Have you ever wanted to go to a party where your only job is to gossip and dig up as much personal dirt as possible? Of course you have, and NOW YOU CAN! Space Shipped: An Interactive, Sci-Fi, Rom-Com Mystery Party is a brand new, online show by Phoenix Tears Productions. Space Shipped is a delightful combination of relationship drama, intergalactic personalities, and even a celestial flea circus.
We were so thrilled to attend one of last weekend’s virtual performances of Space Shipped Online! While the show features much lighter vibes and content than many of Phoenix Tears’ other productions, it still has all the immersive storytelling we’ve come to expect from this unique theatre company. We can’t wait to tell you about our experience. Thank you, Phoenix Tears Productions, for inviting us out!
About Phoenix Tears Productions
But before we engage with the science fiction world of Space Shipped, let me tell you about Phoenix Tears Productions! This exceptional, woman-led theater company specializes in immersive storytelling and innovative production methods. As a huge fan of this group, I’ve had the opportunity to enjoy all four of their creative mediums: 360º physical soundscapes, interactive telephone calls (yes, you read that right), traditional stage shows, and Zoom-based performances. No matter what style of performance or production, I am consistently amazed at Phoenix Tears’ ability to create captivating stories, fascinating worlds, and totally immersive experiences.
Space Shipped Online is a virtual version of an in-person performance (Space Shipped was previously performed in Orlando in February 2024). Using Zoom video conferencing software, this show combines a specially designed storyline, engaging characters, and audience participation to build a believable world that is accessible through the lens of your computer. Because the central plot revolves around virtual interactions with alien species and interplanetary communication with friends, this production is no less immersive than an in-person performance. With such a carefully crafted story, it is easy to lose yourself in this imaginary world – even without leaving your home.
The Space Shipped Experience
After purchasing your ticket for Space Shipped, you’ll receive an email with a unique Zoom link. Click on that link at the specified performance time to enter the “theater” and start your experience!
Space Shipped Story
Drastically different than Phoenix Tear’s other Zoom-based productions (Posthumous, Afterlife Job Fair, Cold Case) Space Shipped is a story of missed romantic connections, interpersonal drama, and shrewd interference. Here’s a synopsis of the show, according to the Phoenix Tears’ website:
Space Shipped Online is a sci-fi rom-com set in a spaceport orbiting around Jupiter. Max, the spaceport proprietor, is celebrating her birthday and wants the celebration to be accessible to all! That’s why this party is going virtual! MAVEN, her android companion, has helped out with a party at the virtual spaceport that anyone can tune in to. Log on to a portal that looks remarkably similar to earthling “zoom” and celebrate with us.
About the World of Space Shipped
Taking place aboard the Wayward Outpost, it’s time to celebrate! Today is Max’s birthday, and she wants everyone to join the party. Logging into the virtual system, guests are invited to explore a set of breakout rooms where they can interact with other Earthling guests as well as a variety of spacefaring characters.
But there’s more to this party than meets the eye. As audience members chat with other attendees and explore the virtual venues, they’ll start to uncover a tangled web of failed relationships, unrequited crushes, spurned friends, and other gossip-worthy interpersonal tension. This is your chance to be as nosy as you want! So get in there, ask questions, and stir up some drama!
Space Shipped: How It Works
As with many of Phoenix Tear’s Zoom-based shows, the audience plays an active role in the story! Party goers will be able to move freely around several “breakout rooms,” interacting with different characters and finding out their perspective on important situations. As you dig up more details, you might be charged with relaying information to a different character, consoling a heartbroken alien, or even secretly gathering information for a covert mission. It’s a very “choose your own adventure” style of performance, and I love it!
If you’re not familiar with Zoom, that’s ok! Participants will receive a brief tutorial at the start of the show, so everyone knows all the necessary facets to complete the experience. After the tutorial and a short introduction to the story, guests will be released to freely move through several breakout rooms. At certain important points in the show, all participants will be moved into a central chat – so no one misses any of the vital plot points.
Freaky Thoughts – Space Shipped Online: An Interactive, Sci-Fi, Rom-Com Mystery Party
As a huge fan of Phoenix Tears Productions, I’ve experienced several of their Zoom-based performances. This was definitely my favorite! While I enjoy the darker Posthumous world, the opportunity to freely gossip and ask questions was really unique. Plus, the sci-fi overlay was so fun!
While all of Phoenix Tears virtual productions encourage interaction and active participation, I found that Space Shipped featured even more freedom and audience autonomy than others I’ve encountered. I was able to simply move through the party, talking to people and making connections. I asked questions and found out lots of gritty details!
PLUS – the multiple room format means that there are several storylines unfolding at any given time. There’s A LOT going on in this show. I am sure you could attend Space Shipped on multiple dates and have a completely different experience each time.
Space Shipped is an incredibly memorable show with the unique opportunity to actively gossip and ask all sorts of nosy questions with no personal consequences. If this sounds at all appealing to you, I highly recommend you check it out this weekend!
Getting Tickets to Space Shipped Online
There are three more chances to see Space Shipped Online! Running March 14-16, you can buy your tickets on ticketleap.com. All remaining shows start at 7pm EST.
Once you have booked your dated ticket, you will receive a Zoom link in your specified email inbox. If you have not received this email at least two hours before showtime, be sure to check your spam folder.
While Space Shipped is a completely virtual show, you will need to make sure you are in a quiet room with little distractions. There is a lot going on at the Wayward Spaceport, and you don’t want to miss it!
Learn more about Phoenix Tears Productions at phoenixtearsproductions.com, and make sure to follow them on Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), and Facebook!
Know Before You Go
- 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 will need to know a few basic Zoom functions. However, at the very beginning of your Space Shipped experience, you will receive a short tutorial on the software. Don’t worry if you aren’t already familiar with the Zoom interface.
- 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 ask questions and get involved!
- 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!
