Actors!! Playing an escape room with actors - a FUN FACTOR GUIDE.
Wait? An actor in an escape room?
Yes - that can and does happen. In an ideal world the actor is providing escape room puzzle content - but in a much more dynamic way than a mere prop can. In other words there are things the actor does and says OR MAY do or say based upon your input that can shape your experience.
Actors, in escape rooms are rare…mostly because it increases the cost and requires the company to have a sufficient pool of qualified actors so they can operate…and also because many people do not find having actors in escape rooms fun. This is why many escape room companies have a FAQ question specially assuring its customers that there are no actors and it will just be your group.
We have encountered actors in the games in about one in every 50 games - so it is easy to find rooms without actors. More ofter than not the rooms with the actors had some sort of horror theme - but NOT always. And I am not talking about the times that the game guide is in the room with you - even in character - we generally don’t consider this the use of an actor and have found that for the most part this is done to solve a technical limitation of not being able to see, hear and give hints to players.
And also keep in mind that the enhancement brought to the escape room with the inclusion of actors can often increase the cost of the room.
Here are our tips to get the MOST FUN out of a room with actors.
1. Make a plan!
Before you start - Make a plan - think about “your” character or role and immerse yourself. Its kinda like taking a role in a video game and your opportunity to spin the scenario.
2. Lean into it!
The actors are here to enhance your experience. Talk to them with excitement or inquisitiveness. They may be instructed to tell you certain things but ONLY if you ask - so when you talk to them try to take on a persona appropriate with the scenario. Are you an explorer? A fellow escaped inmate? The actors have told us that they have more fun when the players are into it - and in return they up their performances too. Definitely - Lean into it!
3. Ask questions!
If you are looking for something - feel free to ask them if they know about it. If they are not meant to tell you something - they won’t. Sometimes just asking “Do you have something for me?” might get you far.
4. Be empathetic to the character
This will be helpful in horror scenarios - if you encounter someone behind bars or otherwise fearful they seem to respond well to players who show them empathy. As actors they will return helpful kindness with the same - but their character also may turn obstinate if they are treated with fear and loathing.
5. Finally be kind and thoughtful to the actor as a person
The actor is there to help you have fun as directed by the game designer - but they are just people so please try not to take your frustrations out on them.
