This is the tenth in a series of Q&A Profiles with London area theatre companies and groups. Today, we interview Melissa Ogden, founder of LIT (Live Immersive Theatre) Productions
Q. When was your company founded? By whom and why?
I created LIT Productions in 2024, and we officially launched in 2025. LIT stands for Live Immersive Theatre. I have been a professional musician and supporter of the arts most of my life, and I am very excited about this new venture. I saw a need for a different night out that combined film, performance art, live music, and socializing, all for a reasonable ticket price. An alternative to the theatre or going to a nightclub.
Q. Is your company best described as professional or not-for-profit community theatre? Or both?
LIT Productions is a professional company. We have a growing team of talented musicians, vocalists, stage managers, and sound and lighting technicians.
Q. What venue(s) do you use to stage your productions?
One of the things that makes LIT Experiences different from traditional theatre is the party atmosphere. Guests are seated at tables with their friends, where they can talk and enjoy cocktails during the show. They can walk around, sing, and dance. So, our indoor venues are banquet halls and clubs rather than theatres. I am also actively booking outdoor shows in 2026. These shows will have a similar party vibe with a beer garden where guests bring their own lawn chair. An outdoor movie, live show, and a cold beer on a beautiful summer night – how fun is that?! Our debut production of Grease is being held indoors at The Marconi Club of London on September 26, 2025.
(Pictured: LIT Productions founder, Melissa Ogden)
Q. Does your company have a Mission or Statement of Purpose?
At LIT Productions, we blend film, live music, and performance theater to create immersive, one-of-a-kind LIT Experiences. We champion collaboration, diversity, and inclusion, and deliver an unforgettable (and affordable) night out. It’s a new way to ‘theatre’.
Q. Does your company have a Board of Directors and paid Staff?
As of now, I am the sole owner and decision maker. All the LIT performers and production team are paid. We also have volunteers who help out at events.
Q. Tell me about your 2025-2026 Season. Does it have any underlying theme?
We will be putting on more Grease shows in 2026, both indoor and outdoor. We will also be launching our production of The Rocky Horror Show. I am also excited to launch booking packages that will allow businesses to book an LIT Experience for corporate fundraisers and private events.
Q. What show(s) will you be staging this fall (September to December)? Tell me a little bit about each.
I will explain what LIT Experiences are. A movie musical plays on the big screen and the musical numbers are performed live in character! Unlike the theatre, you can mingle, sing, dance – it’s a party! Our only show in 2025 is ‘Grease – a LIT Experience’ – Sept 26 at The Marconi Club. It’s sold out. And we are starting production of Rocky Horror to launch in 2026. The ultimate goal is to be staging several different productions (Grease, Rocky Horror, Mama Mia, Hairspray) at various venues throughout the calendar year.
Q. Do you have any thoughts about the London area theatre community and your part in it?
We have created a dynamic team by blending together members of the music and theatre communities. We have vocalists who sing in bands but have never performed in theatre before. And we have theatre vocalists who have never performed in front of a live rock band. We have amazingly talented musicians from different genres. It has been so fun and collaborative and we are all learning from and getting the best out of each other. Judging by our sold out show and Londoner’s support of other live shows in the city, we definitely have a thriving arts scene. I want to thank Londoners for that! I have been a member of the music community for many years, but I am new to the theatre scene. I look forward to collaborating with both communities on events and initiatives that support and promote the arts in London.
You can follow LIT Productions on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/litproductionscanada
The Beat Magazine 2025 