Frequently Asked Questions

Are you performing in-person shows? What are they like?

Following the new CDC guidelines, we're now performing outdoor shows for small groups. We're excited to see you face to face! Our murder mystery show is immersive and interactive. You and your guests will play suspects, the killer, and even the deceased! Our detective will lead you through the mystery: interrogating suspects and overseeing investigation times. The show takes place in three acts, and you and your guests will work in teams to solve the mystery. In the first act, our victim is murdered. In the second act, you and your guests will have two investigation times in which to mingle and ask questions of the suspects. In the third act, after our detective has interrogated the suspects and all the clues have been gathered, each team will have a chance to solve the murder mystery. One team will come away with a prize for SensationalSleuth!



What about before the show?

We'll be in contact with you leading up to your show to finalize details and make sure your show will be a fantastic experience.



So I'm a participant?

Yes. Everyone will be solving the crime. Additionally, some audience members will be chosen to play suspects. Playing a suspect is fun and easy: we provide everything you need. And we'll never ask you to do something you’re uncomfortable with.



Should I dress up?

Absolutely, if you want to! It’s not required, but it is highly recommended.



WhoDunIt?

You have to solve the mystery yourself! We can tell you, however, that one of the name-tagged suspects is the culprit. But even the murderer won’t know that they were the killer in advance of the reveal, giving everyone in the room the same chance at being Spectacular Sleuth.



Is it serious? Is it funny? Will I be scared?

The shows are written as light hearted romps: no one really dies in our shows! However, some parts of the shows are more serious than others, and our detectives always take the solving of a murder seriously.



How can I customize my experience?

No two shows are ever completely alike because of you: we’ve designed our shows to highlight our guests and all our guests are different. We also offer a wide range of customization options for our private parties. Drop us a line at ​​(408) 831-2583 or send us an email at info@thecluecollective.com.



Is there a minimum age?

Each show has a recommended age that can be viewed on our show page.



How long does a show typically run?

1 1/2 to 2 hours from guest arrival to the actors' bow.



Does the show make a good surprise?

​We recommend letting your guests know in advance that they will be experiencing a murder mystery.



What is the optimal number of guests?

We recommend at least 10, and an additional actor for every 25 guests. Other than that, invite as many people as you want! Our show is flexible for any audience size.



There are no fees?

There are no hidden fees in our show packages. Other murder mystery companies tack on extra expenses and service charges. When we quote you a price, that's the price you pay, period.



Do I need to tip?

We pride ourselves in paying our actors a professional wage for the work they do, so tipping is not necessary. If you still wish to thank them monetarily, they are free to accept offered tips.



Are you performing virtual shows? What are they like?

The show must go online! We've adapted our excellant shows into virtual performances. Guests will play detectives, suspects, and even the victim! We host our events over Zoom (or another platform of your choice, although we recommend Zoom). Before the show, we send out informational packets to all of your guests. The information includes the show's basic information, the Zoom link, and costume ideas (although dressing up is not necessary). For the suspects and victim, these packets also contain all the clues they need to share--no memorization required! The day of the show, the only thing your guests need to do is join the meeting! Our professional actors will facilitate the event and lead everyone through the mystery. Guests will have opportunites to ask suspects questions, and combined with detective interrogations, they will collect all the clues they need to solve the muder. Guests will be devided into teams, and the team that gets the right answer will win the prize of Sensational Sleuth!