Over the years I’ve observed that pop-culture cycles between two poles when it comes to the undead: zombies and vampires.
For a good chunk of the early 21st century zombies were the rage. Resident Evil, World War Z and, of course, The Walking Dead pretty much dominated horror media. One could do a dissertation — and I’m sure plenty have been done — about why that era created an obsession with shambling hordes.
Honestly, I’ve been pretty bummed by the trend. Not only are vampires a perfect metaphor for the late-stage capitalist hellscape we wake up in every day, but vampire aesthetics are cool as hell. Which also works on the social commentary level: they are preternaturally beautiful creatures who can be intensely seductive but all in the service of a raving hunger that will leave you dead or turned into another insatiable mouth to feed.
So yeah, I always perk up when something vampire related crosses the feed and when we stumbled upon Eternal 80’s “an immersive experience where 1980's meets the undead” happening in Reno, a place where we haven’t seen a lot of public facing work go down I got very intrigued.
Which is how Kaitlin Howell, owner of Conjured Events, wound up answering our Coming Soon questions about the one-night event which pops-up on June 6th.What you will find is a speakeasy, vampires, cocktails, and free arcade games. Good lord, who hacked my subconscious?
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No Proscenium: Tell us a little bit about your experience! What’s it about? What makes it immersive?
Kaitlin Howell: The entire venue is part of the experience. Guests enter into an arcade from a dark alley, and have to find the hidden vampire lair in the speakeasy style basement. The Krypt is a new venue space in Reno, so the location is kept a secret until guests buy a ticket.
Upstairs in the arcade we’ll have 80’s music playing, 80’s movies playing on the screens, free arcade play with a TON of games to choose from.
Throughout the evening there will be a game being played. Our actors are portraying secret vampires and will roam the venue, interacting with guests. Guests, or mortals, can discover hidden 3D-printed slaying objects, or game pieces, like garlic, crosses, and holy water, to defend themselves from vampire “attacks.”
All gameplay is designed around consent and guest comfort: there is no physical contact, violence, or forced participation. Vampire “bites” are represented symbolically using stickers rather than touch.
There will also be spontaneous performances, music, and dancing.
NP: What was the inspiration for your upcoming experience?
KH: This specific event was heavily inspired by The Lost Boys.
Dark & Divine as a series was created to give people a reason to dress up, feel as if they are stepping into another world, meet new people, hang with old friends, and experience something beyond a typical bar or nightlife event.
There is a large goth and alternative scene here in Reno, and Conjured Events has always focused on the non-traditional, so hosting a series of immersive events with more dark, mysterious, and even sinister themes fits our vibe and the needs of the community!
More broadly, the initial drive behind the Dark & Divine series came from years living in Los Angeles and the Bay Area, where large-scale experiences, themed events, and interactive productions are much more common. I wanted to bring some of that same magic and escapism that I loved attending in major cities to Reno.
NP: What do you think fans of immersive will find most interesting about this latest experience?
KH: There really isn’t anything like this in Reno.
Of course we have AMAZING art, performing artists, drag queens and kings, burlesque, music, and so much more…
But this encourages people to get slightly out of their comfort zone. To get dressed in something new and become a new character. To experience events and people in a new way.
Also, vampires are awesome and so were (parts of) the 80’s - so I think people will really enjoy the clothing, aesthetic, music, and everything about this night!
We are working hard to create memorable, playful, immersive, and community-centered experiences.
NP: Once you started designing and testing what did you discover about this experience that was unexpected?
KH: One of the most unexpected and truly most rewarding parts is seeing how inspired the people involved in these events become and that this is a creative outlet that builds confidence for everyone involved.
This is the 4th Dark & Divine event, and while each one has a completely different theme and elements, many of the same friends, volunteers, actors, and performers return and take on entirely new roles every time. What starts as a simple brainstorming session quickly evolves into something much more collaborative and creative than I could have planned on my own.
I usually come in with the initial blueprints, but I’m always blown away by how much people want to create and participate (and it takes an army to make these happen!)
Some people who have never acted before suddenly find themselves improvising with guests all night. Others create original costumes, choreograph performances, write poetry, perform monologues, or step on stage in ways they haven’t before, or maybe haven’t had the opportunity in a very long time. I am so grateful for every ounce of creativity they bring.
NP: What can fans who are coming to this, or thinking about coming to this, do to get into the mood of the experience?
KH: Really, any and all 80’s movies and music work. Staff/Actors will be dressed in a variety of styles. The DJ will be playing a variety of music spanning the decade.
There are SO many types of 80's looks. The 80’s was a time when everyone branched off, forming clicks and specific styles. Here are some of our favorites: Goth, Trad Goth (Siouxsie), New Wave (Flock of Seagulls), New Romantic (Boy George), Pop (Madonna, Cyndi Lauper), Nerd, Valley Girl, Mall Rat, Skater, Punk, Thrash, Hair/glam metal, Yacht Rock, Glam, Dynasty Millionaire, Socialites (Heathers), Yuppie (American Psycho), Bubblegum hair metal, Miami Vice Sleaze....
Check out our Instagram where we put together an awesome video that showcases some of these looks!
While we have a dress code, we encourage it in a way that is comfortable and affordable to guests. We don’t expect everyone to go out and buy an elaborate costume for one night. We are however strict about excluding the following: No: blue jeans, shorts, t-shirts, logos, sports jerseys or memorabilia, or baseball caps.
Please do your best to look vintage and not modern. It adds to the experience for everyone <3
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