Q: So, what are these things? Plays or Games or what?
A: They are Plays. They have a full cast and a full plot all within a full script. In the same way Death Of A Salesman is a play. But just imagine Death of a Salesman as a Murder Mystery.
Q: A full cast? You mean this isn't one of those deals where it only has a few actors and you hand out parts to the audience?
A:No. It's a play. You wouldn't go to see Death of a Salesman and expect them to hand you a script when you walked in the theatre. You expect to be entertained, not be the entertainment.
Q: I've seen one these Mysteries at a dinner theater and it involved the audience a whole lot. Are your plays like that?
A: Our plays do involve the audience only to a degree. There is a segment in each script where the audience is invited to question
the actors. But beyond that, the actors control the production not the audience.
Q: Would your play be appropriate for a dinner party I am having?
A: Keep in mind, it's a "Play", not a Game. It involves a cast of characters and dialogue. (There are "Mystery Games" that are appropriate for Parties. You can find these very easily by Searching
the internet or go to Games Page) Since these are Plays and like any other original play, there are royalty fees for public performances.
Q: What are these fees?
A:The performance rights for any script is 75.00. Each additional performance is 25.00 So, if you were to perform the play two nights, it would be 100.00.
Q: Do you have a catalog of your plays I can look at?
A: Not as such. All the information about the plays and prices is found here on the website. A list of all the plays and description is found here List of Plays. I believe it's better to have all the information available here than to wait for something to be mailed.
Q: Is there a way I can at least read the script before committing 75.00?
A: Sure. Each script page has a "sample" section you can view and read a snippet of the script. If you want to read more you can order a Preview Copy for 20.00. A preview copy contains a good deal of the actual script so you may get a sense of the play and the characters and all that would be involved in performing the play. However, the Preview version does not contain the resolution or ending of the play. You won't be able to know "who-done-it".
Q: If I purchase a preview copy and then decide to do the play, is it still full price?
A: No. The 20.00 is removed from your cost, so the performance rights would only be 55.00
Q: What do the performance rights include?
A: You get the rights to perform the play in public. You get a complete version of the script with a character list and descriptions. A suggested prop list and complete production notes. Plus you can contact me at anytime if you have questions or if any of your actors have questions.
Q: How do you send the script? UPS? Snail Mail?
A: The script is sent via E-mail as an attachment. This way there is no shipping & handling charges, plus you get the script right away.
Q: Do I have to tell you how many copies of the script I need? And do you charge for each copy?
A: No and No. One copy of the script is e-mailed to you and you can make as many copies of it as you need. There is no charge per copy.
Q: Is there a lot involved in putting on one of your plays?
A: No. These scripts were written with very minimal cost in mind. One reason was that the original production company's venue kept changing each
year. I found it easiest to have no actual 'set'. Allow the venue to be the 'set'. And whatever 'props' are required are very minimal. Most can be found around the house.
Q: How do I got about ordering a "Preview" copy?
A: There are two options of secure online ordering: one is Click Bank the other is Pay Pal. You can go to the Preview Order Page for details. The performance copy of the script is e-mailed to you.
Q:Are your plays safe for all ages? Is there anything objectionable in the plays?
A:Many of the scripts are safe for all ages. A few plays may contain some inuendo and others refer to "drinking" or a character may be "drunk". Other than that, there is no foul language or overt sexual references. I have no objection to the scripts being altered if a group feels that a character's line or action would not be appropriate for their audience.
Q: I am familiar with the plays and would just like to go ahead and order the whole thing. Is there a place on your site where I can do this?
A: Yes there is. Finally. After enough people requested it, I set up a order page. It is Full Performance Order Page
Q: We are an Organization or High School and only work with Purchase Orders. Can you do that?
A:,Yes. I work with many High Schools who order with Purchase Orders. You can contact me direct for details at 314-968-7876. I am usually available Monday - Friday from 8:30 to 5:30 CST. The line is answered 24 hours a day and you can leave a message, I will return your call.
Q: I've already purchased a preview copy and now would like to go ahead and order the whole thing. Do you by chance have a page for that?
A: Indeed I do. I set up that page that discounts the 10.00 preview charge it is Performance minus the preview charge page.
Q: There were a couple of other things I wanted to ask you, but I can't remember them now. What if I think of them later?
A: You may contact us directly at questions@play-dead.com even if you think of it at three in the morning.