Fox Bramble Theatre Company

Announcing Auditions for Fox Bramble’s Inaugural Production: Heart of Duckness by A.J. Ditty Saturday May 16 from 5-9pm Sunday May 17 from 12-3pm In Portland Stage’s Theater for Kids 25 A Forest Avenue Auditions are open to local, adult actors of all abilities, ethnicities, gender identities/expressions and experience levels. We do not have an agreement with Actors’ Equity. All positions will be paid a modest stipend. All rehearsals/performances will take place in Portland. Rehearsals: June 22-August 19 (3-4 Nights and weekend afternoons/wk) Performances: August 20-September 4 About the play: It’s the Berlin Conference of 1884 and Europe teeters on the brink of war over colonial holdings in Africa. Only this time all the delegates are ducks—and we’re all corkscrewed. About Fox Bramble: Fox Bramble Theatre Company exists to explore the weird and wilder sides of theatre. Founders Backus and Bryer want to get into the prickly, thorny, parts of the canon that are oft left unexplored in favor of more well-trod paths. Like a fox on the hunt, we aim to seek out fresh plays of the American theatre that draw blood. More information and signups at the link in our bio.

We’re thrilled to announce that we’ll be bringing a workshop production of A.J. Ditty (@thefuzzymaskedman )’s Heart of Duckness to @portlandstageco ’s Studio Theater this summer! It’s the Berlin Conference of 1884 and Europe teeters on the brink of war over colonial holdings in Africa. Only this time all the delegates are ducks—and we’re all corkscrewed. Stay tuned for audition info and more.

We’re working hard behind the scenes to bring an exciting new play to Portland, Maine this summer! Keep your eyes peeled this week for an audition announcement, and sign up to get involved in other ways with Fox Bramble’s productions at the link in our bio. Photo from our January 2026 reading of Emily Dickinson: Paranormal Investigator feat. @hoperiordan and @julmarjenn

Want to help us with our next venture? Donate today through our fiscal sponsor Portland Stage and join the hunt to support our next new play that will certainly draw blood. Each donation will go toward our summer production in Portland, Maine that we hope to announce soon! #linkinbio Ft. @hannahdalyellsworth and @grandpabuxton

Our photographer captured a great action shot of @tbbackus as Leah Fox and @grandpabuxton as Emily Dickinson in their final confrontation.

We’ve got a couple more pictures to share of @tbbackus ’ Emily Dickinson: Paranormal Investigator in Poe’s Finest Hour featuring @grandpabuxton , @hannahdalyellsworth , @julmarjenn , @kathleenlewispilates , @hoperiordan , @michaeldixthomas , and @natetheprettygood . Skyler Brianna read stage directions and @rmbryer was our stage manager and producer.

In January we had a fundraiser reading of @tbbackus ’ Emily Dickinson: Paranormal Investigator in Poe’s Finest Hour featuring @grandpabuxton , @hannahdalyellsworth , @julmarjenn , @kathleenlewispilates , @hoperiordan , @michaeldixthomas , and @natetheprettygood . Skyler Brianna read stage directions and @rmbryer was our stage manager and producer. At our final performance we took some pictures and Todd had to step in for Kathleen.

Fox Bramble got its start last spring as part of @portfringe ’s Pop-Up Poe. Todd was assigned the second half of Cask of Amontillado to adapt and couldn’t imagine another way to convey the story than by hearing the slap of concrete and scrape of bricks as a character entombed a man. In this short play Felix (@idontcareforjames ) finds himself bound, gagged, and about to be bricked into a wall by Monty (@katmoraros ) who has an axe to grind about social media mores…

Check 1, 2, 3… Todd Brian Backus (Artistic Director) is a theatrical director, dramaturg, playwright, and producer. He is the Associate Artistic Director of Portland Stage and is excited to put those skills to use here on bold new plays. Fox Bramble is an artistic partnership between himself and longtime collaborator Dr. Rebekah Bryer. toddbrianbackus.com @tbbackus

Testing… testing… Fox Bramble Theatre Company exists to explore the weird and wilder sides of theatre. Founders Backus and Bryer want to get into the prickly, thorny, parts of the canon that are oft left unexplored in favor of more well-trod paths. Like a fox on the hunt, we aim to seek out fresh plays of the American theatre that draw blood. Pictured: @idontcareforjames and @katmoraros in Monty by @tbbackus for @portfringe ’s PopUpPoe in 2025.

Is this thing on? Dr. Rebekah Bryer (Managing Director) is a performance historian, administrator, dramaturg, stage manager, and producer. She works at a number of non-profits in Portland, Maine, and is delighted to bring her logistical skills and attentive eye to new dramatic work. Fox Bramble is an artistic partnership between herself and longtime collaborator Todd Brian Backus. rmbryer.com @rmbryer