New to the immersive theatre scene and wondering how this all differs from a sit-down show? Not sure how to transition your LARP looks to a new setting? Bringing some novice friends and afraid their apparel choices will hinder their enjoyment of the show and kill your vibe?
Immersive-istas, you’ve come to the right place. After you peruse our immersive theatre player’s guide, NoPro will help you figure out the best outfit to wear as you pierce the veil, beyond just a pair of comfortable shoes.
Here are our staff’s DOs and DON’Ts of immersive show-going fashion that can withstand an evening of lipstick, blood, dirt, and more.
DO:
The Escapee
Leave the skinny jeans & stiletto heels at home, folks. Dark colors are advised to hide potential stains. Don’t wear anything you’re terribly attached to or you may face a steep dry cleaning bill. A dark leather jacket that can be wiped clean may work, so use your best judgement. Avoid anything with decorative elements that can be pulled off like feathers, sequins, or fringe. You’d also be well-advised to pull back long hair and avoid dangling jewelry that can snag and open toed shoes, as you may be called upon to shimmy through an air conditioning duct or crawl through a dank, dark tunnel. Minimize makeup as you may find yourself in sweaty confines. Less is more here.
The Kidnapee
Are you ready to be blindfolded and put into an unmarked van? Similar rules apply from “The Escapee.” Leave hats at home and take care to avoid jewelry that jingles or shoes that squeak. In short, make it easy for you to be blindfolded by someone else. This is not a good night to try out a complex eye makeup look either. And avoid applying excess amounts of perfume or cologne as you may be up close and personal with your fellow participants for quite some time.
The Speedrunner
Attending Sleep No More and looking for those coveted 1:1 interactions behind closed doors? Then you’ll want to dress for freedom of motion and speed; advanced Punchdrunk-goers may also choose to fit in with the show’s aesthetic at the same time and not stick out like a tourist in their bright white New Balance sneakers. This is New York City, after all. Women may choose to pair a stylish but flowing dress (with pockets!) with combat boots or their favorite pair of flats, modified with a foam insole. Just be sure that you can fly up and down multiple flights of stairs at the speed of light. Contact lenses are always advised over glasses due to Punchdrunk’s signature mask. We also have it on good authority that some actors may be drawn to bright red apparel during a Punchdrunk show. Certain hairstyles can also make it difficult to put on and remove one’s mask during a 1:1, so keep that in mind as well. And do remove some cash from your wallet for the bar before you check your bag.
The Dinner Guest
While it may be tempting to dress extravagantly for an immersive dinner soirée, you should still be prepared for more physical activity than a typical dining experience. Once again, save your heels for another night, because you may be whisked away on an adventure before, after, or even during your meal. Creep Los Angeles had the right idea with their suggestion that guests of The Willows arrive in “casual cocktail” attire: dress to impress while staying comfortable enough to traverse a 10,000 square foot mansion. An ideal ensemble would be more upscale than a T-shirt and jeans, but less restrictive than a floor-length gown or three-piece suit. And though this type of performance may not get bloody, there’s a chance it could involve free-flowing red wine, so it would be wise to avoid wearing white.
The Explorer
Is your outfit prepared to face the elements? Many of LA’s alternate reality experiences are expanding into the great outdoors, staging immersive events and quests that involve trekking through mountains or forests. Function is definitely more important than fashion when attending these experiences. Sturdy hiking boots or trail running shoes are a must, along with breathable athletic clothes. Yes, it’s immersive theatre, but it can also be a real workout! Pack a light backpack with all the essentials — a water bottle, sunscreen, a flashlight or headlamp in case your journey takes you into the night — and don’t forget to leave room for any secrets or treasures you may find along the way.
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DON’T
The Upstager
Do not, unless explicitly asked to, dress in a way that audience members may mistake you for a member of the cast or crew. This is most important for larger scale, “sandbox” type immersive shows, excluding things like Sleep No More’s Supercinema themed parties. Creators want you to be part of their world but not usurp the action. So don’t wear your lab whites to Then She Fell.
The Transient
Please leave the laptop, luggage, backpacks, and bulky shopping bags at home or your hotel. The folks at coat check (if the show even has one) will thank you.
Jedi Knight
Allowed only if you’re Noah.
Capes
Just say no.
Karlie Blair, Jessica Lachenal, Noah J. Nelson, Anthony Robinson, and Kathryn Yu all contributed to this guide. Thanks to Allison C. Meier, whose tweet inspired this article.
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