3/12/2010
Written By: By Aleksandra Vujicic
Category: Entertainment  
School(s): Des Moines Hoover  

As part of Des Moines Hoover's thespian fundraiser requirements, senior Alyssa Gourd and sophomore Jay Jacobson came up with the idea of a murder mystery dinner theater. During dinner the audience becomes a lead role in a sudden death mystery.

“We’re required to raise $500 (as thespians) and my dad does it for a career. He did it a few years before for Hoover when my sister was here,” Jacobson said.

Audience members will receive dinner from Felix & Oscar while watching a mystery unfold as actors interact with everyone in the room in the hopes of finding who among them murdered the hostess.

“Expect the unexpected because there’s no actual script and you never know what’s going to happen next,” Jacobson said.

The interactive production calls for a cast of 12 with additional servers who also are in character. Each performer gets a role but there are few lines, making the show heavily dependent on improvisation. The script loosely guides the actors with a storyline they must follow.

“No experience is needed to audition. It’s a low time commitment, it’s fun and it’s like being inside CSI,” Gourd said.

Performers would be able to develop improvisation skills and act one on one with the audience, which is a change from main stage shows.

“They’re going to have to stay in character and keep what they’re doing fresh and interesting,” Jacobson said.

The show will be directed by assistant drama director Billy Kirby and mime coach Melissa Chavas.

“I’m always excited to work with Hoover drama, any opportunity. The students come up with a cool and unique project like this; I want to help,” Kirby said.

Kirby also hopes this opportunity draws in some students who haven’t yet realized their potential in theater.

“It’s a unique opportunity for actors with another kind of theater and setting. You learn how to maintain and stay true to your character and what you say is meaningful with the story,” Kirby said.

The dinner theater is one of the few productions organized by students. Gourd and Jacobson along with other thespians have been in charge of finding a venue, talking to caterers, getting auditions and show dates approved and organized publicity with posters and press releases.

“I’ve learned that trying to do a production is a lot of hard work and it takes organization and patience. If we do everything we need to do, it will be a very successful fundraiser, maybe the most successful of the year,” Jacobson said.

Gourd is looking forward to participating and performing in a new situation with new people.

“It’s a good way of showcasing Hoover drama which is a part of promoting good representation in our community. All money benefits Hoover drama. It’s going to be a fun night full of dramatic mystery,” Gourd said.

With new skills comes a rewarded night in which all talents are showcased in close proximity of each audience member.

“Hoover drama students have a unique passion for performing. It will be a lot more intimate for the audience and actors alike. There’s no dinner theater in the metro area so it’s a great opportunity to have a different kind of theatrical experience,” Kirby said.