Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why should my group or company hold a murder mystery event?
2. What happens at a mystery event?
3. Where is the best place to hold a mystery event?
4. What size group works best?
5. What's the best length for a mystery event?
6. What kind of scenario would best suit our group?
7. How will my group become involved?
8. What other reasons besides pure entertainment are reasons to have a murder mystery event?
9. How many actors should be involved?
10. Will my guests be able to solve the mystery?
11. Why should we choose Murder on the Menu?

Why should my group or company hold a murder mystery event?

Murder Mystery events are a unique way of getting people to interact at a meeting, convention, holiday party, awards dinner, conference, FAM trip, appreciation / incentive event, or fundraiser. As California's most experienced mystery company, Murder on the Menu will create a scenario which will spice up your event. Murder on the Menu adds suspense and intrigue to any and every event.

What happens at a mystery event?

At a Murder on the Menu mystery event, you and your guests are treated to the "crime of your life." Your guests become involved in an interactive series of murders. Your guests are given individual clues, obituaries, news clippings and other tangible items which will assist them in solving all the dastardly deeds as your guests become sleuths and suspects. In addition, they are treated to a spectacular participatory experience facilitated by a colorful cast of characters performed by professional actors.

Where is the best place to hold a mystery event?

The sky's the limit. Murder on the Menu can perform in hot air balloons, on yachts, trains, in mansions, hotels, restaurants, wineries, at convention centers, business sites or personal homes. Murder on the Menu will work with you to choose the right site for your event.

What size group works best?

Some companies say that mystery events can't be done for over 100 people. WRONG. Murder on the Menu can and has created unique mystery events for intimate groups of 7 and crowds as large as 5000. Our actors are excellent at involving any size group. Our writer, Janet A. Rudolph, and our directors work with you, the facility, and the number in your group to create a successful production based on the size of your group.

What's the best length for a mystery event?

Because Murder on the Menu tailors the mystery event to your specifications, you determine the length of the event. A typical event over lunch, cocktails or dinner is 2 to 3 hours. However, since you determine the time-frame, Murder on the Menu can create mystery events which take place over longer or shorter periods of time, even up to a whole week of murderous fun!

What kind of scenario would best suit our group?

Murder on the Menu does not give you a laundry list of scripts from which to choose; instead we consult with you to create a mystery that will best complement your group. Having been in the business for over 10 years, we know what works. We can create a contemporary mystery modeled on your company's successes in the past year or we can create a mystery set in the Roaring 20s, on the Barbary Coast (great for conventions in San Francisco), at the Treasure Island World's Fair (1939) or any time period or place you choose. We work with you to create a mystery which will best serve you and the needs of your group.

How will my group become involved?

Because individuals in the audience can become "characters" (both suspects and sleuths), our professional actors, who are highly skilled in interactive theatre, involve your guests from the moment they walk in the door. Murder on the Menu's mysteries utilize information about your group, which is an immediate hook. In addition, Murder on the Menu gives each guest a personal clue and a brief synopsis of the characters and instructions on how to play. Our professional actors and directors facilitate the entire event.

What other reasons besides pure entertainment are reasons to have a murder mystery event?

Since every corporation, fundraiser, and association has different goals, Murder on the Menu consults with you to determine what your objectives are. Murder on the Menu mystery events can integrate team-building, problem-solving and other communication skills into any event. Some clients have used our mystery events as ice-breakers, fundraisers, functional breaks between intense meetings, or for the introduction of new products. We've even created a mystery for one of the most unique events -- a wedding!

How many actors should be involved?

Although some companies will tell you that the number of actors determines the cost and the success of a mystery, Murder on the Menu has found during our 10 years' experience that too many actors "spoil the broth." Four to seven actors is just the right number for most groups. This allows the group to familiarize themselves with the actors (suspects!) and not become overwhelmed by characters. In addition, Murder on the Menu has a professional event coordinator at each production who works with the caterer, the facility, the actors, and you to insure a successful production.

Will my guests be able to solve the mystery?

Fair play is the most important component of every Murder on the Menu production. Murder on the Menu creates mysteries with fair play in mind. Fair play means that all the necessary clues are presented. And, if your guests are attentive sleuths, they can solve the mystery. However, since during the production, they are also eating, drinking, and having a great time, they may have to depend on others (teammates) to solve the mystery. Murder on the Menu creates mysteries with winners. We don't pull them out of a hat. Your guests are treated to a satisfying mystery with a rational solution.

Why should we choose Murder on the Menu?

With Murder on the Menu, you are getting the best. Murder on the Menu creates customized scripts written by Janet A. Rudolph, director of Mystery Readers International, and performed by Murder on the Menu's professional theatre company. Each script is designed to meet the needs and goals of your group. Murder on the Menu supplies everything to make your mystery event spectacular. For your next event, choose Murder on the Menu.

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