Established in 2023, Paper Crown Theatre is an emerging Edmonton-based theatre group with a passion for adaptations, original works, and immersive productions. Inspired by the paper crowns of our childhood battles with dragons and monsters, Paper Crown Theatre intends to carry that strength of imagination and play into our adult lives. Through the exploration of stories, both new and old, we aim to foster creativity, encourage collaboration, and ignite curiosity. Whether you are cast, crew, or an audience member, we hope you will be left entertained and maybe, just maybe, be inspired to open the dress up trunk, pull out a cape, pick up a sword, and don your own paper crown.

The Cat and The Canary

Paper Crown Theatre's first production will be an adaptation of The Cat and The Canary in February 2024. 


About Us

Katrina Kunkel 

Co-Artistic Director & Producer

Katrina (she/her) is an Edmonton-based actress and performer. Having had a love of the performing arts since childhood, Katrina had the opportunity to study drama at the University of Alberta, train as an actor-combatant, as well as act in theatrical productions and on film. She also had the chance to peek behind the curtain as an assistant director. Recovering from post-concussion syndrome, Katrina has a new appreciation for theatre as a therapeutic modality. Her passion lies in the artistic process of creating and, with Paper Crown Theatre, she cannot wait to collaborate with others to share stories, both new and old.

Lauren Tamke 

Co-Artistic Director & Producer

Lauren (she/her) is a producer, director, writer and performer from Edmonton. Over the past two decades, Lauren has directed for and performed on many Alberta stages, including Edmonton, Leduc, Devon, St. Albert, and Red Deer. Currently, Lauren works part-time as an occupational therapist and is in her last season as Artistic Director with Walterdale Theatre, an amazing ensemble of artists she credits for much of her creative growth and exploration over the past decade. Through Paper Crown Theatre, Lauren is thrilled at the chance to personally bring to life new works, adaptations of classics, and hopeful future creative partnerships with Alberta artists and collectives.