Julia Lane Cooper

Thank you so much for agreeing to "play" a Character at your upcoming event. First, and foremost, the goal of a Murder Mystery Party with Julia Lane Cooper is to have fun. This is a comedy first, mystery second.

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You may have one or more of the following frequently asked questions and, trust me, you are not the only one! Please read through to help put your mind at ease. Playing a Character with us is designed to be simple and fun!​

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• I'm not an actor. Will I be able to do this?

  • Yep! If you can read out loud, you can play a Character! No acting experience is required; however, an outgoing personality & clear speaking can help.​

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• When will I get my lines so I can memorize them?

  • Sorry. No memorization here! In order to keep the mystery a secret before the party, we do not give out lines ahead of time. We will call all Characters to the front of the room about 15 minutes prior to the party and will provide Script Cards to read. Do you use reading glasses? Don't forget those!​

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• What information will I get prior to the party?

  • With the help of your party host, you will receive a Character Information Sheet within 1-2 weeks of the party. This secret sheet will give you the following information to help you prepare:​​

    • Name & Profession / Role​​​​​

    • Personality Attributes

    • A short summary of who you are

    • Costume suggestions

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• Costumes? I thought you said this was easy!

  • You're right! Costumes & attire suggestions are never required. If you want to dress up, great! Want to come as you are? No problem at all!

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• I want to make my Character my own. How much do I have to follow what my Character Info Sheet & Script Cards say?

  • Well, it's a fine balance. There are important clues included in your cards that will help you and others figure out whodunnit. You should say the words as closely as possible to what is written. That being said, this is a fun, comedy show and a lot of the funny comes from you. Once you say what you need to, feel free to embellish a bit. Just don't give away any secrets that your Character is keeping, or the other guests may think that YOU are the killer! 

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• What exactly do I need to do during the party? Will I have time to enjoy myself?

  • Oh, yeah! You'll have plenty of time to watch the show & spend time with your friends. Here's what we need from you during the party & when:

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PARTY TIMELINE

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• Before the Show:​ Please arrive at least 15 minutes early so we can discuss the Character requirements in detail & give you what you need.

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• ​Act 1:​

  • ​This is when we will take the most of your time. We will need your undivided help for 20-30 minutes at the beginning of the party.

  • Julia will introduce all Characters to the crowd. You will stand in front of the audience & step forward when you are called. You can either give a little wave, a bow, or give the crowd a taste of your Character by displaying some attitude or saying a little something.​ 

  • You will read your #1 Script Card for additional Character guidance.

  • You will interact with a few other Characters either reading from your Script Card or responding to what another Character said to you. 

  • After you have finished speaking to the Characters on your Script Card, you will take the information you said & the information you heard and spread that gossip around to the Observers (non-Characters)

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• Musical Interlude:​ 

  • You get to relax here!​ 

  • Julia will entertain the group with some music and dancing. Your job is to enjoy yourself. Sit & Listen. Dance & Sing Along. Keep chatting with people as your Character. How you spend your time here is up to you!

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• Act 2: 

  • ​Uh-oh! Someone was murdered! I sure do hope it wasn't you! We will have to figure out who the murderer was.​ 

  • Julia will interrogate Characters with the help of other Characters. She and her husband, Doug, will be coming around the room with microphones so that the appropriate Character can speak when required. All you have to do is stand up and read your line from your Script Card clearly into the microphone. Each Character will only have a few lines during this time. The majority of this 45-60 minutes will be spent listening to others.

  • You won't be off the hook if you were the unlucky Character to be murdered. You will still have lines to read from your Script Card.

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• Act 3:

  • After the interrogations, it is time for Characters & Observers to decide whodunnit. We will vote on who we think the culprit is by applause.​

  • If you were the murderer, you will need to stand and read from your Script Card to explain to everyone why you did it!

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We're going to assume that you had so much fun that you want to come to another show. You're not alone there, either! Make sure to tell your party host that you want to have another Murder Mystery Party with Julia Lane Cooper at your venue. We have plenty of fun themes to choose from! And, if you can't wait until then, why not come to another show? There's probably another one in your area!

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For more information, click one of the buttons below!​