Things You'll Need:
- Actors
- Venue
- Story
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Step 1
Get your hands on a murder mystery script (or better yet, write your own).
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Step 2
Create a business plan/proposal. Use non-union actors who will work for $1 to $2 per plate sold. (If you have an audience of 100 each person would make $100 to $200 for 2 to 3 hours work).
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Step 3
Unless you want to start your own restaurant, visit local venues. Stay away from any chain. What works best is a fine dining establishment in an old building or house. Talk to the owners and present them your business plan. Guests are willing to pay extra for entertainment. A cast of 5 at $2 per plate only raises the cost of meal $10. If the establishment owner charges $20 extra that's $10 pure profit for him (not to mention any additional sales throughout the night). Do Weekend only shows to start and go from there.
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Step 4
Cast. People are far more willing to audition when they know money is involved. Cast people age appropriate to the roles (no 20 year old playing a grandfather). Double cast just to make sure.
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Step 5
Self-promote. Tell everyone you know about your new venture. Drum up business.
Comments
maxspahn said
on 3/9/2009 What? No mention of quality of actors? Experience? Talent? What about the audio production elements of sound accoustics in the wrong restaurants where crowd noise makes for a bad theater experience? Should actors be auditioned based upon cold reads of scripts? The problem is, that too many people think that anyone can start a murder mystery company - then, once they try it and the public gives it a bad review, then they are more prone to having a dim outlook on ALL murder mystery shows!
maxspahn said
on 3/9/2009 What? No mention of quality of actors? Experience? Talent? What about the audio production elements of sound accoustics in the wrong restaurants where crowd noise makes for a bad theater experience? Should actors be auditioned based upon cold reads of scripts? The problem is, that too many people think that anyone can start a murder mystery company - then, once they try it and the public gives it a bad review, then they are more prone to having a dim outlook on ALL murder mystery shows!
maxspahn said
on 3/9/2009 What about the talent level of actors? What about production logistics of crowded busy restaurants versus ideal room venues? No mention here of professional theatrical production or elements that all contribute for a postive, successful show.