be held?
- The play will be presented at the UTC Fine Arts Center in the Dorothy Hackett Ward Theatre.
- When are the performance dates?
- Performances will run nightly from September 30 to October 4, 2025, with an additional matinee at 2 p.m. on October 4.
- How much do tickets cost?
- General admission is $20, while tickets for students and seniors are $15 with a valid student ID.
- How can tickets be purchased?
- Tickets can be purchased in person, online at the UTC Fine Arts Center Box Office, or by phone at 423-425-4269.
- Who is directing the production?
- The production is directed by Laurie Melnik Allen.
- Who are the lead actors?
- Sophomore Cameron Schulz will star as Mina Harker, while sophomore Liam Phillips takes on the role of Dracula.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Title | “Dracula: Mina’s Quest” |
| Location | UTC Fine Arts Center, Dorothy Hackett Ward Theatre |
| Performance Dates | September 30 – October 4, 2025 |
| Nightly Performance Time | 7:30 p.m. |
| Matinee Performance | October 4, 2025, at 2 p.m. |
| General Admission Cost | $20 |
| Student/Senior Cost | $15 |
| Director | Laurie Melnik Allen |
| Lead Cast | Cameron Schulz as Mina Harker, Liam Phillips as Dracula |
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