These are some of the more fundamental questions that we are asked when we explain that we are engaged in Murder Therapy specifically about our murder mystery shows. Feel free to look through these and to contact us if you want any additional clarification or have other questions. Who knows? We might add your question to this list in the future!
Q: When are your performances?
We rarely perform publicly. If we do, it is for a group such as your own looking to do a fundraiser. Normally, though, there are no specific shows or locations we are performing at. These would be private events for your group and we would plan on respecting the privacy of your group.
Q: What makes your murder mystery shows different than others?
Most murder mystery companies are strictly about entertainment. Honestly, some of the more local groups tend to be more about the performance opportunity instead of worrying about the specific needs of their audience. We come from the world of corporate entertainment and private events. Each event for us is customized by thinking about our client and what they need. This means that we would try to help beyond strictly the entertainment. That is something that most groups don't do.
Q: Do you have anything other than murders?
Of course. We have played robberies, kidnappings, blackmailing, etc. Basically any mystery is a possibility. It should be noted that our murders are not macabre and in fact are fun to play without any sense of anxiety from our audiences about someone having died.
Q: You say that you customize shows, how customized are they?
Every script is unique and written for the show and group involved. There may be certain elements that have been repeated over the years, but we tailor directly to you. Additionally, all of our performers have years of improvisational training and public performances under their belt. This means that their improv skills are fully taken advantage of and can react to the situations around them. Literally, we could not perform the same show twice even if we tried.
Q: Is your material appropriate for younger or sensitive audience members?
Younger or more sensitive audience members should have no problem enjoying a night of fun and clean comedy when THEY improv takes the stage. We are predisposed to performing clean comedy shows. If, however, we are requested to become more lively in our performance,
we may do so. After all, our murder mysteries are custom-tailored for the audience involved.
Q: I have a small group, can I have you perform for us?
Smaller groups can get cost-prohibitive for murder mysteries, but THEY improv may still be able to help. Although our more standard murder mysteries have custom-tailored scripts and 4-8 actors, we do have other options to bring the cost down. This can be even more important for non-profit organizations looking to have a fundraiser. There are two additional approaches we can take. This is the Clue Party or the Cambridge Solution.
Q: What is interactive as opposed to immersive?
Generally, when someone refers to a show being interactive, it means that the performers will talk to the audience, either to get input or a reaction. Because interactive is a term used and understood in the industry, we tend to use the term incorrectly. Our shows are more accurately referred to as immersive. An immersive performance is where our actors fully participate in the audience experience and can be mistaken as audience members. Some audience members can also be confused with performers. This immersive experience enhances the entire event and increases the involvement of the audience members to the point of maintaining full attention.
Q: Are your murder mysteries like a play?
While we prefer the immersive experience, we can perform "Presentational Murder Mysteries." This is performed on a stage or raised area with sound system like a play and with limited audience interaction. This is usually done for much larger groups and is more heavily scripted. This tends to have a higher cost because of the writing involved.
Q: Can my people play some of the parts?
We have a variety of offerings. Some of our offerings are designed as a mix and mingle party that allows your participants to interview each other to try to determine the culprit. Another offering allows some of your people to play the roles being interrogated by our detective and the audience to determine the culprit. But for our signature immersive murder mystery dinners, you want to limit the exposure of your people as performers. Quite frankly, they're simply not professional, and our people are. But we will customize any event to you and follow your lead as to who you want to participate. So the short answer? Yes, but it isn't our recommendation.
Q: What kind of venues are you available to perform in?
THEY improv is capable of performing anywhere. After all, we are improvisational. We are used to making do and reacting to what is at hand. Generally we perform in banquet spaces, dining rooms, hotels, restaurants, conference centers and theaters. The question usually comes down to an ability to be seen and heard by the audience. The real answer is that you should contact us if you have a venue that you have a question about and we are certain that we can find a way to make it work.
Q: You don't seem to be located near me, can you still perform for us?
THEY improv is one of the fastest growing murder mystery companies in the country. We currently operate in all 50 states, though some of the more remote areas might be for a fee. You should simply ask and we might already be there. Additionally, we can serve other areas with a slight charge for travel that may have us still your least expensive option. And if we are not the least expensive? Isn't having the best worth it?
Q: What are your prices for a show?
Because every corporate event and private party is custom designed you have to contact THEY improv directly to receive a quote for your banquet. Prices range based on the costs for a show. The more actors, the more props, the larger the event, the more the writing, the higher the cost. There are an extreme number of options to take into account. Shows in more isolated areas or in busy times such as the holidays may be for slightly more. Likewise, predictive weather and limitations on transportation can cause problems. Some areas have more of our actors and others may require bringing people in from other provinces. Simply contact us to find out more. The prices are also independent of venue, food and technical equipment such as lights and sound. Contact us for a detailed quote.
Q: Will these shows work at a luncheon?
Even though we call them dinners, the reality is that a lot of our events take place during the day. Lunch is quite common and it operates basically the same, though often there is no cocktail hour. It can be a great idea to entertain your employees without keeping them after hours. Likewise, an ambush at lunch works well with our people to look like a regular team building group or lecturer. Contact us to find ideas that might work for your group based on your timing.
Q: Are there gunshots at your shows?
Generally no, but we work based on our direction from our clients. Based on the desires of the client, we may have gunshots (blanks, of course), stabbings, etc. All such things are usually done to comedic effect and may require authorization of the venue and appropriate security staffs. Likewise, the Client must indemnify us and indicate to potential guests with any conditions the inherent issues or concerns. If you are the one hiring us for a private party or corporate event, then whether there are gunshots is up to you. But as mentioned, we'd recommend not to have them.
Locations. We have people already in most major cities around the country or can make arrangements if needed. This includes the top cities such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, Phoenix, Denver, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Atlanta, Charlotte and practically anywhere else you can imagine. We also have access to Canada, Mexico and the islands of the Caribbean if you would like to conduct something while at a retreat. Simply contact us to find out how we can help you.
Contact Us. Contact us by email at info@murdertherapy.com or by calling (866) 219-4386.