Murder at the Comic Convention
Cosplay, conspiracy theories, and one badge that won't be renewed.
- Single set
- Full length, two acts
- Dinner-theatre ready
Pop-culture silliness with a few sharp edges: some salty language, a prop gun, and innuendo. Language and some references can be adjusted. Read the full content guide.
The sample includes the full cast list, staging notes, and the entire first act.
The story
CultCon is the hottest pop-culture convention in the tri-state area, which is exactly the problem. Every fan, collector, and oddball within three hundred miles has shown up, tempers are running hot under the cosplay, and one unlucky guest doesn't make it to the closing ceremonies.
A children's TV icon with an ego, his crude knock-off, a superhero who refuses to break character, a livestreaming influencer, a proud member of the unicorn cosplay community, and a conspiracy theorist who was supposed to be at a very different convention. Audiences are cast as convention guests, so costumes in the crowd are part of the fun.
I was horny and now I'm horn-y. So what?
The characters
- Rick Richardson / SnoodlePuff M, 20 to 40Creator and star of a beloved children's show. An arrogant celebrity, and Trish's ex.
- PoodleSnuff M, any ageA gross, crude knock-off of SnoodlePuff, in a costume that almost resembles the real thing.
- FlatEarthBigfoot Any gender or ageAn erratic conspiracy theorist who meant to attend a conspiracy convention, not this one.
- Keith / Ultradude M, 20 to 45Takes his superhero alter ego very seriously and tries never to break character.
- Trish Luxford F, 20 to 30A self-obsessed influencer, always streaming and always chasing followers.
- Chad Shimwell / Glitterhoof M, 20 to 45A masculine nice guy in a community that dresses as unicorns, and unashamed of it.
- Tammy Johnson F, 20 to 45SnoodlePuff's biggest fan, overexcited and very nervous to meet her idol.
- Announcer / other voice Any, optionalVoices over the PA. Can be prerecorded or doubled by the cast.
Production at a glance
| Cast | 7 actors4 male2 female1 any genderVoiceover (can be prerecorded)The announcer and a second PA voice can be prerecorded. |
|---|---|
| Set | Single flexible interior: a convention hall, banquet room, or taproom. |
| Costumes | Contemporary plus cosplay: a children's-show mascot, a knock-off mascot, a superhero, and a unicorn. |
| Best for | Comic shops, regional and anime conventions, college programming boards, and taprooms running themed nights. |
What's in the script
- Props list included (backpack, rope and gag, portable radio, prop handgun, phones)
- Optional audience cosplay and in-character livestream moments
- Originally staged as dinner theatre, and adaptable to a traditional stage
- Optional in-character mingling before the show and at intermission
- Intermission guessing game: audiences submit their suspect for a prize drawing
Content guide
Pop-culture silliness with a few sharp edges: some salty language, a prop gun, and innuendo. Written for adult audiences and not suitable for children's, youth, or school productions. This guide is spoiler-free.
Adjustable. Language and some references can be adjusted for your audience. Ask before you license and Josh will tell you what's possible.
| Category | Level | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Language | Level: Light | Frequent "damn" and "hell"; several uses of "sh*t" and "son of a b*tch." No F-words. |
| Suggestive humor | Level: Light | Innuendo, a "virgin" joke, and references to two characters making out. No nudity. |
| Comedic violence | Level: Light | A character waves and points a prop handgun at others (it is never fired). A staged fistfight, a character tied up and gagged, and a comedic death. |
| Drinking & substances | Level: Light | A few passing jokes about being high or taking pills. |
| Bathroom humor | Level: Light | Puking noises and a toilet sound effect. |
| Audience interaction | Heads-up | Characters may address or livestream to the audience, who play convention guests. |