This is Mythemakers


The Mythemakers Foundation has existed since June 2022, but the idea has been with the creators for a long time. It is clear to everyone involved in the foundation that society is becoming increasingly individualistic. Making friends and developing social skills is more difficult than ever, which is precisely what Mythemakers is dedicated to solving. We do this with the help of competent board members from the Arts & Culture (‘Kunst&Cultuur’) domain, the social domain and the financial sector. The practical side of Mythemakers is run by Melanie de Haan, Dirk Jorissen and Gerda Roorda, who together have more than 30 years of roleplaying and D&D experience.

Our mission

Creating stories of quality where creativity, self-development and fun are paramount. This reduces loneliness and increases the social skills of everyone who comes into contact with it.

Our vision

Introducing everyone in Friesland to the power of storytelling and roleplaying games.

This is what we do

Above all, we hope to have a positive impact on society with this foundation. Roleplaying games are the way to further develop yourself and make new friends. We are committed to to create a space where you can do that.

Here you can find our beleidsplan.

 

 

This is us

Gerda Roorda: Financial Manager 

 

In 2020 I was asked to play in a D&D group. I knew what it was but had never played it before and joined the group. After that first playing session, the game has not let go of me. It has brought me new friends and a lot of creativity. And I think this can be valuable for many other people as well. From there, the idea grew to set up a foundation and hopefully give many more people such a great experience.

In my day-to-day life I am also a conductor, as well as an advisor at Keunstwurk and Arcadia. For the foundation I am mainly concerned with the business aspects such as finances and building a network, and as such I work closely with the board.

Dirk Jorissen: Creative Director 

I was very young (about 10 years old) when my brother introduced me to the game. I learned to read and write English by reading the rulebooks and writing my own stories. While studying to become an English teacher, I discovered how many people were eager to try out the game as well. Before I knew it, our small band of friends had expanded to a huge group of students, all waiting for their turn to play.

Creating stories together connects; it is accessible, and also extremely pleasant. That's why I believe this is the perfect medium for our foundation!

Melanie de Haan: Creative Director 

English teacher, writer, illustrator, GM. My love for fantasy has always been there, but eight years ago I came across tabletop RPGs and it has been my biggest hobby ever since. Besides that I have a pedagogical background and come into contact with young people on a daily basis. I am very enthusiastic to share my passion for games with others. Connecting, creating and meeting each other in a playful way is what gives me a lot of energy. You will often come across me on location, as a GM or running around behind the scenes, and I also like to give courses. See you there!

Astrid Jansen: Penningmeester 

Inmiddels meer dan twee jaar geleden werd ik nieuwsgierig naar D&D na een zogenaamde “one shot” in bibliotheek Drachten. Enthousiast verliet ik mijn eerste D&D-sessie en sindsdien speel ik nog steeds tweewekelijks in dezelfde bibliotheek. Mijn liefde voor het spel en de gemeenschap leidde mij uiteindelijk naar Mythemakers. Vanuit mijn financiële achtergrond zet ik met passie en betrokkenheid mijn expertise in om een waardevolle bijdrage te leveren aan deze mooie organisatie.

Eline Kleingeld: President 

As a project leader and producer in the cultural sector, I make it possible to tell stories. Stories that matter, that physically and emotionally move or challenge you. The form in which these stories are told is often a performance or presentation. Mythmakers makes it possible to tell stories in a different form in collaboration with young people. The combination between creativity, education and the target group appeals to me. I find it exciting to be able to contribute to that.

Marrit Postema: Secretary 

In daily life I work as a behavioral scientist at a youth care organisation. Before that I worked as an outpatient and residential counselor for young people with an autism spectrum disorder. It was these young people who first told me about D&D, and what struck me was that they always did this with a big smile and full of enthusiasm. Through my work I meet young people who find it difficult to establish social contacts or to undertake activities. A game like D&D can make this step that little bit easier. And what's so beautiful is that everyone who got to know the game is captivated by it and starts to share the passion. This will automatically make you want to play the game!