Have you ever wondered what it might be like to step into Gertrude Stein’s Paris salon, rubbing elbows with some of the greatest writers and artists of the early 20th century? Or to immerse yourself in the works of H.G. Wells, speaking to the likes of Doctor Moreau and Griffin, aka the Invisible Man? It seems like a fun idea, right?

Here in Los Angeles, there is no shortage of quality theatre options. From huge Broadway touring productions at the Pantages or Ahmanson to tiny community theatres, the entire gamut is run, repeatedly. And given that this is where professional (and would-be professional) actors come to ply their craft, the quality of even the smallest theatre production tends to be significantly higher than in most places. So it is no wonder that this is where After Hours Theatre Company has sprung up, offering a remarkable – and unique – theatre experience to those desiring something a bit different.

Here, in an intimate space in North Hollywood, small audiences of just a few dozen at a time get a chance to experience a production that is half watched and half participated in, allowing for a full immersion into some rather fascinating concepts. I have been twice now, with both examples I mentioned earlier being experiences I’ve personally had, but the theatre has also crafted immersion and interaction around the worlds of Edgar Allen Poe and Jane Austen, among others. Productions are fairly short runs, with rotation happening multiple times a year.

The basic style is the same, although the subject and sets are obviously wildly different. As audience members arrive, they are given a basic introduction (no flash photography, etc…) and stickers indicating whether they are drinking alcoholic or non-alcoholic cocktails. Then, in small groups, they are allowed into the space. There, the first of a four-round drink menu is served, and guests begin to interact with the actors.

For the next 30-45 minutes, this free-flowing interaction is the show. Actors remain in character, greeting people, inviting them into small glimpses of the story to come, or simply having full-on conversations. For instance, my chat with Doctor Moreau began on his love of experimenting on human subjects “for the advancement of science, of course,” but also included questions about me, focusing on my sticker that identified me as non-alcoholic (in the case of this evening) and an astronomer (to play into the H.G. Wells theme of scientists from his various stories gathering).

Some actors/characters have story-advancing “tasks” they can give. At Gertrude Stein’s salon, Zelda Fitzgerald asked me to relay a message to Ernest Hemingway about his latest novel being rejected by publicists. In the case of the H.G. Wells performance, Captain Ogilvy asked me to translate a message from Morse code (giving me the key, of course), talking about a missing ship. Audience members can choose their interactions, approaching cast members as they wish, or can sit down in seats spread throughout the room/set just to watch. (Actors will still approach those sitting from time to time to try to include them, as well.)

At roughly the 45 minute mark, the audience will be asked to sit, and the real show will begin. The theatre’s writers and choreographers design a story around the subject matter, complete with music and dance elements. You can watch Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald struggle with their interpersonal relationships, or marvel as a group of scientists from the breadth of Wells’ stories debate the wisdom of time travel with the inventor of the Time Machine. And yes, members of the audience will be asked to participate further at various points, as well as be given story-appropriate breaks for the remainder of the themed drink courses.

Some portions are more of a true audience experience, watching a scene unfold. Others are more participatory, being inside of a giant Time Machine that several audience members had to operate. The stories are clever, easy to follow, and fun to take part in.

But the best part is easily the immersion. And, from my conversations after curtain call with the actors, it is the best part for them as well. Method acting is the living of one’s character. Well, this is method in a cool form. Actors have no idea what their interactions will look like with audience members, and have to be prepared for basically anything – and to keep in character while doing so! My mother, herself a doctor of chemistry, conversed with the chemist playing the Invisible Man, and he was able to have that full interaction in character! It’s an impressive ability, and one that is fun for the actors and the audience members alike.

The world – and this city – is full of some cool theatre experiences. I’m lucky to have partaken of many of them. This one, immersive interactive theatre at After Hours Theatre Company, is one that has become a favorite. I look forward to my next show with them, and to hopefully being a bit better at my own “acting” my part.

Note: I am not paid by, comped by, or affiliated with After Hours Theatre Company. I am a paid customer, just a normal audience member.

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