Superior Arts Youth Theatre to host second annual fundraiser ‘Dance with Death’

Frilled pink prom dresses are splattered with blood, the prom queen is hysterical and the star football player lies motionless on the floor. Across the room, the 1950s doo-wop band plays while attendees discover whodunnit.

The Superior Arts Youth Theatre (SAYT) will host “Dance with Death,” the second annual murder mystery fundraiser at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 2 in the Great Lakes Room at the University Center. In 1950s prom style, The Murder Mystery Co. will perform a three-piece act and facilitate the mystery with their in-depth characterization.

“Dance with Death” is a way to get parents, or people in the community who don’t always get to attend productions, to experience theatre in an interactive way. The SAYT hosts this event as a way to give back to the community while also raising money for the theatre.

“We wanted to host an event where people were excited to get involved and try something out of their comfort zone,” Jalina McClain said, executive director of the SAYT and 2013 NMU theatre and media productions graduate.

Actors from The Murder Mystery Co. interact with event attendees according to which role they are assigned to. Each table has a special mystery folder that contains a rundown of the game and individual roles, such as a suspect or the murderer themselves. The guests, who are also given names, are involved in the murder plot, not to sit and watch. McClain said attendees are never forced to act: it’s the level of participation that they want. Throughout the evening, attendees gain clues about the mystery that comes in three acts where they learn the basics of what happened, McClain said.

Last years event had a 1920s theme, and it was a huge success, McClain said. The SAYT raised over $3,000 with an attendance of 100 people. Every year, this event will have a fresh theme so it’s new for the people who come year to year. The event will also feature a cash bar and raffle tickets.

“The Murder Mystery Team makes it really fun and easy to get involved,” McCain said. “They really keep the story going and their characterization is really amazing. Last year our attendees really joined in and picked up the fun of playing these characters in the mystery.”

McClain said they are hoping to get over 100 people this year and raise over $5,000. A portion of the funds raised will pool towards the SAYT movie production that’s going out in March, she said. There are 60 children involved and each child in the production get’s their own costume, props and makeup. Non-reusable materials, like makeup, is the largest ongoing cost.

“We want to give the kids the best experience we possibly can. By putting on these fundraisers it really alleviates the pressure of us selling tickets or going door-to-door asking for donations,” McClain said.

The more people that come the more fun it is, she said. There’s a community of people in Marquette who enjoy attending murder mysteries, and often times parents bring their friends, McClain said. This mixed community allows the SAYT more exposure.

Tickets are $65 per individual and $500 per table, and each ticket comes with two free drinks. The event is 21 and up only.