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:
1) Product - what type of event would you like to host? A play? A Game?
2) Place -where you can host your event?
3) People- who will help you and participate?
If you would like to host Murder Mystery Play it will require a good size place - for example a theatre or banquet hall etc.. and of course people such as actors, a director and maybe a technical crew">
If you wish to host a Murder Mystery game- you can host it in your own home or find a small venue. A Game will not require extra people to help you - only the people you wish to invite. It can be a dinner or just a fun evening with mystery theme of your choosing. |
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What are the differences between a Play and a game?
A Play is a theatrical performance with actors, a director, a crew, a set,
props and a script.
A Game is generally an outline or scenario with participants.(whoever wants to play)
Hosting a Murder Mystery Play
You can find many resources for Murder Mystery
play scripts online. This site,
Play-dead It is very easy to purchase
performing rights for a play. A play of course will require a group of
people such as actors, a director, costumes etc... If you do not have a theatrical group,here are some ideas:
Local Community Theater group- Check in
your area or search online. Most communities have amateur theatrical
groups. The benefit of a 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.
Jest Murder Mystery is an example
of a group who provide Murder Mystery Events including the actors and
have a variety of themes to choose from
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. You assume a "character" and
essentially play out a story.
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.
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 hosting wedding receptions 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.
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!
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