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How to Start A Murder Mystery Dinner Theater Company

Murder Mystery Dinners are great fun for the audience and the participants. If you want to start a company of your own, here's how.

Things You'll Need

  • Actors
  • Venue
  • Story
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Instructions

    • 1

      Get your hands on a murder mystery script (or better yet, write your own).

    • 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).

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 5

      Self-promote. Tell everyone you know about your new venture. Drum up business.

Dinner Theater

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