Murder Mystery FAQs

What happens at a Sharpo! Murder Mystery Party?

Why host a Sharpo! Murder Mystery Party?

Why should I choose Sharpo! for my Murder Mystery Evening?

Where is the best place to host a Sharpo! Murder Mystery Party?

How long does a Sharpo! Murder Mystery Party last?

What are some Sharpo! Murder Mystery Party themes?

What does "interactive" mean?

What prizes can I win at a Sharpo! Murder Mystery Party?

Should I tell my guests that they are coming to a murder mystery evening or should I surprise them?

Can a guest be one of the killers or victims?

What actors are performing at my Sharpo!® Murder Mystery Party?

How does a Sharpo! Murder Mystery work as a team builder?

How should we decorate for our Sharpo! Murder Mystery Party?

Do you have a mystery show without murder?

ANSWERS TO FRQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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What is a Sharpo! Murder Mystery Party?

A Sharpo! Murder Mystery is an interactive theatrical event. It is part show and part game. Attendees participate as amateur sleuths and suspects as they interact with professional entertainers who create a world of intrigue, mystery and adventure for the participants. Our standard interactive adventure is facilitated by our top notch Hollywood detective and our professional mystery host who create a world of intrigue, mystery and excitement for your party guests. The killer(s) and suspects are your attendees!

Sharpo, Inc produces Murder Mystery Private Parties , Murder Mystery Corporate Events plus public Murder Mystery Dinners and Weekend Murder Mysteries. Sharpo, Inc. is a California Corporation. We are available for parties and events wherever you are celebrating. Sharpo has perfected the art of working the crowd - seamlessly weaving together exposition and improv. Blending comedy and drama, our masterminds move the diabolical plot forward while keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats.

What happens at a Sharpo! Murder Mystery Party?

Sharpo! Murder Mystery Evenings and Murder Mystery Dinners usually begin with a cocktail party or mingling reception. It is during this time that the murder mystery theme, back story and exposition occurs. Leading characters are introduced and our dynamic cast works the crowd, getting the party started and warming up the audience for what comes next, which is in fact... MURDER.

See Our Sample Murder Mystery Party Itineraries

Winners solve the crime and determine: Who is the murderer? How was the murder carried out? (Opportunity and Method) Why did they do it? (Motive)

Our goal is to put you and your guests at the center of the action and make you the focus of the investigation. Everyone attending plays themselves. Guests do not take on a separate role or character. You are being you - in very unusual circumstances. Imagine you are suddenly embroiled in a double homicide investigation! What is your alibi? How can you solve the crime and clear your name?

Why host a Sharpo! Murder Mystery Party?

It's Fun, Challenging, Exciting, Memorable and Clean Entertainment that is suitable for all audiences. Armed with a devilishly clever script, a unique, edgy comedy shtick, and the impeccable timing that comes from two decades of performing countless performances, Sharpo! keeps the crowd in stitches and on the edge of their seats. The action-packed murder mystery starts with a bang (and a body) and then moves along at a fast, furious pace. Suspense builds as our detective interrogates the guests. His masterful manipulations often result in spontaneous, hysterical and contagious laughter!

Why should I choose Sharpo! for my Murder Mystery Evening?

CSI means Call Sharpo In. We bring Magic and Mystery to your event. Producer, Eric Sharp is Master of Mystery and Magic, having performed and produced live interactive events since 1989. Eric's co-starring appearances on primetime network television shows include "Star Trek Voyager", "Wings" and more. Eric had a recurring role as the disgruntled "Benny" on UPN's "In The House" with LL Cool J Eric made a cameo as "Sharpo" in the blockbuster film, "Liar Liar" Eric and Nora wow general audiences and murder mystery enthusiasts alike. Read our Letters page to sample glowing comments from past parties! Read more Sharpo! Bios here.

Where is the best place to host a Sharpo! Murder Mystery Party?

We can bring our highly acclaimed murder mystery party to any a private dining area/banquet room, or on a cruise, train, or even in your own home. We need a central area where all the guests can congregate and it helps if you can provide a small 'offstage' area to store the props, prizes and dead bodies. Check out these venues we recommend.

How long does a Sharpo Murder Mystery Party last?

A Sharpo! Murder Mystery Dinner/Luncheon Event usually lasts 2 to 3 hours from the start/mingling reception to curtain call and prize ceremony. If you have other business to attend to, such as a speech or awards to give out, we can break up the show into segments accommodated around your other business. In those cases the show can last 4 or more hours.

Our Murder Mystery Team Building Events run 2 hours or go all day.

We also produce Sharpo! Weekend Murder Mysteries. They can last 2 to 3 days.

We can create a Sharpo!® Murder Mystery Tour that can last 3 hours to 7 days!

What are some Sharpo! Murder Mystery party themes?

Most of our programs are contemporary, meaning the story takes place here and now. Guests play themselves. Events are personalized as much as possible around the attendees. We also adapt our mysteries around your party themes: We do many Roaring Twenties Murder Mysteries, 1940s Hollywood Noir Murder Mysteries, 1950s Sock Hops, 1970's "Murder at the Disco"...whatever you can imagine, we can customize our event around you. Our favorite? Think "Columbo" meets "Monk" meets "CSI."

What does "interactive" mean?

Attendees are the central focus of the event. Everyone attending is a suspect and can be interrogated by the detective. More outgoing guests can be included in reenactments of crimes, be rounded up for a police line up, be asked to read or describe clues to the rest of the audience, etc. Guests who prefer not to be that involved can simply sit back and enjoy the show. All attendees have the opportunity to write out a solution for a chance to win a grand prize!

What prizes can I win at a Sharpo! Murder Mystery Party?

Many winners have taken home the coveted Sharpo.com® Hammer Of Justice Award. This is a limited edition bronze and wood plaque that recognizes and rewards the guest who contributes the best solution to the crime! Over the years we have also given away many Sharpo!® Caps, Coffee Mugs, and other promotional items. We also sometimes award some gag prizes to whoever comes up with the silliest solutions.

Should I tell my guests that they are coming to a murder mystery evening or should I surprise them?

Tell them! Sharpo, Inc's Murder Mystery party is a critically-acclaimed, interactive hit show featuring Hollywood and Broadway caliber talent. Get them excited about your party! Don't surprise your guests with a ice cold opening. Some people think it is great fun to just have someone drop dead at their cocktail party and then spring the detective on their audience. This is a risky tactic, and can scare some people out of their wits. We have had very mixed results with cold openings and discourage clients from this practice.

Can a guest be one of the killers or victims?

Yes, if you want to! Let us know in advance and we will write some parts specifically for you.

What actors are performing at my Murder Mystery Party?

We cast your detectives, hosts, villains, and professional supporting players from our select talent pool of seasoned professionals who are at the top of their game. We only use the cream of the crop so you know you are getting the very best available talent for your party. We have several Headliners who have been knocking our audiences dead all across Southern California in hundreds of performances for several seasons! Due to ever fluctuating conditions in the fast paced Hollywood Industry, casting is subject to change, and Sharpo, Inc. does not guarantee the appearance at any event by a specific actor or personality.

How does a Sharpo! Murder Mystery work as a team builder?

Teams work together, racing against time, to solve the crime, using collective insight from their group, deductive reasoning, problem solving techniques, etc. Sharpo! Murder Mysteries also bond your group through laughter. This fun, exciting, shared experience creates camaraderie and unity that lasts. Remember, the company that slays together stays together.

How should we decorate for our Sharpo! Murder Mystery Party?

We suggest that you create a fine dining atmosphere, but keep the lights up. The whole room is the stage and everyone needs to see each other react. We suggest setting the mood with black table linens and red napkins. Please keep your table centerpieces short, so that everyone can see each other. We suggest that you keep the tables close together, but with some room for the detective and other actors to walk between them. We also would like a central area for our evidence table and an area for the detective to stage some action.

Do you have a mystery show without murder?

Yes! This is a mystery surrounding a grand theft! Party guests race against time to follow the clues, solve the crime and win!

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