Niche interactive activation is now more mainstream than ever, and the result is an uphill battle between art and profit. Things don’t always go well in the long run, as shown below Star Wars: Galactic Star Cruiserbut still creates some of the most incredible art forms you will ever be able to experience and be a part of.
Immersive theater is more than just a buzzword Or Band-Aid, insisting on a failed experiment in a field that has existed as a performance art for generations, and which for more than a decade independent creators, genre enthusiasts, and major IP holders in the horror theater space have been trying to crack. bloomhouse and Disney. They often come and go, but their ability to fit into the flow makes them emblematic of the art form in discussions about what works and what doesn’t.
For the most part, most immersive entertainment thrives during spooky season, perhaps because it’s more sustainable during seasonal events when people pursue horror-themed activities to celebrate Halloween. By its very nature, it’s for viewers who want the next best thing via visceral, communal opportunities that escalate from jump-scare hauntings. That and the rest of the year probably won’t draw as many people, proving why year-round events aren’t financially viable and profitable, although Meow Wolf’s presence gives us hope. Put aside escape rooms, haunted houses, pop-up walkthroughs inspired by social media content, and virtual reality—here are the most compelling shows from immersive theater past and present.