Building a Mystery

"Do something uncomfortable today. By stepping out of your box, you don't have to settle for what you are--you get to create who you want to become"--Howard Walstein

This quote greeted me on Facebook last Wednesday, posted by my awesome friend Sandy. It's hard to imagine something more appropriate, as I was about to do something that made me uncomfortable in many, many, ways (including a little physical discomfort, squished in the van for a four hour trip):  I was off on a road trip up north, WAY up north, to act in my first murder mystery dinner theater.  

Those of you who have known me for a long time probably get what a stretch this was for me, for several reasons:

1. I don't enjoy interactive theater or audience participation, at least not as a member of the audience. When confronted with audience interaction (which only happens if I have misunderstood the nature of the performance) I try to sink in my seat and pray I don't get chosen, without sinking too much so as too draw attention to myself.
2. I don't really like doing improv. Oh sure, I do a lot of unintentional improv when I'm acting and forget my lines, but that is a whole different art form. I definitely respect improv and am impressed by those who can do it, and I get how "yes, and...." is also a really cool life philosophy.  But I prefer "yes, and  please give me my script now."
3. I don't really care for mysteries. Basically they are like puzzles, and/or games, and I really have no interest in paying attention to how things work or figuring things out. Chad often laments I have no curiosity, but I'm just not interested in those things. Just tell me what, not why or how. I like to save my curiosity for pondering the deep mysteries of the universe, or why people (including myself) act so strangely, or wondering how much wine I can drink before I noticeably gain weight. 

Elmer and Luella. I chose to play my character as a bitchy, aging trophy wife. Yes, it WAS acting!

If I had so many misgivings about acting in a murder mystery, why did I do it? Basically, I just really, really, like to perform. I've gotten slightly better over the years at being more selective and not auditioning for roles that I'm pretty sure won't be that fun or rewarding (or will just be a total pain in the ass), but I thought I should try following the old "try it, you might like it" advice. 

So despite all my doubts and fears, I plunged ahead and I think the event (and my participation in it) was a success. Luckily, I was paired  with a veteran performer as his wife, so  I could stick with him and follow his cues. I worked with really talented, nice cast members and the audience was also very positive. We performed at a lovely lodge in a beautiful setting (but I'm not sure I'm allowed to disclose too many details as it was in a swanky, secluded corporate retreat).  The staff was also very considerate and even made me a special vegetarian entree for dinner, and the caramel sea salt mousse we got for dessert kicked ass. 

So here are some of the keys things I learned by stepping out of my comfort zone:

• We all do a lot of improv and role playing everyday. Playing a character in a murder mystery was not too different from any customer service job I've had.
• Playing a role in a murder mystery dinner party is easier than playing myself at many dinner parties or social events. No pressure to be authentically charming and kind. 
• Having to drink grape juice instead of wine (because we were on the clock) killed my soul a little bit. 
• It's hard to know what to say when...it's all about timing. You don't want to give away clues too soon. 
• When your character probably wouldn't be a fan of Scotch, it's hard to not pipe in on a discussion of Scotch. 
• It's really hard to improv without saying things that sound potentially dirty. (I swear that saying I was "agile" was totally innocent!)
• If you are on a really long ride with people you don't know very well, it's awesome if one of them is also a Joss Whedon and Dr. Who fan. And I REALLY need to read at least some of the Buffy comics. 
• One can really taxiderm a lot of things. (Okay, this was probably a lesson learned more from the location of my acting than the acting itself). 
• Snacks are essential to any road trip. I basically knew this, but it was definitely confirmed. 
• I love the camaraderie and teamwork of acting. It's a great feeling knowing you did your part and contributed to the group effort.
• I love the weird, quirky, one-of-a-kind experiences acting leads to, even if I do ask myself "What am I doing here?"

I'm not sure if acting in a murder mystery is helping me create the person I want to become, but it does feel like a small step. I definitely feel slightly braver. I was also totally engrossed and in the moment for about two hours, which is always a worthwhile (if exhausting) experience. If I'm asked to act in a murder mystery again, I will definitely give it a try. Who knows, maybe someday I will even expand my horizons and read a mystery. Just don't expect me to be a gracious audience participant any time soon.