A brand new, immersive, spooky phone call experience; are you ready to play The Game (written by Amber Fitzsimmons) with Phoenix Tears? Following the company’s earlier phone call-based productions (AI: Perfect Partner, The Ritual), The Game invites audience members to a momentous opportunity: successfully complete two challenges and win one life-changing wish! But with an unsettling game master on the other end of the line, will this strange call go as you expect?
Last week, I had the awesome opportunity to play The Game and discover all its unnerving twists and turns. Having previously experienced phone call-based productions from multiple theatre companies, I can tell you that I am intrigued by the potential of this innovative performance medium. Phone call-based shows provide a unique opportunity for individualized conversations, real time reactions, and simulated lifelike experiences – without ever leaving your couch!
I want to give a HUGE THANK YOU to Phoenix Tears Productions for inviting me to compete in The Game! It was a memorable adventure full of dark themes and spooky moments. I can’t wait to tell you all about it! Now, let’s explore all you can expect in this satisfyingly twisted show: The Game!
About Phoenix Tears Productions
The Game was created by the brilliant and creative minds at Phoenix Tears Productions. I’m a huge fan of this company and their immersive, theatrical works. If you’re new to Phoenix Tears, let me introduce you to this incredible, Orlando-based and woman-led theater group.
Specializing in immersive storytelling and innovative performance methods, Phoenix Tears is well known throughout the Central Florida creative community. Using out-of-the-box mediums and settings, I have also experienced Phoenix Tears’ 360º walking audio dramas (guests wear headphones while moving and interacting with physical spaces) and Zoom-based performances. With every production, Phoenix Tears manages to create enveloping worlds, engaging storylines, and extraordinary experiences. For more about Phoenix Tears, the world of The Game, and their other upcoming projects, check out phoenixtearsproductions.com. You can also follow them on Instagram for all their latest updates!
What is The Game?
An individually-focused, phone call-based production; The Game brings guests into a dark and sinister encounter with a mysterious individual. Promising the chance to win a coveted wish, audience members are asked to complete two very different challenges. Will success really bring the happiness you seek? Or does something about this phone call seem a little…..off? You’ll have to book your own game to find out!
How Does The Game Work?
Booking Your Game
With showtimes currently posted between October 26 and November 3, you can book your game on Phoenix Tears’ website. Please make sure to pick a date and time that allows you to be in a private and quiet location with access to a few key materials.
When booking your experience, you will be asked to fill out a short form. In addition to some general contact information, this form will ask a few more…open-ended questions. While you should never disclose anything you are uncomfortable with, I highly encourage you to be as honest and truthful as possible in your responses. It makes the final interaction and game play so much more unsettling!
Before The Game
Prior to your booked showtime, you will receive an email from your Matire d’Ceremony. This message contains vital information, including a list of objects you will need to successfully complete your game challenges (a six-sided die, a writing utensil, and a piece of paper). Pay close attention to these instructions.
What To Expect During The Game
Finally! It’s time to compete for your wish! At your appointed showtime, have a seat in a comfortable, quiet area and await your phone call. Please make sure that your device can receive calls from unknown numbers.
As you begin your 20-25 minute show, you will first be introduced to your Maitre d’Ceremony. The sole character involved in your experience, this individual will guide you through the game’s rules and objectives. As your call progresses and you become ever more immersed in the story, your Maitre d’Ceremony will direct you when to roll your die and use your writing materials to complete certain challenges.
While I won’t be giving away any spoilers, I will tell you that both challenges include active elements requiring your participation and input. Additionally, get ready for dark themes and twisted storylines. While the conversation may start out mostly reasonable, the tone gradually shifts to a more mysterious and sinister tone until it reaches a terrifying finale! It’s a perfect fit for spooky season and horror fans.
Freaky Thoughts: The Game
As a huge fan of Phoenix Tears and their remarkable productions, I am consistently amazed at their ability to create incredible worlds and memorable characters within the confines of everyday objects and settings. The Game smoothly integrates a phone call into the overall story, fully immersing the audience into the narrative and action. There’s really nothing like a phone call-based production, and it is a must-experience for theater fans!
If you enjoy spooky themes, immersive art, or live theater; I highly recommend playing The Game by Phoenix Tears Productions!
Play Your Own Game
The Game will run from October 26 – November 3 as part of From Home Fest. You can purchase your tickets on Phoenix Tears’ website. Due to the individual nature of The Game, performances WILL sell out so book your call today!
Know Before You Go
- The Game is a one-on-one, immersive, phone call-based experience.
- Make sure you are in a quiet, private location for your call. You’ll need to pay close attention to the questions and conversation.
- You will need access to a pen and paper as well as a six-sided die.
- The Game is the newest horror experience from Phoenix Tears. As such, it will include spooky themes and content.
