Breaking down the fourth wall

Interactive theater attempts to break down the fourth wall, the unseen one between the actors on the stage and the audience.  Here are some ways that observers (the audience) are being welcomed into the actors' world.  All of these examples are from an article published at Guest of a Guest, "NYC Interactive Theater: 7 Shows You'll Want To Immerse Yourself In," dated September, 2013."

Accomplice: The Show

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"This murder mystery scavenger hunt starts with a phone call the day before the show. Accomplice New York is a fun experience for tourists or NYC natives looking to get out and see the sights of lower Manhattan for the day. Actor Neil Patrick Harris loved this show so much, he started an Accomplice experience in Hollywood...," Guest of a Guest

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Then She Fell

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"Enter St. John's, a former mental institution, in Brooklyn to the world of Lewis Carroll's Through the Looking Glass. Allowing only 15 audience members in at a time, Then She Fell takes you into a whimsical and mysterious world of performance. Guests are invited to enjoy treats, drinks and a magical evening...," Guest of a Guest

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Speakeasy Dollhouse (a must-see site -- for tickets try this page)

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"This show gives audience members clues and hints to the unsolved murder mystery before they arrive. Taking place in the Prohibition era, guests make their way through the "dollhouse" and are each given a role to play throughout the evening, encouraging the audience to interact with the performers...," Guest of a Guest

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Some of these shows require preparation, if just mentally.  This article in the Guardian -- "Interactive theatre: five rules of play from an audience perspective" -- may help you know what to expect or hope to experience.

Me, I'm content with the pregnant mystery of an empty stage waiting to be filled.

-- Marge