From Phoenix Tears Productions, the brilliant minds that brought you Infected: An Immersive Horror Audio-Drama, comes Posthumous; a virtual, interactive experience where audience members can actually influence the events and outcome of the show! Orlando Decoded had the opportunity to preview this production, and I have to say that this is one of the most unique pieces of performance art that I have seen. It was completely different than anything I’ve experienced, and (spoiler alert) I really enjoyed it!
About Phoenix Tears Productions
A woman-run theater company in Orlando, Phoenix Tears produces innovative performance concepts throughout Central Florida and online. Attending a Phoenix Tears show is to experience a completely new kind of theater, with original storylines and characters and probably presented in a format you’ve never experienced – unless you’ve attended one of their previous productions. Follow their Twitter and Facebook page for updates on current shows and events.
About Posthumous
In the world of Posthumous, the afterlife is digitized. Those wishing to avoid the unknown can have their consciousness and memories uploaded into the system for assimilation into their digital utopia. While there are multiple post-mortal companies from which to choose, Posthumous provides individual attention and interaction with the deceased to aid in memory recovery. This system, known as the Interactive Afterlife Memory System or I AM, best matches its customers with an appropriate afterlife scenario.
You, as an audience member, are on a virtual visit to the Posthumous headquarters. Once you arrive, you’ll find out if you are a potential new employee or investor. Depending on the group to which you are assigned, you will experience interactions with different actors and scenes depicting different pieces of the company and story.
About The Experience
Never having experienced either a virtual show or interactive theater, I really wasn’t sure what to expect. To accomodate for varying levels of comfort with this type of performance, the Phoenix Tears team will send a Google form prior to your show’s start time. The form will include a variety of personality and preference based questions to best “place” you within the Posthumous corporation.
Once the show begins, you’ll learn about the company; and you’ll be divided into one of three groups. The investors will have their own group, and the employees will be separated into either recruitment or recovery. I was placed into the recovery group, which helped new customers (recently deceased) or “blank slates” recall different details and aspects of their lives.
After separating into your groups, you’ll be guided through a series of breakout rooms and actor interactions. Your responses and decisions will directly affect your room placement as well as the ultimate ending of the story. There are FIVE potential tracks and TEN possible endings, all dependent on your actions and those of your fellow audience members.
What You Need To Know
If you’ve never done anything like this before, here are some helpful hints to know before your show begins:
- Pay attention to the chat feature. Other audience members and actors will use it to communicate essential information, and your participation may affect your experience.
- You don’t need to completely understand Zoom. Your host will transport you between breakout rooms without any effort on your part. You don’t need to have a deep understanding of the software, however, you do need to understand how to turn on and off your camera and how to mute and unmute yourself.
- Eliminate distractions. This is a virtual experience, but that doesn’t make it less engaging or immersive than an in-person performance. Hire a baby sitter. Give the dog a treat. Tell your family to stay out of your room (or buy their own ticket for a separate device)! Do what you need to do to focus on the show and participate appropriately.
- You are on a mission. This show is about more than simply conversing with the actors as they tell a story. You are integral part of the show’s plot. You need to be prepared to accept tasks and acquire vital pieces of information.
- Be respectful, but don’t be afraid to speak up. In order to get the information you need, you have to ask questions and interact! Of course, be mindful of the scene situation, but don’t be afraid to play the part you are given.
- Have fun! More than anything, this show is an opportunity to explore a fascinating fictional world and situation. Enjoy it!
Freaky Thoughts
As a fan of live theater, I’ve been skeptical of Zoom shows and virtual outlets promising a performance experience. Posthumous, however, has convinced me that it is still possible to produce quality, engaging productions in a digitally distanced world. With the appropriate premise and setting, I was completely immersed into the experience and just as engaged as I would have been in a physically present performance.
But perhaps the best part of this show is the ever-changing landscape of characters, storylines, and even audience size! With the level of interaction and participation this show encourages, all of the actors are incredibly talented at improvisation. They are, of course, responding to audience questions and comments in real time. Their ability to remain in character while providing this information was astounding.
But even beyond the actors’ abilities, there are so many audience tracks and endings that no two people are likely to see the same story perspective. You and your family member could be attending the show on opposite sides of the same house and have completely different experiences. It makes for fascinating post-performance conversation, and it means you could attend a second time with a completely different process and ending. This unforgettable experience is well worth the ticket price.
Ticket Information
In order to preserve the personal nature of the show, audience sizes are limited.
Be sure to secure your tickets in advance! Buy your tickets online.
Use the discount code Gavin for $5 off your show!
Showdates/Times include:
Dec 5 3pm and 8pm
Dec 6 7pm
Dec 11 8pm
Dec 12 8pm
Dec 13 8pm
You can also enjoy a VIP Experience, including:
- A personalized greeting on Twitter
- Your choice of audience track
- A pre-show interaction with the top two Posthumous employees
Posthumous is best enjoyed individually on a computer or laptop. One additional person may join on the same device, but it will impede your ability to customize the experience.
If you would like more information about Posthumous, visit the website or email megan@phoenixtearsproductions.com.
