Smoking Gun Entertainment is Alberta’s oldest traveling murder mystery troupe, performing across Canada. Unlike traditional theater, this interactive theatrical company invites guests to communicate with each other, blending acting, entertainment, and social interaction. Learn more about this unique experience at calgary-trend.
The History of the Theater Company
Founded in 1987, this troupe initially operated under the name “Terry Shane Murder Mysteries” before rebranding as Smoking Gun Entertainment. Interestingly, the fictional detective in most shows still bears the name Terry Shane.
The company travels across Canada, bringing its performances to cities like Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Grande Prairie, Toronto, Vancouver, Moncton, Fredericton, Saskatoon, Halifax, and Ottawa.
The company is owned by Janet St. Germain, a writer and actor who has been developing and implementing conceptual, themed shows since 1999.
Notable Performers
- Detective Terry Shane: A fictional investigator solving murders since 1989. The role can be played by either a male or female actor.
- Brendan Hunter: Creative director and master of micro-mysteries, an award-winning filmmaker, voiceover artist for animation and video games, and the company’s second-funniest actor.
- Tom Blazejewicz: Edmonton Producer, a talented writer, playwright, artist, photographer, and actor, nominated for an acting award at the Macabre Film Festival in New York in 2017.
- Dan Desmarais: Ottawa Producer and award-winning actor.
- Brennan Garnett: New Brunswick Producer.
- Anne McMaster: A comedian with over 20 years in the business, celebrated as a writer and performer.
- Michelle McLernon: Actor, teacher, and coordinator, trained under director Baz Luhrmann.
- Rachel Kent: Vancouver Producer.
What Makes Smoking Gun Entertainment Unique?
Smoking Gun Entertainment is entirely interactive, improvisational, and led by writers, performers, improvisation artists, and comedians. Here are a few key features:
- High Interactivity: Actors engage directly with guests, making them central to the storyline. Guests can ask questions, investigate clues, and even become suspects themselves.
- Diverse Themes: The company offers a wide range of interactive themes, from classic detective stories to fantastical adventures. The actors’ improvisational skills allow them to adapt quickly to audience participation.
- Private Shows: The troupe accommodates private events for 8 to 500 guests. Imagine hosting a party where chaos ensues as a murder unfolds, and attendees must solve the case together.
Whether at a themed party, anniversary, or birthday, guests can examine evidence, interrogate suspects, and uncover the culprit, fostering team spirit and camaraderie.
How It Works
Guests at an interactive show become part of a mysterious storyline. After dinner is served, the performance begins. Each attendee receives a suspect list and a ballot to complete at the end of the show.
Characters argue, gossip, and drop hints at the table, encouraging guests to interact. While participation isn’t mandatory, it’s highly encouraged. Friends and colleagues laugh, take photos, and create lasting memories.
Dramatic moments may include shootings, poisonings, or hangings, all performed at the highest level. Clever detectives lead the investigation, aided by physical evidence.
Voting
At the end of the show, guests submit their ballots. The actors review them before the detective announces the results. The guest with the best answer receives a “Super Sleuth” certificate, while the boldest answer earns the “Bumbling Fool” award.
Requirements
Guests book their seats and meals independently. For groups larger than 45 or venues with poor acoustics, a good sound system is recommended to enhance the experience. Actors also require storage space for costumes, props, and “victims.”
The cost of a “Murder Mysteries” event varies based on group size, the number of actors, and travel expenses outside the city.
