Spin Cult

Presented by Toasted Theatre Company

Written by Lauren Cauchy & Amanda Logan

Performed by Lauren Cauchy

Directed by Amanda Logan

Spin Cult documents the true story of Ashley Fink, caught up in the web of fitness culture's underbelly. Ashley recounts her time at LEGS in a chilling exploration of toxic positivity, and manipulative empowerment.

Genesis of the Show:

Have you ever left a gym class and thought “Have I just joined a cult? … and did I love it?” Over beers Amanda and Lauren laughed about how joining communities of boutique fitness studios have teetered on the line of empowerment and isolation, preaching radical inclusion while practicing questionable feminism. This sparked a years long conversation of fitness culture, diet culture, and the intense desire to fit in.

Lauren Cauchy

Lauren Cauchy is multi-disciplinary creator and performer born and raised in the Ottawa area. She studied Theatre Arts at the University of Ottawa (2011) and the University of Birmingham, UK (2009). She is an experienced arts-based educator for children and youth and has been creating new works with Toasted Theatre Company alongside Amanda Logan since 2016. Their original works have been featured at Fringe festivals across North America, Fresh Meat Theatre Festival (2017), and SubDevisions (2019).

Amanda Logan

Amanda Logan is a multi-disciplinary theatre artist based in Ottawa, ON, with an expertise in theatre and event production. In 2016 Amanda co-founded Toasted Theatre Company alongside Lauren Cauchy where they have produced four shows and toured North America. Acting credits include Cindy (The Marvelous Mermaids of Merriment), Penny (MILK), Loretta (The Melville Boys), and Amanda (Lauren & Amanda Do It).

Premiering October 23 - 26, 2024.

2024 festival artwork by Maggie Woods