How to Make the Most of a Murder Mystery Dinner Theater Show
These days, interactive dining experiences are gaining some serious traction. Heading out to a murder mystery dinner theater show can be incredibly fun, but since this form of dining and entertainment is still relatively new, participants often have questions about what to expect. Read on to find out how to prepare and what to do once everyone is seated.
Dress the Part
Most murder mystery shows, including the popular Dinner Detective shows, have a theme. Guests are expected to dress in accordance with that theme, so check the company’s website before planning what to wear. Following the dress code will help to draw everyone into the experience and, in some cases, it’s a requirement for getting in.
Play Along
The actors in a murder mystery dinner theater show interact and mingle with the audience, so make sure to play along. Those interested in taking a more active role can have themselves nominated by members of their party as potential suspects. Others may be assigned different objectives, but every guest has an important role to play.
Look for Clues
Most of the investigation portions of murder mystery dinner shows take place during the meal. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, investigate the surroundings, or get up and talk to actors between courses, and don’t forget to share that information with the group. At most dinner theaters, cast members can also be expected to join the table while guests eat, so take advantage of their knowledge to seek out clues.
Try Not to Get Too Distracted
Remember, while the food at a murder mystery dinner theater may be amazing, it’s not the main attraction. Enjoy that gourmet meal, but stay focused on discovering the murderer and solving the crime. It’s also wise to keep in mind that much of the idle chat at the table will be part of the game, so keep secrets close and volunteer information strategically.
Don’t Take Offense
Remember, the cast at a murder mystery dinner theater are people who are assigned to play specific roles. Some characters may be rude to guests not because it’s the actor’s personality, but because it’s part of the plot. Instead of taking offense, view it as an opportunity to find out what the character has to hide behind a gruff or unpleasant persona.
Avoid Overconfidence
Getting overconfident is a great way to overlook important clues and make incorrect assumptions. Any guest who thinks he or she has solved the crime early on in the dinner should think twice about who the guilty party really is. These shows usually make it very difficult to pinpoint the who, what, when, where, and why of everything early on, so keep questioning assumptions and paying attention to potential clues.
Have a Great Time
Beyond following the rules and dress code laid out by the dinner theater company, try not to get too caught up in getting everything right. The purpose of attending a murder mystery dinner theater show is to have fun, so relax, enjoy the experience, and don’t stress too much about making mistakes. The only wrong decision is skipping out on a great new experience out of fear of messing things up.
