Where can we do a show?
A house, a hall, a restaurant, or even outdoors. We don't need a stage, though it would be best to have some central area that everyone can see. We spend most of our time among the guests talking to a few at a time so we don't need much of an area to perform. We will occasionally say and do some things for everyone to witness, but we spend most of the time circulating separately talking to individuals or smaller groups so it's OK if people are spread out.
Will everyone see what's happening?
The story will unfold differently for different people depending on what they ask and who they talk to, but we make sure everyone gets all the information they need. We encourage people to move around and exchange info and call us over if they have any questions. There will be time to interact before and after the crime occurs. We're not focused on delivering lines like a play, it's more about the interaction with the guests. So the more people and the more questions, the better. Your involvement drives the action.
Do guests need to dress up or bring anything or know anything beforehand?
Your guests can dress to fit the theme (if there is one) but they don't have to. And there's no need to study anything prior to the show. We supply a program with a short synopsis of the story so far and a summary of each character. You'll have plenty of time for this quick read before we start, and you can refer back to it throughout the show.
We'll ask a few people to participate as characters when they arrive, but there are no complicated roles to perform or memorize, and most people can just play along by observing and asking questions.
What shows and themes are available?
You're not limited to just a few scripts. We have dozens of options from gangsters to cowboys to an island resort and everything in between. Even when we repeat a theme, it's never the same twice. And if you have an idea for something we don't have, we'll write something new for you.
How long is a show?
From intro to finale, about two and half hours is normal (assuming we continue through a meal).
What's the structure of the show?
We normally interact before and during a meal. Everyone can be there for a little while drinking and enjoying appetizers, and we may start engaging in a few conversations. We'll formally start the show with a quick explanation for everyone to see and hear and a short introductory scene to get everyone on the same page. Then we will blend into the party as if we all just at the same event. A meal is typically served shortly after we start.
Near the end we will ask people to submit their guesses for who did it and why (we encourage logical answers and convoluted implausible theories). We provide the answer sheets and pens too.
Once we have all the answers, we'll need a few minutes to sort the responses. That's usually a good time for dessert. Then we will reveal what actually happened with a final scene and we'll acknowledge the right and creative answers. You may choose to offer prizes to the winners.
So there's a meal?
Typically, yes, it tends to work best when you provide a meal or some sort of food and drink for your guests. Since we aren't necessarily talking to everyone all the time, it's best that they can eat and drink and talk among themselves between talking to us. We're part of the party, not the whole party.
If people are spread out at multiple tables or locations, it allows us interact individually. Or if they are at the same place, we can talk to different corners of the table or room. We normally don't eat so we can keep moving and talking. If we're seated at the meal, we don't get to talk to everyone, but it could work if it's a small group. If you'd rather just have a meal as a break from the show, we can step back for a bit, or we can join the meal and not talk about the story.
How much does it cost?
Contact us for pricing. There's a flat fee and a per person cost that varies depending on total number of guests, location, date, etc.