Gainesville teen director Nathan Wynn leads Gainesville’s next major musical, expanding his rapidly growing community arts impact
Press release from Ripple Theatricals
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Sixteen-year-old director, arts leader, community organizer, and successful founder Nathan Wynn is quickly becoming one of Gainesville’s most influential young creators. Wynn’s work has quickly reshaped the landscape of community theatre in Southwest Gainesville. With three successful productions already behind him — The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition, Aladdin Jr., and the currently ongoing run of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory — Wynn is now preparing to lead his fourth large-scale show: Mary Poppins, running March 13 through April 4.
Founded in March of 2025, when Wynn was just fifteen years old, Ripple Theatricals was built on a mission to educate and inspire all ages through the transformative power of theater, music, and performing arts. In less than a year, Wynn has directed more than 70 community members, welcomed hundreds of audience members, and established a vibrant, growing arts institution with a permanent venue at 5505 SW 63rd Blvd. His leadership and artistic vision continue to make a lasting impact (a ripple) throughout the community.
Wynn’s work is characterized by ambitious storytelling, multigenerational collaboration, and high artistic standards. His inaugural production at the High Springs Playhouse, The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition, sold out nine performances, including a final show added due to demand. He followed this success with Aladdin Jr. and now Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which features a nine-member live orchestra and a cast ranging in age from 6 to 80 — more than 45 individuals brought together under his direction.
Beyond theatre, Wynn serves as Brass Captain of the P.K. Yonge Marching Band and recently starred as Billy Flynn in P.K. Yonge’s Chicago: Teen Edition, reflecting a deep and active commitment to the performing arts both onstage and off.
“With each production, I hope to create opportunities that bring people together,” said Wynn. “Ripple Theatricals was built on the belief that theatre leaves a lasting impact: it builds confidence, community, and creativity. Being able to direct performers of all ages and welcome musicians from across Gainesville is a privilege I gladly honor.”
That belief will continue this spring with Mary Poppins, an intergenerational musical adventure featuring a live community orchestra and an ensemble of performers of all ages. The production embodies Ripple’s mission and showcases the thriving artistic community Wynn has built at such a young age.
Click here to buy tickets for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.