Helpful Mystery Dinner Theater Play Information

Below you will find answers to frequently asked questions about mystery plays by Nancy Bond:

How does hosting a Mystery Dinner Theater work?

1. Read through script descriptions to get ideas and inspiration: Mysteries
2. Complete the short Preview Form. (Free Previews are emailed.)
3. Decide which play best fits your group.
4. Complete the Order Form. (Call Nancy to pay or Select invoice to be emailed.)
5. Pay by either: Credit Card over the phone, or with PayPal, or by check in the mail.
6. Quickly receive mystery script and extras by email.
7. Practice for 6 – 8 weeks while also organizing food, decor, and ticket sales.
8. Host an unforgettable event!

What are the benefits of hosting a Mystery Dinner Play?

First, a big perk of this event is just how much fun it is! Participants get to shine and show off their incredible talents in fresh and exciting ways. It’s amazing how people discover hidden talents they never knew they had—like acting skills, culinary flair, a knack for decorating, or even the ability to whip up some eye-catching props!

Another wonderful aspect is the close-knit friendships that blossom among cast members. The crew create a unique and special bond that lasts well beyond the event. Plus, the audience has a blast! Attendees will be buzzing about the experience for weeks!

This event also serves as a fantastic gateway to introduce your church or organization to others. It promises clean, entertaining fun that brings lots of laughter, which is exactly what our community needs, especially during tough times.

Plus, many groups have found that these mystery dinner theaters turn out to be their most successful fundraisers ever! It’s a win-win all around!

What makes these scripts from Theater 4 Church the right choice for us?

Each script is crafted with both the cast and the audience in mind. The audience will follow a strong plot line filled with unexpected twists and turns experienced by believable characters. Guests will be rewarded for their ingenious skills of game play and deductive reasoning. Additionally, the audience will enjoy the bonus table games and conspiring with others.

The cast will portray characters with depth and with whom they can resonate. Producers will benefit from budget-friendly sets and costumes. Decorators can explore the creative themes. Directors will discover scripts where words do not need to be edited, ensuring a smooth production process. Moreover, consideration is given to maintaining the integrity of the narrative; for instance, kissing or other awkward scenes for non-married couples are not included.

Based on extensive personal experience and feedback from others, these scripts successfully balance character action with clue-giving dialogue. They encourage audience involvement, fit the length of the evening, and cater to both new actors and seasoned professionals, all while keeping exciting themes within budget constraints.

Another great advantage is that there will be no additional items like play logos or advertising outlines for you to feel pressured to purchase. Each script includes all the documents you need to host a spectacular event.

What is the length and structure of the drama portion of the mystery event?

Each of the full-length scripts lasts approximately one hour in total for the 3 drama sections. The structure is as follows:

- Play Section 1: An opening scene which begins the storyline and introduces characters for 10 to 15 minutes.
- During dinner, the cast mingles with guests.
- Play Section 2: The main entertaining story segment lasts 40 to 45 minutes. A crime takes place at the end.
- During dessert, the audience submits their accusation cards guessing who is guilty.
- Play Section 3: A final scene, which reveals who is guilty lasts 5- 10 minutes.

These timings are estimates and may vary for each group based on factors such as audience participation, stage size, and the experience level of the actors.

How long does a typical evening last?

Each event lasts about 2 – 2½ hours. Shorter events can be accomplished by having only dessert and/or appetizers. When you request a preview, you will receive a sample schedule for that script.

Are any of the mystery plays comedies?

YES! Absolutely! Each one is bursting with excitement and humor, just waiting for your one-of-a-kind cast to bring it to life and create an unforgettable event!

Which scripts are the top 3 easiest to perform?

1. Suspect Hollywood is the simplest full-length script of about an hour. Since most of the characters are imitating famous personas, actors and actresses can easily step into their roles. Additionally, they often hold a script to portray auditions, creating fewer lines to memorize.

2. Who’s Cookin’? is the shortest full-length script at about 55 minutes. It’s packed with entertainment and fun! It's definitely a fantastic choice that promises to keep your group thoroughly engaged!

3. Kidnapped: A Chocolate Whodunit is a medium-size script at about 45 minutes. It’s loads of fun, offers a dual mystery, and features a chocolate theme.

If your event is approaching quickly, a mini-mystery may be your best choice. The casts for the three mini-mysteries are designed for youth/students or individuals in their twenties.

What kind of message do the mystery dramas have?

My beliefs naturally influence each script I write. Themes such as the importance of family, love, forgiveness, and trust are prevalent. However, there isn’t an intense moral message in the stories. Since the dramas are thematic mysteries, the plots focus on making certain characters appear guilty while providing the audience with clues to solve the crime.

If you choose to, you can select options such as “The Greatest Mystery in History” which segues the mystery theme with the mystery of why any person would choose to reject Jesus Christ. You'll likely notice that one of the evening's key messages will focus on how attendees treat each other, particularly those who are strangers!

By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:35 (NAS)

Interesting Story about The Message Interesting Story about The Message

Are these mysteries suitable for groups that are not religious?

Absolutely Yes!

These dramas have been performed by thousands of organizations across the U.S. as well as Canada, Australia, and Europe. Scripts have been utilized by both novice and experienced drama troupes, youth groups, libraries, schools, hospitals, cheer teams, camps, homeschoolers …

What if our group is concerned about presenting a play containing a murder?

You’ll be pleased to know there are several scripts available featuring theft or sabotage rather than murder:

Sabotage on “The Ultimate Server”; The Conundrum on the Crackerjack Cruise; The Case of the Sinister Senior Sabotage, The Circus Charade, Mystery on the Serengeti Safari, Who’s Cookin’?, New York Dreams, and The Hawaiian Heist

Also, in Suspect Hollywood, Murder at Mikes, and Wrangle at Red Mountain Ranch the murders are/can be attempted murder. (Though in Wrangle at Red Mountain Ranch there are gunfights acted out in the Old West Scene.)

If you decide to present a "murder mystery," you can be assured that nothing gruesome will be shown. The murders are not glorified; instead, they are depicted as terrible choices with serious consequences. Sometimes, we need a reminder that when life becomes difficult, we may be tempted to react inappropriately. However, God is always there to guide us through.

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. I Corinthians 10:13 (NAS)

Why a Murder Mystery in the Church? Why a Murder Mystery in the Church?

How is dinner integrated into presenting the play?

Guests will be provided with appetizers upon arrival. Then, at your stated start time, your host will encourage everyone to be seated and turn their chairs to face the stage. The first scene is presented. This scene will introduce all the characters and get the audience speculating about what’s going to happen next, who seems suspicious, what crime they think will occur...

Next, as dinner is served, the cast mingles with the guests. They can discuss their thoughts, ad-lib thematic chit chat, and work on the table game. After dinner, the main portion of the script is presented. Towards the end, a crime occurs.

Dessert is served as each audience member makes a final decision about who is guilty and turns in an accusation card. The final scene is presented which will identify the guilty person. The cast takes a bow and the host returns to announce the evening’s winners.

What if we have never done anything like this before?

You can do this! 1 - Allow yourself time to plan and practice. 2 - Pick a script that is not too difficult. 3 - Involve several team members that have specific areas they are in charge of.

Mystery Dinner Tips and Suggestions Mystery Dinner Tips and Suggestions

What is the most common food to serve?

There are some highly delicious options out there including BBQ, kabobs, chicken, hamburgers, turkey, meatloaf... But the winner for most frequent is ... spaghetti! It must be the least expensive and easiest to feed to a crowd because it is most often found on the dinner theater menu.
The most common side dish: Green beans

I recommend considering the theme of the script when planning the menu, but be willing to go with what your chef is most enthusiastic about preparing.

Another money saving tip is to have volunteers bring the dessert. People love to show off their baking skills.

What is a typical price for each ticket?

It depends on your target audience. Probably the price I see the most often is $15 or $20 per ticket. The highest cost I’ve seen is $35 which was for a fundraiser. (For this price the food, set, and the acting must be amazing!)

I have also seen tickets as low $5 where a church served hot dogs and chips like at the movies. (The script was “movie” based “Suspect Hollywood.”)

With today’s economy, there are many people who will struggle with high prices. I suggest having various coupon codes that you can quietly give to potential attendees. Also, if you ask, there are generous people who will sponsor others.

Naturally, charging children a smaller amount helps families with large costs.

Many groups charge $5 extra for “Up Close” or “Gold Circle” seating. Be sure to diligently organize, chart, and label the tables that are set aside and which guests will sit where.

How many people normally attend?

If you do advance advertising, you can sell as many tickets as you have chairs available! Start advertising about 8 weeks out to give people a chance to put it on their calendars.

The most common number of attendees per night that I see is about 100. But many groups with large rooms accomodate 250.

How do we get the free preview?

Select the “PREVIEW” link at the top of the page. Complete the short Preview Form with your name, organization name, and email. Check the name of the script you would like to preview.

Then, you will be emailed three PDF documents: A portion of the script for you to understand the flow, a list of characters to determine if you have the right people to fill the cast, and a suggested schedule.

When you have made your decision about ordering, the preview material is to be deleted from your computer.

What does the cost of $125 include?

First, you will be emailed a fun, quality script. Many of the scripts have more than one option for endings. And since most groups only present 1-3 shows, you’re allowed up to 3 performances before you are required to pay any royalty.

Plus, there are numerous extra documents for you to use in creating the best event possible. Get it all started with set-up suggestions and schedules. Advertising helps include various size logos, handouts, and letter-size posters. There is help with decorating such as table numbers and signs. And lots of helpful documents to give the audience including ballots, playbills, itineraries, table games, crime solution accusation cards, character descriptions, and the Greatest Mystery in History handout which shares the plan of salvation in a creative way.

Once we order and pay, how long does it take to receive the script by email?

You will receive the script within 24 hours of M-F business days. If you pay on Saturday, then you will most likely receive the script that day or Monday at the latest. Sundays are my day of rest and no business is done on that day.

How many copies of the script are we allowed print?

You may print as many scripts as needed for actors, directors, lighting, sound, stage hands, … Copies should be numbered and cataloged as to who gets which one. After the production is complete, ALL copies are to be collected and stored together in a single file (to use again one day with royalties) or destroyed together.

How many performances are we permitted to have?

You may have up to 3 performances at the SAME VENUE within one year of your first presentation. Additional performances will require a royalty payment of $35 per performance.

What kind of changes can we make?

NO deletions, alterations, or changes of any kind are allowed unless directly authorized by the author. The title of the play shall not be changed. Character names shall not be changed.

Heart, soul, research, and HARD WORK is crafted into these scripts! If an organization makes naïve, unapproved changes it can destroy diligent efforts to create flow, consistency, personalities, clues, foreshadowing, and/or believability.

I DO realize that there are circumstances when changes are needed for specific situations. I am very open to this need. To request permission, please email Nancy Bond PRIOR to making or practicing the desired changes to ask for permission.

Please know, I DO want you to add fun interjections and very short responsive lines that continue in the spirit of the drama and keep it flowing in a natural way. Also, staging may be done to best fit the needs of your organization.

Is it legal to videotape the production?

No. You must get permission to record the production.

Please email me and let me know exactly who and what the video will be used for. I will reply by email to let you know if that will or will not be acceptable.

I understand that most groups simply want to have a video for their own enjoyment and fun memories. But if you video your production and put it on YouTube, that’s like going to a movie and recording it. Other people see the ending which spoils the mystery!

Has the playwright, Nancy Bond ever presented any of these mysteries that she has written?

Yes! Over the years, I've had the incredible opportunity to perform nearly every mystery. Being involved with three different churches has even allowed me to present a few of them twice.

My first mystery dinner was Suspect Hollywood. At that time, my church had about 125 attendees each week, and we met in a high school. We faced several challenges, such as not having enough microphones and needing a free venue where we could perform. However, I believed that with God, all things are possible.

We practiced at my house and in a community room at the public library. I’m so thankful, a nearby church graciously let us use their gym and even loaned us extra microphones for the performance. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as we welcomed over 150 guests!

The event was a spectacular success! The joy on the faces of both the cast and the audience was truly rewarding. This experience showed me that, together, we can overcome obstacles and create unforgettable memories!

ABOUT NANCY BOND

HOW TO PREVIEW

HOW TO ORDER

Nancy reveals a zeal and passion for the dramatic arts. Some may find it surprising that a person who cherishes expressive arts majored in Mathematics and Teaching. Nancy is convinced that we don’t need to choose between being “right or left brained.” Thus, she strongly encourages people of all ages to get involved in creative arts. Read More.

For FREE script previews -- go to Preview Form. Submit your name and organization along with the script(s) you would like emailed. You will receive 3 PDF documents: 1) A portion of the script for you to understand the flow; 2) A list of characters to determine if you have the right people to fill the cast; and 3) A suggested schedule for the evening.

To order a Mystery Play or Christmas Themed Script go to Order Form. You will receive a PayPal invoice by email to pay with a credit card on PayPal. OR If you prefer - Call with your credit card information. (Checks are also accepted.) Then, after your payment has been received, the script as a PDF Document and extras will all be emailed to you quickly.