About Shadow Productions &
Frequently Asked Questions

1) About Shadow Productions
2) How it works (Murder Mystery FAQ)
3) Costs and ordering
4) What people are saying

About Shadow Productions

Shadow Productions is proud to offer a unique evening of entertainment that combines theatre, improvisation and a dab of stand-up comedy, incorporated in a whodunit with a challenging - but logical - mystery awaiting your solution. You simply pick up the important clues and make the right connections... but no matter how much (or how little) attention you give the actual plot, you're guaranteed to have fun eavesdropping on private conversations that are none of your darn business - while heckling characters who'll turn out to be prime suspects. Oh course, they'll heckle right back... but that's part of the fun!

With your help, we do our homework, designing your murder mystery in such a way that guests often find themselves asking "how could they possibly have known about...?". At the same time, we're sensitive to community standards and tastes; we provide an abundance of double entendre and risqué innuendo... without being crude or mean-spirited.

For nearly a decade, we were resident at the Deane House, where we presented a different historical mystery each week. We've also entertained thousands of clients at Stage West since 1986. But we've also designed murder mysteries at other fine restaurants, not to mention in private homes, on busses & trains, at the Zoo, at the Olympic ski jump, for a weekend in the mountains, for a barn dance, in community halls all over Alberta and for a thousand Crimestoppers roaming Calgary for a week... boy are we flexible! We'll do our best to accommodate your requirements... speeches & presentations, tournaments, dancing after dinner - whatever you have on the agenda. We're hard to stump.

For something off the beaten track, consider our Shadow of the Sword Medieval Feast - live the legend of Arthur & Guinevere. We also offer entertainment for young and old alike with Me & My Shadow Family Theatre... an engaging, interactive theatrical event that will be enjoyed and long remembered by the entire family.

In any case, feel free to call with questions, or even just with the germ of an idea... we love to hear "do you think you might be able to...?". Meanwhile we look forward to providing your guests with an event full of mirth, mystery, & mayhem.
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How it works - Murder Mystery FAQ

Pardon me... but who are you, and what the heck are you talking about?
If your occasion calls for the extraordinary, we guarantee an event you won't forget! We're a company of professional actors and writers, creating unique, interactive dinner theatre. Give us a little inside information, and we'll design your custom mystery with broad, colorful characters and outrageous scenarios that will provide maximum entertainment for your guests!

Okay, so what happens "on the night"?
After some shady characters make their entrance (sometimes even posing as guests) our Narrator takes over, explaining the scenario and rules of the game. The action is interwoven through the evening, and throughout the audience, who "overhear" characters having "private" conversations. Guests question the characters to their heart's content, and an untimely death is guaranteed to occur before their very eyes. It's up to patrons to play detective and solve any murders that might occur, submitting the correct... or most creative... solution on the ballot provided. The Narrator ultimately identifies the "best detective" and reveals the definitive solution that makes the crime crystal clear!

Hmmmm. So, for what occasion would a murder mystery be suitable?
We've performed murders for birthdays, conventions, sales seminars, showers, movie openings, weddings... yes weddings! The game works best accompanied by food and beverage service. It can be a superb mixer, a great finale, or just an enjoyable social evening away from the workplace, whether for a few people or a few hundred... for a luncheon or an entire weekend.

All right, it sounds... interesting. But where does one host a murder?
A murder mystery can happen almost anywhere - a home, a hotel, a community hall, on a bus, on a train... with food service ranging from potluck buffet to a formal gourmet dinner. We coordinate directly with catering staff to ensure an enjoyable experience - and if you don't have a place in mind, we would be pleased to help find one.

Sounds like a, uh... unique... event.
Oh, it is! And we enjoy a well-established, distinguished reputation for many reasons:

So lots of people have seen you?
Over 100,000 people have died laughing with us. A small sample of our clients includes...

The Calgary Flames, Explosives Ltd, Amoco, Petrocanada, the Muttart Gallery, the Canadian Red Cross Society, Trizec, the Calgary Sun, the Calgary Herald, Alberta Potato Growers, the Rocky View School Division, The Professional Club, Trinity Lodge, Hewlett Packard, KIK FM, Boys & Girls Clubs of Alberta, City of Calgary, The Foothills Hospital, The Chateau Airport, the Calgary Edgemont PC Association, The Calgary Wildrose ND Riding Association, Calgary Winter Festival, Crimestoppers International, Canadian Airlines International.

...most of whom have enjoyed our productions at least three times. In 2003 alone, we produced over 175 shows! We also tour through the west, entertaining folks from Grimshaw to Grande Prairie, Canmore to Cold Lake... we even make the odd appearance in Edmonton.

Gosh. This sounds... intriguing... but...
It's tricky to picture interactive theatre if you haven't experienced it first hand. But we've entertained thousands of clients, and would be happy to supply references from satisfied repeat customers. Or if you're in the area, give our office a call. We would love to have you see what we do!

Okay, I'm interested. So what's the bottom line?

Fees vary depending on details like number of guests or location ...but your unique, custom designed evening usually costs less per guest than a movie admission with a trip to the concession... and a fraction of pro sports ticket! It's tough to find better entertainment value. Got an idea? Give us a call.
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Costs and Ordering

Corporate/Private Functions

To order, contact:
Hal Kerbes, Artistic Director
Shadow Productions Ltd.
Tel/Fax: (403) 236-1696

Costs
*All costs are production fees for the entertainment only. You may encounter additional costs at your venue, such as for meals, venue costs, or additional entertainment.

Murder Mysteries

(prices effective as of September 1, 2007)

Within Calgary City limits:
Audience of up to 50 guests*: $1095 (plus GST); $10 (plus GST) per guest thereafter

Within 75 km of Calgary City Centre:
Audience of up to 50 guests: $1,295 (plus GST); $10 (plus GST) per guest thereafter

Within 150 km of Calgary City Centre:
Audience of up to 50 guests: $1,595 (plus GST); $10 (plus GST) per guest thereafter

150 km - 400 km of Calgary City Centre:

Audience of up to 150 guests: $2,500 (plus GST); $10 (plus GST) per guest thereafter
(Engager provides one night economy-class hotel accommodation)

400 - 650 km from Calgary City Limits:
Audience of up to 150 guests: $3,000 (plus GST); $10 (plus GST) per guest thereafter
(engager provides one night economy-class hotel accommodation)

Audiences numbering more than 200 guests normally require audio support; our technical requirements, additional costs and further information can be provided on request.

*smaller groups may qualify for discount.

Stage West for Kids

Tickets are $20.00 + GST per child (12 and under) and $25.00 + GST per adult. Stage West Season Ticket Holders receive a 20% discount.

To order, contact the Stage West box office at 243-6642

Medieval Mysteries

Medieval Mystery, within Calgary:
Audience of up to 75 - $1750 .
$200 for each additional group of 25 guests.

Even More Medieval
Additional options are available, at an additional charge, to enhance your feast, including jugglers, a Celtic harpist, and enhanced decor. All additional options are subject to availability.

All prices are subject to GST.

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What people are saying about Shadow Productions...
(selected references)

Thanks for another great show and Christmas party.  The best comment so far was someone saying "I didn't think you could possibly top last year but you did it."  I had someone asking me about ten minutes after the actors left when we could start planning for next year and I already have groups of people conspiring against each other.  (You appear to have become our holiday tradition!)
Thank you so much for making me look so good.
Deb Nicholson
Calgary Health Region, Chronic Pain, November 25, 2006

Just want to thank you and your cast so much for the event you put on for us. I received some pictures and the feedback was really, really good.  Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it and said it was a hoot! Again, many kind thanks and I have already had people asking for your info. for other companies.  A very merry Christmas to you.
Diana Nader - Executive Assistant
Tidal Energy Marketing Inc., November 25, 2006

Just wanted to let you know that all went very well, Gayle and the crew were a real hit!  Jim and I got rave reviews from the staff and guests and couldn't be happier. Thanks for a job well done!
Rhonda
O’Rourke Engineering, December 1, 2006

Best time you can have with your clothes on!!
Brian Muise -  Nifty Fifty Ford Club, January, 2006

Great,. Exceptional every time.  Great actors/actresses. 
Gale Dunphy - Warren Tetensor, March 11, 2006

You are awesome!
Willie Doll - Fireballs, April 1,. 2006 (third year in a row for the fun folks at Fireballs Curling)

How soon are you performing again in Foremost!  Or Stage West?  Enjoyed the performance! 
Blind Eye Nancy - Foremost, Alberta April 8, 2006

To the cast of “Gastronomical,”
Thank you for the wonderful production that you put together for our staff appreciation event.  Everyone enjoyed the afternoon so much they are talking about having another mystery event.  I know of a few recommendations already made to other companies! 
The Social Committee - The Economical Insurance Group , June 2, 2006

Great show – impromptu responses were excellent – outstanding acting. 
Krista Brown    

Great show.  It’s wonderful to have a laugh in this troubled world!
Norma Carroll - The Rotary Club of Calgary, Heritage Park,  August 17, 2006

The amount of true personal information made it all the better.
Kimberly MacNab - 25th Anniversary for Russell and Nancy MacNab, September 9, 2006

You all were incredible.  I laughed so hard it hurt. 
Beth - Fujitsu, September 21, 2006

Very good performance.  Enjoyed the evening.  Will look forward to next time.
Vinod Gonsalves - Telvent, October 13, 2006

Thank you to you and the cast for an absolutely incredible experience. We enjoyed so much working with you. The quality of the work and the professionalism that everyone displayed made the entire experience one that Dianne and I will always remember. We ask that you express our thanks and appreciation to everyone involved.
Further, if you ever need a reference, please feel free to give our names and phone numbers. We would be more than willing to share our positive experience with others.
Thank you for making our wedding as special as we wanted it to be.
Dianne and Roy Wedding, July 3, 2004 at Canada Olympic Park

I would encourage anyone to do this for any party it was great!
Heather Durocher
Ricky's All Day Grill – Sunridge, December 16, 2003

Very comical. Very original, great work on the acting! I'll recommend this to my friends, Great Job!!
Jessica Jones
Pa Su Sheep Farm, December 13, 2003

Great job, lots of research required! I respect actors that can think that quickly on their feet.
Heather Walsh
Pike Management, October 23, 2003

Hilarious! Great Entertainment!
Avin
Macleod Dixon LLP, December 18, 2003

Excellent! Thanks for doing such a great job - awesome –
Sandra, Event Planner for Heritage Park
Canmore Opera House, Heritage Park, July 24, 2004

You guys were really great!! Really, really well done. I liked it a lot.
Karen Bednaiz
Canmore Pain Clinic, July 16, 2004

Just a note to thank you very much for such a wonderful night - we loved "Hell Freezes Over". Many thanks to your team also - they were very professional and wonderful!
Jennifer Martin
Nexen Inc.

I just wanted to take a minute to thank you... and your team at Shadow Productions for putting on a FABULOUS show for us on Saturday evening. Everyone really enjoyed themselves that evening. The storyline was great and I am so happy with the response from our group. In all, I want to express my thanks and I hope to be able to work again with Shadow Productions in the future.
Nancy A. Le
Financial Service Coordinator
BMO Bank of Montreal Crowfoot Centre

You guys did a fantastic job - we had a lot of compliments about your group and they thought they were just a riot - Well Done! ...hopefully in the future we can plan something again with you & the actors. We thoroughly enjoyed it - awesome and well done...
Vickie & Rick

Thank you for you and your team's work on Friday. It added a nice touch to the event and the education they provided for guests was perfect. We look forward to working with you again and again!
Jennifer Davis
The Event Group

I just wanted to thank you and the actors for the fabulous job that you did for the Mark's Work Wearhouse event; the cast was amazing! The guests had a wonderful time and you truly made the event very successful. It has been a pleasure working with you.
Sarah Glasser
The Event Group (2004)

Just wanted to say thank you for a great performance for Craig and Kathleen's wedding... We got so much positive feedback from the guests that we have no doubts it was well received! It was all I had hoped it would be, except maybe for turning the tables on me at the end! I never saw that coming at all! Thank you again,
Gail Bloom (2003)

Awesome job was done by the performers, and the scenario was fantastic. We had a pancake breakfast on Sunday, and people were laughing and talking about it. There are some pictures in my mind, that I know I will never get over. I am hoping that members of the audience who were not from Killam will go back to their communities and contact you for doing an event for them. It was truly an unforgettable evening. When you have time could you e-mail me some info on the medival feast as I'm already planning for next year. Many thanks again, and please congratulate everyone on behalf of the Killam Hall Board for a great performance!
Linda Anderson
Killam Community Hall Board (2003)

Thank you for a job very well done! Your team did a fantastic job of entertaining the guests and the client was very happy with the result. All your enthusiasm and professionalism during your pre-event and event work was greatly appreciated and contributed to the huge success of the evening. Good luck with all your future projects and we look forward to working with you someday again.
Jennifer Davis
The Event Group (2003)

For general information about Shadow Productions, check out the FAQ page, which is ideal for submission to event planning committees.
This document includes who we are, some frequently asked questions,
the price list and ordering information, and some references from satisfied customers.

For information, contact:
Shadow Productions Ltd.
48 Riverbrook Road SE
Calgary AB T2C 3P9

TEL: (403) 236-1696

FAX: (403) 398-1354

Please send comments, suggestions and questions to info@shadowproductions.com.