So you would like to host a murder
mystery event but really don't know where to start. Here are some basic
tips and ideas to get you started and point you in the right direction.
The first thing you will need is to cover the
3 P's:
Product - what type of event would you
like to host? A play? A Game?
Place -where you can host your event?
People - who will help you and participate?
Deciding on what
type
of event you want to host will help narrow down your
other choices. If you would like to host
Murder Mystery Play,
it will
require a good size place and extra people to perform.
If you wish to host a
Mystery
game, you can host in your own home or
find a small venue that will not require many extra people to help you.
What are the differences between a Play and a game?
A Play is a theatrical performance with actors, a set, props and a
script.
A Game is generally an outline or scenario with participants .
Hosting a Murder Mystery Play
You can find many resources for play scripts on line. My own site,
Play-dead
is one of those resources. It is very easy to purchase
performing rights for a play. A play of course will require a group of
people ranging from actors, to a director, costumes and props.
If you do not have a theatrical group,here are some ideas:
Local Community Theater group- Check in
your area or search on line. Most communities have amateur theatrical
groups. The benefit of community theater groups is that it's a
volunteer based organization.
Local Colleges and High schools- Most
schools have theater departments or personnel that may be willing to
stage a play for you.
Create your own Group- You may have a
theatrical background or know someone who does.
If you don't wish to stage a play yourself, you can also find groups on
line that supply their own acting troupe and Murder Mystery Plays.
Hosting A Murder Mystery Game
You can find Mystery Games on line that come in all shapes and sizes.
Some are set for dinner parties with elaborate plots which include kits
with all the material you need. Others are very simple with a set of
rules and basic plot. Most Murder Mystery games involve everyone, much
like a role-playing games. You will not need any theatrical performers,
just yourself and your guests. Each individual Mystery Game site will explain how the game is played, what you need etc..
Resources for Murder Mystery Games:
Murder Mystery
Games
Mysteries
On The Net
Free
Form Murder Mystery Games!
Finding a Place
If you prefer a more theatrical Murder Mystery or don't wish to host a
game at your home, you will need to find a venue. Finding a place is
really not difficult. My home group started out performing Mysteries at
a local Historic Mansion, moved to a Community Center and finally found
a home at Banquet Facility. Many popular Murder Mysteries are based in
a Dinner Theater setting. The idea of a dinner and show is very
appealing to audiences.
Venue Ideas:
Local Community Center / Theater - check
your local area most Centers have a theater or large room for rent.
Local High School - many will rent theater
space to you.
Local Historic Homes - many Historic Homes
in large cities host murder mystery plays.
Banquet Halls - sure, their main business
are weddings and reunions but they offer ample space plus most have
their own kitchens or catering services so Hosting a "Dinner Theater"
would be perfect.
Hotel Conference room - many large hotels
have conference rooms perfect for hosting a play.
Restaurants - some restaurants have
"party" rooms that supply enough space to host a dinner theater.
If you choose to create your own theatrical troupe you will of course
need a place to rehearse the play. If you have
secured a location that will let you perform the show, they may also
let you rehearse there. If not, there is nothing
wrong with a good old basement or garage. My local group spent years
rehearsing in basements.
Promote Yourself
Local newspapers have calender sections strictly for Theater auditions
and performances. Smaller local papers and publications
are always looking for interesting stories, so call the paper and see
if they would like to do a story. If you have a website,
Blog, Facebook, or twitter by all means, promote your
performance. Best yet make a short video and post it on youtube to
attract attention - (here is an example )
Extra Bonus idea
Contact local businesses in your area to see if they would like to
purchase an ad in your program. Leave a few pages free in your program
for his purpose. Selling advertisements will generate added revenue.
Another idea is to see if the businesses would like to donate any
items, gifts, coupons etc.. as prizes for your play. At the end of the
evening whoever guesses the "murderer" will receive a prize from a
local business plus this business gets a free promotional plug.
Hopefully these tips will get you started in the wonderful world of
Murder Mystery Hosting!
-Lee Mueller
Play Dead Murder Mysteries
