Feature: Jeremy Seghers Brings to Life a DRACULA You've Never Seen

What does an antique store and vampires have in common? Both will give you the creeps. Walking into Carmine Boutique you would probably look over your shoulder several times as you peruse the shop's collection of skulls and taxidermied items. Carmine Boutique is described as an "antique, oddities, taxidermy shop with an Edwardian fetish club." That strange feeling is exactly what Jeremy Seghers felt and immediately sparked the inspiration for producing his immersive staging of DRACULA.

"I discovered Carmine Boutique shortly after they opened last year, and I immediately thought, 'I have to do something here!'" said Seghers. Seghers was inspired by a spaced called The Acre and produced EQUUS earlier this year, which received great reviews for its perfect setting and intimacy.

A year ago, Seghers moved back to Orlando from New York City, which is where he was inspired to change his focus from traditional theater to more immersive stagings. Like any theater buff, Seghers saw a lot of theater in New York, but the pieces that caught his interest were immersive in some capacity. "I just loved feeling in the middle of it all, and immersive theatre should do that," he says. "It breaks down the fourth wall and puts the audience inside the play to an extent."

With the rise of augmented reality games, escape rooms, and other forms of interactive media, it makes sense that some audiences want more from their theatergoing experience. Seghers points out that immersive theater is not the same as interactive theater. In fact, he's not a fan of audience participation, which can often times come off corny and breaks the momentum of a show. Just the setting alone promises that DRACULA will be an enveloping experience for the audience the moment you walk in. With the audience seated in such close quarters, actors do not have to over enunciate or exaggerate their movements. The result is acting that is much more naturalistic.

Aside from being a spooky time of year, vampires have risen in popular culture. Fascination with vampires started in the early 18th century. For Seghers, he's wanted to do a vampire production for a while. "I think there's something sexy and primitive about them," he says. "They're also basically immortal which is actually very sad to me." But finding the right DRACULA story can be a challenge. Vampire stories can range from the traditional Bram Stoker to the glittery Twilight series. Thankfully, Seghers knew what he wanted and began reading different adaptations of Stoker's legendary gothic novel. "As soon as, I read Steven Dietz's version, I loved it instantly. It's the most faith stage adaptation, and I really liked the way the characters were written."

The Steven Dietz version of DRACULA, Mina is a smart and strong heroine, who plays more of a role in her destiny than just a victim. This version is also more ensemble-driven, giving each character a moment to shine. "I think that's what makes this staging so special." Seghers says.

Seghers hopes that the combination of creepy setting and classic gothic tale will leave audiences leave feeling a little unnerved. "With DRACULA, I hope that when they get home, they turn all of the lights on, check all of the closets, and maybe pop a Xanax to get to sleep."

Directed by Jeremy Seghers, DRACULA plays at Carmine Boutique, October 6-10 and 13-15. Due to the intense nature of the production, no one under 13 years old will be permitted. For tickets visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dracula-by-steven-dietz-tickets-26865109265.

Photo credit: TheVonHoffman.com

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