 | Mike Wasson, aka “Big Mike” has been the executive producer and director of Big Mike’s Little Theater since he founded the theater troupe in December of 2001. Mike has produced over 18 different mystery productions and has performed for over 40,000 guests in and around Wichita. He has been involved in local theater for over 30 years as an actor, technician, director and producer which includes performances at Kechi Playhouse, Wichita Community Theater, Crown Uptown Professional Dinner Theater, Wichita Childrens Theater, several area community theaters and a few stints for local television commercials. You can reach Big Mike (316) 806-8411 |
Entertainment
2006-07-01 08:29:00
What is interactive dinner theater?
Question: What is interactive dinner theater?
ANSWER: There are many different types of theater. In traditional theaters the audience pays admission, enters and simply watches the performance. For the past 25 years dinner theaters have increased in popularity. Dinner Theaters generally include a buffet style dinner before the evening’s performance. An interactive dinner theater is different.The venue for the performance of an interactive dinner theatre is the dining area. The interaction takes place as soon as the audience arrives as the actors, in character, welcome the guests and escorts them to their tables. More cast members introduce themselves while serving beverages to the newly arrived guests. At this time the audience is introduced to the theme of the play and informed why they are really there. Audience members are now guests at a wedding reception, family members at a family reunion, or members of a fraternal group enjoying a dinner cruise aboard the Starship in outer space.Soon the audience begins to notice the absence of a stage. Interactive dinner theaters do not use a stage so the actors perform in and around the audience. As the story unfolds, audience members are encouraged, bribed and even shanghaied to participate in the show performing small roles, such as, the best man at the wedding, cheerleaders at the High School reunion or cooks at a Chili Cook-off.During the course of the evening at an interactive dinner theatre, one of the cast members may get “bumped off” and it’s up to the audience to help solve “Whodunit”. The multi-course course meal is served progressively during the performance by the actors while in character. If an actress plays the part of a grumpy old woman, chances are, a grumpy old woman is going to serve your dinner. It’s during the serving of the dinner when things get interesting as the audience members are allowed to freely talk to the actors and try to obtain clues to help solve the evening’s mystery. As the show concludes, the audience fills out solution forms stating who they think “dun nit!”! The solutions are read following the performance and prizes are awarded for correct answers, funny answers and even stupidly creative answers.You will remember and enjoy many different entertainment events throughout your life. Among the most enjoyed and most remembered will be your attendance at an interactive dinner theater.
