What's Happening?
DrownedOut Productions, a new immersive theater company, is launching 'People in the Dark,' an interactive ghost tour in Los Angeles. The production is the brainchild of Jackson Mancuso and Josiah Evaristo, who work in the theme park industry by day. The show, which opens on Friday and runs through Halloween, is set in a downtown storefront and draws inspiration from the 1950 noir film 'Sunset Boulevard.' It aims to explore themes of old Hollywood glamour and artistic exploitation. The production is intimate, with each performance limited to seven guests, encouraging personal interaction with the cast. The creators have infused lessons from their day jobs at Universal Studios Hollywood and Walt Disney Imagineering into the show, combining theme park-like art direction with budget-friendly immersive theater.
Why It's Important?
The launch of 'People in the Dark' highlights a growing trend in immersive theater, where audiences seek more interactive and personal experiences. This production could influence the entertainment industry by demonstrating the viability of small-scale, intimate performances that offer unique storytelling experiences. It also reflects a shift towards more tactile and real interactions, as opposed to the increasingly automated experiences in theme parks. The success of such productions could encourage more creators to explore similar ventures, potentially leading to a diversification of entertainment options available to the public. Additionally, it underscores the importance of creative innovation in the arts, particularly in a city like Los Angeles, which is steeped in cinematic history.
What's Next?
As 'People in the Dark' runs through Halloween, its reception could determine the future of DrownedOut Productions and similar immersive theater projects. If successful, it may pave the way for more productions that blend traditional theater with interactive elements. The creators, Mancuso and Evaristo, aim to break even with this production, and its financial performance will likely influence their ability to produce future shows. The production's success could also inspire other theater companies to explore similar themes and formats, potentially leading to a broader acceptance and popularity of immersive theater experiences.
Beyond the Headlines
The production of 'People in the Dark' also raises questions about the sustainability and accessibility of immersive theater. As these productions often require unique venues and small audience sizes, they may face challenges in scaling up or reaching a wider audience. Additionally, the focus on themes of artistic exploitation in the show could spark discussions about the treatment of artists in the entertainment industry, both historically and in contemporary settings. This could lead to a broader conversation about the ethical responsibilities of creators and producers in the arts.
