A weekly feature pointing you towards the current experiences that have people talking.
For people who look back surprised by how bulky the first iPod was…
Hollow Medium [PODCAST/ARG REMOTE]**
A peculiar sound floated over the din of the ballroom housing Midsummer Scream’s many vendors this past weekend in Los Angeles. The curious were drawn to the tinny, scratching sound of a wax cylinder phonograph projecting the unmistakable cadence of something poised to begin. A narrative horror podcast set to premier a new episode every Sunday on October leading up to Halloween, Hollow Medium purports to be a series of found recordings originally created by Lenora Bowen, the bartender of a speakeasy in 1926 attempting to document the paranormal activity she begins to experience. Found decades later in an abandoned steamer trunk, these wax cylinders are etched with a haunting story available wherever podcasts materialize.
Why we think you’ll love it: In the lead-up to the pod, Granville House Productions plans to lift the veil between our world and Lenora's. Visitors to their booth were greeted by representatives in character offering clues directing them to other platforms and potential points of contact. The creative team is stacked with talent connected to both immersive and traditional media at the highest level, suggesting that this investigation may lead early adopters in surprising directions prior to October.
For people who know they never won that stuffed bear because the ring toss was totally rigged…
(F)unfair [SEATTLE]
Local company Dacha Theatre partners with the Boston-based Playable Theatre Project and others to bring their community a fully interactive and immersive funfair to remember. As you walk the familiar grounds enjoying every diversion the fair has to offer— games of chance and skill, roving performers trained to astound, and delectably indulgent treats both sweet and savory, you gradually become aware of the darker shadows cast by the colorful lights. A deeper narrative emerges as you're faced with the ungilded truth of what it takes to travel around the country bringing joy to others. Will you take it upon yourself to seek out the problems plaguing the fair and bring about real change for the carnival folk? Or maybe you just want another cotton candy?
Why we think you’ll love it: Working on dual diverting levels as both a real fair complete with food, games, and sideshow acts while also featuring immersive performers itching to pull you into the secret, agency-driven plots that will ultimately decide the night’s outcome, this PAY WHAT YOU CAN event has all the thrills and surprises of a real county fair and then some.
For people who are curious about that game the Stranger Things kids are always talking about...
The Twenty-Sided Tavern [EDINBURGH]
Another stop in a long and profitable quest, the adaptive adventurers of this interactive comedy based on the ubiquitous fantasy roleplaying institution Dungeons & Dragons roll for initiative at the Edinburgh Fringe. A cast of remarkably flexible performers improvise their way through a staged quest where the outcome is unknown— because it is entirely based on audience suggestion. Using a specialized web based interface audiences are frequently asked to weigh in on story points at every level, from the characters the actors play, to battle strategies, riddle solving, and all the twists and turns taken along the path. With improv as sharp as a Drow swashbuckler’s cutlass and innovative tech as wondrous as any wizard’s cantrip, this never-the-same-tale-twice is one call to adventure you should absolutely heed.
Why we think you’ll love it: With sold out runs already posted in New York, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh, this is a proven brand sure to delight everyone in your party, whatever age, class, or race they may be.
**This listing was suggested by community member Ryan Denison. Thanks, Ryan! Have an upcoming/ongoing immersive experience that has you buzzing? Point it out to us through pitches@noproscenium.com with the subject line "Trailheads" and we might include it in the next issue!