History
Killer Entertainment was founded in 1998 in Southern California by Julia McDowell, Michael J. McKay, and Mignonne Profant because we saw a void in truly customized improvisational and audience participation entertainment offered to the public as well as for corporate, social, and convention groups, with witty professional writing and performers giving a truly personalized touch. Nothing is cookie-cutter with Killer Entertainment; every comedy event is customized and personalized. All our shows and entertainments are rewritten or adapted to honor the location, audience, or group. So no show is ever the same. Over the course of the last decade we have held PUBLIC shows in Anaheim, Orange, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Long Beach, Whittier and on a weekly harbor cruise. Our PRIVATE entertainment has been enjoyed by tens of thousands in Los Angeles and Orange Counties (LA and OC) and from Santa Barbara to Palm Springs to San Diego. We pride ourselves on being First Class, Flexible, and FUN. Join us and DIE laughing!
Owner Profiles
Julia McDowell has been a professional performer since her teens, although her first grade teacher would probably argue her groundbreaking performance as a fully feathered clucking yellow chicken on parent night was the true inception of her career. She studied Shakespeare with members of the Royal London Shakespeare Company and the Stratford and Ontario, Canada Shakespeare Companies as well as acting with Ron Sossi of the Odyssey Theatre, voice with Jan Linder, and voiceover with Kalmenson & Kalmenson and Chris Allport in Los Angeles. Her vocal background includes musical theater, nightclub work, choral music, and opera. Julia was trained as a classical pianist and has been musical director and choreographer for several theatres in Southern CA, as well as the head lyricist for Killer Entertainment. She has an extensive background in comedy improvisation including acting with the West Coast Company of the Washington D.C. based Gross National Product, "playing" with the Fratelli Bologna Brothers of San Francisco, performing English music hall in Have A Banahnah, and over ten years acting with many of the “other” murder mystery theatre companies in Los Angeles and Orange Counties in all configuration of strange places including planes, trains, … and automobiles!
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Julia has performed in such Southern CA venues as the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, the Shrine Auditorium, the Redlands Theater Festival, and the Laguna Playhouse. Her theatrical credits include the L.A. Opera premier of Verdi’s Otello with Placido Domingo; the television soap opera Valley of the Dolls with Sally Kirkland, radio theater; and co-hosting the cable show, L.A. Today. She has starred in productions of Hamlet, Comedy of Errors, Man of La Mancha, Anything Goes, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Damn Yankees, Tartuffe, … And Then There Was Nun, The Mikado, Child’s Christmas in Wales, Fiddler on the Roof, MacBeth, and Antigone.
Julia attended UCI in both the drama and computer science departments. In addition to co-owner of Killer Entertainment, she also owns McDowell Administrative and Accounting Services, an administrative-accounting-tax preparation business specializing in small firms, entrepreneurs, teachers, and actors. Julia has also done extensive trade show work combining her acting, business, and computer backgrounds, spending several years traveling around the country with Expo Theater, performing and writing for such companies as Data General, AMD, Intuit, Aptix Corp, Epic Design Technology, and Rasna Corp.
Michael J. McKay began acting at the age of five. His credits range from leading roles on stage in Romeo and Juliet, Gregor in Metamorphosis, Dr. Seward in Dracula, King Henry in Anne of the Thousand Days, Sweeney in Sweeney Todd -- to voiceover work in German, Russian, and English, to clowning on television, as Bonkers, on Days of Our Lives. He guest-starred on JAG with Catherine Bell and David James Elliott as a Russian Submarine Officer; and appeared in 2005 as a Russian spy on Alias ("Ice") with Jennifer Garner. He guest-starred in 2006 as a criminal on Nickelodeon's Drake and Josh, the episode "Steered Straight." In 2008 he was cast as a Nazi sniper in the feature film, "Bad Day," and is writer/director of "Stockholm," an exploration of the Stockholm Syndrome in seven short films - each a complete story, which can be viewed together like a jig-saw puzzle, as a feature.
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He has appeared over 100 times as a member of the Port Charles Police Force, on General Hospital and Port Charles. He has many years of improvisation experience, touring Southern California for three years with The Imagination Company. A lover and student of languages, Mike earned a degree in English from the University of Notre Dame, speaks fluent German and Russian, some Spanish, French, and Arabic, and currently studies dialects in Master Classes with Robert Easton (who coached Robin Williams, Helen Hunt, and many others in Oscar-winning performances) and Eliza Jane Schneider. As head writer for Killer Entertainment, he has written or co-written 15 plays, and customized
thousands of events.
As a U.S. Army Cavalry Officer stationed in Germany, a Lieutenant in a Captain's post, he was responsible for $250 million of equipment. He has scheduled and budgeted several independent films, ranging from Micro-Budget to multi-million dollar projects. He is a Past President of the Fullerton Kiwanis Club, Lieutenant Governor for Kiwanis Division 30, Immed. Past President of the Anaheim Orange County Convention Bureau (AOCVCB) Breakfast Club, and a father of three. In addition to founding Killer Entertainment, he is a founding member of Film Corps, an independent film company, and Stockholm Productions.
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Commitment
Each event will be a unique experience of comedy, interactive mystery, delightful music, fun prizes, deluxe settings, and (possibly) death.
Unique
Absolutely no one offers the customization we do. We not only work your company or theme into our show, we often re-write the entire plot to fit your event, venue, or industry !!!
Our pool of talent is not based on inexperienced college students or community theatre actors. Our actors do not serve. The servers at the venues where we perform are excellent at what they do. We insist our actors are accomplished professionals with outstanding comedy skills. The non-scripted interaction between our characters, the depth brought to those characters by our actors, the quality of our interplay with the audience, the fairness with which we present our mysteries, the extensive creative inclusion of music throughout the event, and quality prizes further distinguish Killer Entertainment.
Comedy
You won’t actually die laughing; but the shows are always a humorous adventure. We frequently hear, "That's the funniest show I've ever seen." See Killer Comments.
Interactive
Our professional actors are experts at audience involvement. A cocktail hour is ideal for the cast to establish relationships with the guests, learning who wants to play and who wants to be left alone. This continues throughout the performance. Much humor is developed from this interaction. We weave in references to the clients’ corporate culture, industry jargon, products and personnel, while remaining true to the time and place created.
Mystery
Audience members are given police reports, news clippings, or other tangible items. Many of our shows do not involve murders, but all incorporate the best elements of suspense, mysterious relationships, undisclosed pasts, and uncertain futures.
In our murder mysteries, all necessary clues to solve each murder are presented. Observant guests sift through red herrings and unexpected plot twists to solve the murder. Opportunity, means, and motive of each character are brought to light through the action. Murderers are always revealed, and meet their deserved fate.
Music
Music is another character in our shows. We add Cabaret-style music between acts, and often add silent movie-style underscoring of the entire production by expert improvisational musicians.
Prizes
Drawings or games are used to determine who will receive prizes, ranging from mystery puzzles to gift baskets. Several prizes are awarded each night.
Deluxe Settings
Guests are immersed in the classic time and exotic place of the scene of the crime. We coordinate with the caterer/decorator for show-appropriate, elegant decor. The seating area will typically be surrounded with set pieces, decorations, or foliage to create an intimate environment. Lighting will normally be customized to the performance space, focus attention on the important action, and contribute to tone and time period of the play being performed.
Depending on the acoustics of the space and size of the audience, performers may wear wireless microphones, tied in to an excellent sound system, to insure that no important clue goes unheard, and that each audience member is intimately included.
SoCal.com, by Jennifer Fordyce
Dinner Theater Review - "Hollywood Confidential" - After experiencing the whirlwind talent of Killer Entertainment’s seasoned troop of actors in “Hollywood Confidential”, you’ll skip the roses and chocolate all together for next St. Valentine’s Day!
Killer Entertainment gave a phenomenal murder mystery theatre production performance at the Old World German Restaurant in Huntington Beach, CA this past weekend. What is a murder mystery dinner theatre production you might ask? It is much like being at the theatre except that you are seated for dinner with other guests as actors parade from table to table and person to person and you soon discover that the stage is not before you but that you are upon it being woven into the inner workings of a play.
During Killer Entertainment’s “Hollywood Confidential”, you are transported back to the year 1955 at the wrap party of director Alfred Welles’ latest film. But what’s this… someone has been murdered? A Mr. Ricard Von Bülow – actor extraordinaire? As you try your best to catch up on the latest murder (or murders depending on the circumstance), plates of German food ... come your way. Over the course of the next 3 hours, you put clues together as you mingle and dine with fellow guests seated with you at a large round table. At times guests find themselves acting out the part of a Hollywood scarlet or singing old German folk song’s with lyrics such as “Du, du, liegst mir im Herzen” (“You, you, live deep in my heart”) that make you wish you took German in high school just so you can impress your date.
At the heart of “Hollywood Confidential” is a great bunch of actors (Michael McKay, Julia McDowell, Keely Rusk, David Maddox and Philip Lester) giving it their all and to the great delight and laughter of their guests. Killer Entertainment’s troop of talent includes 30-40 actors that improvise and customize their performance to their audience including locations at the Old World German Restaurant in Huntington Beach, the Clarion Hotel Anaheim Resort and the Wyndham Hotel Costa Mesa. Current shows include: “Hollywood Confidential”, “Mission Possible”, “The $11 Million Dollar Murder”, “Driven to Kill”, “Stained Glass and Painted Ladies”, “WISH You Were Here – A Tribute to 1940s Radio”, “Resistance is Feudal” and “My Big Fat Greek Wedding Reception”. But even if these don’t fit your bill, they can come up with something entirely new!
For reservations and information about upcoming shows, call (714)538-6080 or (888)331-5299. www.KillerEntertainment.com.
Voted TOP 5 DINNER THEATERS in the Los Angeles Area 2009
For the 3rd year in a row!
After winning in 2007 and 2008, Cityvoter fans of MyFoxLA again voted Killer Entertainment "Top 5 Dinner Theater in the Los Angeles Area" for the 2009 HOTLIST.
DIG Magazine, by Jessica Hecht
On Tonight's Menu: Murder. Show review for Hollywood Confidential
Nothing goes better with German beer than murder. Well, that may not be true for everyone, but the murder mystery dinner “Hollywood Confidential” is a close runner up. Killer Entertainment transforms The Old World Restaurant dining hall in Huntington Beach into an old-fashioned murder investigation on Saturday nights. This interactive show will have even the dullest diner determined to piece together clues, find suspects and solve the murder mystery.
It is 1955 and director Alfred Welles, played by Michael J. McKay, is having a wrap party for his film, “The Wraths of Grapes…From Outer Space,” but there won’t be any celebrating because members of the cast and crew have been murdered, including the movie star Ricard Von Buren! Each player has his or her own theory on what could have happened but the real investigator is You.
Many facets make this four-part show go from ordinary to killer entertainment. As each guest is seated, the players go around greeting the tables and dropping little clues and theories about how the victims died. While enjoying a three-course meal, the night continues with singing, crying and laughter from, not only the colorful characters, but the audience as well.
The level of acting was impressive until their comical improv got the best of some players. The occasional crack in composure changed the scene from a gripping performance into a few friends making jokes. However, poise was easily regained and the audience was thrown back into the grasps of witty humor and the mysterious plotline.
This show is not for the back seat viewer. As you uncover new clues, the flirtatious cast involves everyone, even the shyest diner, with their in-your-face humor. However, if you are not the extroverted type don’t fret, because the respectable cast will adapt and customize the show to make each diner’s experience, not only comfortable, but fun and entertaining as well.
Take a seat at the dinner table during this thrilling interactive performance next Saturday and discover this killer entertainment for yourself.
COAST Magazine, by Kris Allen
The Password is Murder
I was in my musty office when I got an anonymous phone call – seems there was killer entertainment every Saturday night at the Terra Nova Restaurant inside the Wyndham Hotel in Costa Mesa. If I wanted to get in, said the caller, I needed the password. The Password is Murder.
The phone went dead. Did they hang up, or did I forget to pay my phone bill? Even more important: Should I call the cops? Nah, I had solved bigger cases without their help.
I drove my jaunty jalopy to the hotel, parked, and found Terra Nova, which had been turned into a speakeasy. I was greeted by Ruby West, the owner, who gave me the once over like she was reading a newspaper but just looking at the pictures.
She sat me at a table, where I met a few of her customers: a shifty-eyed gangster named Dutch Cagney, a not-so-innocent songbird who claimed her name was Pauline Sinclair, and a smarter-than-he-acted hired hand and mechanic with the moniker Gus McFadden.
I started in on what turned out to be a tasty dinner when the foursome started arguing, and the next thing you know, we had a dead body on our hands. I was about to leap up when other diners laughed and applauded, and the waiter brought out our entrees.
Suddenly it dawned on me. This was no ordinary speakeasy. A group called Killer Entertainment was in charge, and the dead body was no accident – it was an essential part of The Password is Murder, an interactive mystery dinner theater with more laughs than a half dozen sitcoms put together.
I relaxed and enjoyed the rest of my meal and the show. The acting, I was glad to see, was excellent, and so was the food, which featured a choice of entrees and desserts.
At the end of the meal, there was an opportunity to guess “who done it,” with the super sleuths winning a prize. I passed and decided to let the amateurs have a go. As far as I was concerned, there was no mystery for me. It was the perfect murder, and Killer Entertainment did it.
Profile in Orange County Business Journal
Killer Entertainment
Customized Public & Private Shows “To Die For”
Considered the cream of the comedy crop in interactive entertainment, the company continues to create unique live murder mysteries and outrageous comedy shows throughout Southern California. They provide individuals, companies, conventions, and private parties with limitless customizable entertainment options running the gamut from public shows to corporate events, fully scripted interactive theatrical events to half hour mini-shows, unique deejay services, cruises, and improvisational “atmosphere” entertainment.
For nearly 10 years, according to thousands of glowing reviews, Killer Entertainment has shown a commitment to consistently high quality and hilarious entertainment.
The company does with audience participation theater what accomplished jazz musicians do with music, adapting to and incorporating each audience, location, and performer. Every event, whether it involves a murder mystery or not, uses customization and improvisation by the professional performers to make each event unique. Individuals and small groups can join their public shows. For larger groups, corporate or convention clients and private events, extensive research is done by the Killer staff, and each show is rewritten using “inside information” on the client, frequently culminating in a customized song composed just for that group.
Anyone can enjoy this unique troupe throughout the year. Two long running public shows are available every weekend, great for birthdays, anniversaries, small groups, or just a fun night out. Celebrations are always highlighted in the show’s newspaper, which is recreated for each show.
In it’s 8th smash year in Long Beach, the long running 1880s murder mystery dinner cruise “Alibi Aboard,” which played on a riverboat in Long Beach Harbor as well as the Hyatt and Hilton Hotels, has finally closed. Replacing that show is “Get Smarter-er,” an hilarious 1960s romp through the world of spies and intrigue, playing Friday and Saturday nights (multiple shows/week in December).
In it’s 6th fantastic year, at the Costa Mesa Wyndham Hotel you’ll find gangsters, glamour, and a gourmet meal. Of course, you’ll need a secret password to get in and bootlegged hooch should be easy to buy if you know who to ask. Dine in delight with a few nefarious types at their prohibition era Speakeasy. “The Password is Murder” has public shows Saturday evenings (6 shows/week in December) and private parties are available. This criminal comedy runs indefinitely and has garnered rave notices. It’s an evening not to be missed!
Additional new public mystery dinner shows will be added in 2009.
For private corporate and social entertainment, a large variety of shows are available, including “Mission Possible,” a 1960’s sitcom-style comedy; “The $11 Million Dollar Murder,” a modern day murder mystery; “Hollywood Confidential” set in the 1920s, 40s, or 60s (with a Wine and Golf Dinner version); “Driven to Kill” a car caper in an auto museum, “Stained Glass and Painted Ladies” an engagement party with over 15 endings to choose from; “WISH You Were Here - A Tribute to 1940s Radio,” the medieval “Resistance is Feudal” complete with sword fights; and “My Big Fat Greek Wedding Reception.” If none of these are a perfect fit, they can also write an entirely new customized script for any client.
OC Metro Magazine, by Christopher Trela
KILLER FUN – “The Password is Murder” is Mystery Dinner Theater Done Right.
The unique art form known as mystery dinner theater has been around for many years, with more than a dozen of these dining troupes dishing out their own form of the gastronomic genre in Orange county over the past decade.
Two essential elements that many of these productions forget to include: good food and good fun. After all, if you’re paying upwards of $50 to dine with a roomful of strangers while you experience an interactive mystery play, what’s wrong with expecting a decent mean and a decent show?
Killer Entertainment has used the right ingredients for “The Password is Murder,” a deliciously funny mystery dinner show that takes place every Saturday night in the Terra Nova Restaurant at the Wyndham Hotel in Costa Mesa across the street from the Performing Arts Center. Not only is the food tasty and appealingly presented, but the show is one of the funniest mystery dinner theater productions in town.
For the “The Password is Murder,” the Terra Nova Restaurant serves as a prohibition-era speakeasy, complete with a quartet of colorful characters: blonde bombshell owner Ruby West, gangster Dutch Cagney, not-so-innocent songbird Pauline Sinclair, and the hired hand/mechanic Gus McFadden, played on the night reviewed by expert actors Julia McDowell (Ruby), Robert Vestal (Dutch), Lina Hayek (Pauline), and Dale Jones (Gus).
The slim storyline (someone is murdered, everyone else had a motive, so who did it) is merely an excuse for the actors to gleefully interact with the audience, which on this particular night provided plenty of ammunition for a volley of improvisational hijinks that included hysterical asides, witty banter, considerable clowning, and a plethora of good puns.
The actors knew and incorporated the names of the audience, an impressive feat and one that made the experience all the more intimate. In fact, an issue of a fake Costa Mesa Crier newspaper plaed at each tableincluded finctional articles with the names of all the guests, yet another fun touch.
In addition to the terrific acting, “The Password is Murder” features a fine meal. There’s an opportunity for the audience members to guess “who done it” at the end of the evening, with the super sleuths winning a prize. But the mystery is almost beside the point: The fun is not in the ending, it’s in the journey, and “The Password is Murder” offers a well-acted and very funny joyride from beginning to end.
Can’t get enough Killer Entertainment? They also produce “Alibi Aboard: A Showboat Mystery,” performed on an authentic riverboat cruising Long Beach Harbor.
Los Angeles Times Calendar, by Geoff Boucher
INTO THE WILD BLUE YONDER – Riverboat Mystery
In Shoreline Village, just down the dock from the Long Beach Aquarium and Bubba Gump Shrimp, I found fishnet of an unexpected sort. “I need to stretch,” the French chorus girl said as she perched her ankle on my shoulder.
Welcome aboard indeed. I was capping my day with a Murder Mystery Dinner Cruise. In one of their ads, the delicately named Killer Entertainment Productions sums up the affair a as “three hour tour, four course meal, multiple murders,” and I must admit I wasn’t sure that sounded like it would add up to my definition of fun. Turns out it was fun and funny. The troupe members don’t take themselves too seriously, and they mercifully let audience members off the hook if they don’t want to be part of the show. The food was even good. And I was even among the folks who solved the mystery.
Orange County Register (Northern Lights), by Chris Creson
KNOCKING 'EM DEAD - Interactive dinner show in Orange County gives new meaning to Killer Entertainment
I won't keep you in suspense. I had great fun with the play and enjoyed the best meal I've had in some time. Each Thursday, PJ's Abbey is the setting for Killer Entertainment, the show's producer, to perform an interactive comedy written for this venue.
The Mead family lovingly restored the Abbey, a converted 1890s era Victorian church. Featuring beautiful stained-glass windows and attractive antiques, PJ's Abbey is well-known as a great place to eat. Gary Mead, Sr. handled the conversion, Gary Mead, Jr. manages the restaurant, and mother Peggy Mead gets up at five each morning to bake the mouth-watering desserts. It's a very special place that is now just a bit more magical.
The time is 1919 and the audience arrives as guests of local saloonkeeper/politician Grover Claypool. The event: an engagement party for his mail-order bride, who will arrive shortly on the train. For the first half-hour we enjoy hors d'oeuvres.
"Stained Glass and Painted Ladies" is about two thirds scripted and one-third improvisation. During the reception, the characters introduce themselves and write the rest of the script in their heads. As we enjoyed our meals - four courses that included a selection of filet mignon, salmon, chicken Florentine or grilled vegetables as the entree - the cast worked its spell on the 50 honored guests. The three founders of Killer Entertainment - Michael J. McKay, Julia McDowell, and Mignonne Profant - make every effort to ensure everything is perfect. They write, act, sing, dance and more. The entire cast is professional, with extensive credits on stage, screen, and television.
McKay plays dual roles as a German preacher, Werner Klugmeier, and a slick-talking rube con man, Earnest Glibb. McDowell as Penelope B. Sweete, may or may not be what she seems. And Profant is a sort of Nelly Bly-type as the local newspaper editor. Veteran actor Dale Jones was delicious as the pompous pol. Ricardo Montoya, the suave Orange County land baron, was played with enthusiasm by Robert Vestal. And stage manager Craig Ouelette was memorable as Clyde, the hired hand.
The play was playful, the actors skillful. The audience was included: "We're going to sing this song only because Chris wants to." I was surprised. Others were hugged, mugged, and tugged. The skill was knowing who would love to be involved and who would rather remain a spectator. Finally, the audience gets to vote on how the play will turn out. It was a blast.
Reservations are a must for "Stained Glass and Painted Ladies."
It's always nice to leave the theatre with a good taste in your mouth. At PJ's Abbey this was literally the case, as we chose between incredible raspberry cheesecake and the "black hole of chocolate" also in cake form.
The night was a fun frolic full of inside Orange County references, audience singalongs, and the best filet mignon I've ever eaten. This is definitely a case of having your cake and eating it too. To quote the Terminator: "I'll be back."
OC Metro Magazine, by Chris Trela
DINNER THEATER TREAT – PJ’s Abbey Restaurant in Orange Hosts a Unique New Show
Dinner theatre has indeed garnered a bad rap over the years, but times are changing and so is the concept of dinner theatre. Traditional dinner theatre venues have faded away ... their replacement: interactive mystery-comedy dinner shows. They're fun, original, and since most are held at established restaurants, the cuisine is usually very tasty.
Around 20 years ago the wildly popular interactive play "Tamara" in which the audience followed actors from room to room of a Hollywood mansion in between bites of dinner and dessert, proved that audiences were looking for a new dinner theatre experience.
Now along comes another dinner theatre troupe with their own twist: Killer Entertainment. Based in Newport Beach, this company was formed by three mystery theatre veterans (Mignonne Profant, Michael J. McKay, and Julia McDowell) with the idea of trying something different. They have succeeded with the show, "Stained Glass and Painted Ladies," offered every Thursday at PJs Abbey, a classy restaurant housed inside a converted 1890 Victorian church that still has its original stained glass windows intact.
Set at a fictitious engagement party in 1919, "Stained Glass and Painted Ladies" incorporates the history of Orange County, and the world, into the storyline of the show, which involves the engagement party of saloon owner Grover Claypool and his mail-order bride. Will the railroad get her to the church on time? Will Grover win his bid for mayor now that prohibition is forcing him out of a job? Or will he fall for the editor of the local paper – if the wealthy rancher doesn’t nab her first (unless he goes for the prim ex-chnteuse Penelope Sweete). Observing the action is the audience, who in essence become partygoers and watch the play unfold around them as they dine.
"Stained Glass and Painted Ladies" is a dinner theatre novelty, and a welcome one. The acting is convincing, yet tongue-in-cheek, the plot believable yet still wacky, and the incorporation of local lore and historical facts adds to the overall enjoyment. You can't ask for a better venue than PJ's Abbey, and the cuisine served upholds the restaurant's reputation.
Just be prepared to laugh a lot and join in singing a handful of old songs (with a booklet of lyrics provided at each table for those who forgot the words to "In the Shade of the Old Apple Tree" or "Daisy.)
"Stained Glass and Painted Ladies" is just one of several interactive plays that Killer Entertainment does on a regular basis for private parties and corporate functions ... if they are as enjoyable as the one at PJs Abbey, Orange county is in for some truly killer entertainment.
Profile in Los Angeles Times
"The play, set during an engagement party in 1919, first takes guests to an hors d'oeuvre reception. There, visitors will meet the townsfolk, such as a suffragette and a saloon owner.
In addition to the hors d'oeuvres and salad, guests have a choice of entree: filet mignon medallions, salmon with lemon caper sauce, chicken artichoke Florentine, or grilled marinated vegetables.
PJ's Abbey is a renovated 110-year old former church which has its original stained glass windows. Converted to a restaurant, the structure is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.
The script for "Stained Glass and Painted Ladies" was written by the founders of Killer Entertainment, Julia McDowell, Michael J. McKay, and Mignonne Profant at the request of the Mead family, owners of the restaurant.
The actors present the comedy around the dining tables. The actors, gifted in improvisation, chat with guests between and during scripted portions of the show. While guests are never pressured to participate, many enjoy taking part, in particular in the sing-alongs presented.
Stage Beat, L.A. Times
"Michael J. McKay . . .performs with virtuosic skill."
Darel Hale, Los Angeles Critic
"Appearing on the same bill we have the divine Miss Julia McDowell. Her tranquil tones and soothing soprano charm all. . . . She has brought new meaning to the art of the ballad."
"A consummate pro in the interactive theater genre, [Mignonne] Profant enhances the evening's enjoyment with her Femme Fatale mannerisms and her torchy songs."
"(Julia McDowell) is working the room like a seasoned Vegas comic. She stops at each table long enough to rattle off a few wisecracks and appropriate some food and drink. She's good at both."
Peggy Blizzard, Irvine World News
"Profant is very good as the sultry [chanteuse], giving the role an earnest sincerity."
As you read these comments you will note that we get Consistently Outstanding comments for every one of our shows. All exclamation marks and ALL CAPS are from the guests themselves. Anyone is invited to the office to review the many, many hundreds of other gushing, glowing comment cards we have received.
CORPORATE / CONVENTION / PRIVATE PARTY COMMENTS
"YOU ROCK!!!!!!!!! YOU WERE TREMENDOUS!! Thank you so much for helping to create a playful atmosphere today. It’s great to take a business event and make it an “experience” for the participants, and you did just that. Your "cousin of" persona was a lot of fun, and I thank you for working it up for me."
- Scott Sorell, CEO, Sales Adrenaline, MAR 2009 Nautical Character Theme Event
"SUCCESS! Wow, Julia, the show was a HUGE SUCCESS!! Everyone just loved it! I can’t tell you how many compliments I received on the show. Many were pleasantly surprised at how interactive, entertaining and creative it was too. Oh, and the acronyms that Dorothy rattled off – people are talking about that even this morning! That was unbelievable! Please relay this again to your crew, they truly made the event a success!"
- Debbie May, HNTB So Cal, JAN 2009 "Hollywood Confidential"
"THANKS!! All I can say is you guys Rocked!! We had such great feedback from our guests from the party this weekend. It was fun to see them trying to figure out "who these people were" and then start enjoying it when they caught on. I love the little mini stories we keep hearing about from different people and The Partners. The Partners reactions were the best because they had no idea we hired you all. Marcus and Mike can't wait to have you at our party next year! The Timeshare Salesman was awesome and fit perfectly into our business. His costume was perfect! I loved to hear his "Yahoo" just randomly throughout the night. And Virginia, she was great with the running the gifts to the prize winners. That was priceless!! Everyone also loved the song that you put together for us. It was so clever. Really, everything was great and we really can't wait to work with you again. Please send people to me if they would like a referral. I'd be happy to tell them how great you all were."
- Toni Cunningham, TG Events (Trading Places), JAN 2009 Character Event
"You two did an AWESOME job on Friday night! You met and exceeded all of my expectations! I could not believe how much you incorporated into the show about Letty's job, famliy, and friends...you muct have done a tremendous amount of research (and impressive memorization). The enitre evening was perfect, you two included! I will HIGHLY recommend you to family and friends, and I think I might need to see one of your regular shows myself.
Thank you again, you were a pleasure to work with. You two are so talented...it was truly wonderful to have you perform. I would be more than happy to serve as a reference for you in the future."
- Kara Sherman, OCT 2008 Mini Show
"The group really enjoyed the personalization of our business terminology. It made it so fun. I can't believe how thoroughly you incorporated our business into the script! Great job, loved you and hope we can do it again."
"I thought it was great fun ... the actor's understanding of our business, acronyms, and organizational nuances as reflected in their script was outstanding ... their ability to respond with this level of "performance" on a very short notice, was superb.
- Abbott Vascular, OCT 2008 Mini Show
"I wanted to say how much everyone enjoyed the show. I actually got the chance to see some of our engineer's laugh and smile for my first time. I was wondering how you were going to pull it off and you certainly did, with flying colors. I was also impressed with your customized script for Disney (since we didn't get the questionnaire back to you until the last minute). WOW, you two did an awesome job, remembering all those engineering terms, titles etc. I cant even remember them all, not even close. Thank you very much for doing such a great job. It was nice to see people that work so hard actually enjoy them selves."
- Patricia Pepper, Disney Engineering Dept, AUG 2008 Mini Show
"Our group is still talking about our evening out. We had a wonderful time and I don't think it could have been better. It was amazing that the two of you used all of the information that I fed you and used it perfectly. I had told you that it was a tough group, but you managed to bring them all together. I got several notes from people saying that was the most fun time they ever had. I can't thank you enough and I told the whole California group that if they ever needed an event to call you. Will you be at the Hyatt all of the time now? I would love to see you again."
- Linda Peterson, National Square Dance Convention, FEB 2008 Mini Show
"I was so impressed with the job that you and the other actors from Killer Entertainment did for our closing dinner that I don't even know what to say.
I know you said you would research the organization and customize the skits, but really, I was just awed by the time you must have spent looking at who ASHRAE is and what we do. Our group is difficult to entertain sometimes because engineers see the world with a different view but you captured their attention. Not only did you capture them, you actually made them laugh. We've had some who have laughed before, but not the whole group at once!
I told the Long Beach CVB that they should recommend you to every group that comes into the city. Kudos for a most impressive performance and for providing an evening that our members will not forget nor one that will be surpassed for many years to come. One can positively say that Killer totally fit into the theme of our meeting....Nobody does it better than you guys did!!!!"
- Judy Marshall, ASHRAE, JUL 2007 "Hollywood Confidential"
" Julia and the cast from Killer Entertainment were AMAZING. They mingled with our guests before the show and then managed to quickly incorporate their names into the performance in a way that perfectly matched their personalities. No one was embarrassed, though some wondered how the cast knew so much about them. I had provided some names, but no personal information. Although our group included a broad mix of corporate personnel and third-party suppliers, everyone felt involved and included.
The show was hilarious, and the performers were outstanding. They also did an incredible job of customizing the Hollywood Confidential program to match our program theme, company facts and business initiatives. One of our guests commented that this was the best entertainment that we had ever had at one of our conferences. I'd highly recommend Killer Entertainment to any company wanting to entertain its guests while supporting the key messages of its conference."
- Randall Oliver, Director of Corporate Communications, Smart n' Final, JUNE 2007 "Hollywood Confidential"
"Killer Entertainment was perfect! It was just what we needed to break the ice, set the mood, get everyone laughing, and make the night a huge success.. The girls were amazed at how much personal information the actors knew about them. They laughed for hours. I will definitely use Killer Entertainment again in the future."
"The actors were amazing! Just as they did with my group last year, they made the evening a complete success. It was so much fun for the girls. They kept them entertained and laughing all night long. Thanks for everything!"
- Sherri Rogers, Boswell High School Cheerleaders, TX, 2006 & 2007, 1920s Character event "All of your actors, especially Miss Ruby West, were terrific and really picked up on the accounting terminology and names of our folks, which was impressive. that added a great deal ot eh intimate feel of the room, and kept us giggling throughout the evening. We would certainly recommend your mystery dinner to any organization, and I hope we can do it again."
- Kay Krogen, Ronald Blue & Co., APR 2006 "The Password is Murder""The audience participation was the best I have ever seen! The actors took the time to get to know their guests on a first name basis and they were so funny. I would recommend this event to anyone who wants a fun filled time at sea! Thank you for the memories!"
- Karen Cook, Bastian Material Handling, San Dimas, CA, DEC 2005 "Alibi Aboard"
"Everything was wonderful! Performance, food and service was perfect. EVERYONE, told me what a great time they had. Many of them plan on returning with friends and family. A grand time was had by all, thank you so much. Also, I need to add, your company is extremely organized, friendly and professional. A joy to work with."
- Linda Davis, Anaheim Police Department, Records Bureau, DEC 2005 "Alibi Aboard"
"Thank you for serving as presenters for the Leadership Long Beach Class. Your interactive theater experience was both entertaining and educatoinal for class participants, thanks to your creative presentation style. the class members were totally engaged during your segment and they loved you!"
- Jane Roeder, Executive Director, Leadership Long Beach, APR 2004 Mini Show
"Thank each of you for the phenomenal job that brought to life an amazing and very memorable wedding and reception! The passion, courtesy, time, and talent you all invested in 'our night' is demonstrative of how much you all love your jobs and your undeniable talents. Start to finish the script was great. Truly we cannot speak highly enough about Killer Entertainment."
- Todd & Jeanne Scott DEC 2000, "White Wedding Blues"
"The whole night was magical. The actors were well prepared and professional in all aspects of the event. We look forward to working with you often."
- Peggy Jewell, Director of Sales, Bollotta & Associates
"The very best evening I have ever spent at a corporate event."
"Truly remarkable, they were hysterical."
"I don't know how they did it, but I want them to do it again."
- Associates Relocation and Mortgage Services Group, Dallas, TX
"I can't say enough to tell you how pleased I am with last night's theme event. Your professionalism from start to finish was phenomenal. I greatly appreciate the many hours you spent in fine-tuning the script; and working with me and my client to create a truly specialized event."
- Brent A. Stringfield, Pacific Events, San Diego, CA, "Mission Possible"
"Everyone had a great time. It was a wonderful way to unwind after a long day of meetings. They especially loved the creative way you wove in the film titles. That was an excellent idea."
- Ben Johnson, Buena Vista Pictures Marketing, "$11 Million Dollar Winner"
"Thank you for handling so many details so graciously. Our guests thought "President Truman" was a stroke of genius. And one of our especially brilliant friends (quite a historian herself ... and a cabinet wife during the Nixon administration) could not stump Mr. Truman. Congratulations!
- Anne Merelie & George Murrell, Los Angeles, CA, Character Event
"Your Possible Mission Force presentation was absolutely fabulous. The script was fresh and the characters delightful. What was particularly amazing to me was how you incorporated all the individual names into the script. The whole production was truly Killer Entertainment."
- John LoPresti, Atlantic City Games, "Mission Possible"
PUBLIC SHOW COMMENTS
- "Great fun. Love the actor interaction! The movie & music references are awesome.” - Rick F. 8/15/09
- "My head hurts from laughing." - Farid S. 6/27/09
- "Pure comedy" - Ryan & Marion 8/1/08
- "Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful ! You had me laughing so hard my cheeks hurt.” - C. Stacher, 10/27/07
- "3 Hours of Laughing, laughing, laughing. And in between you get to eat!" - Joe A. 9/9/05
- "Absolutely Incredible! Money well spent !!" - A. Newman, 08/06/05
- "I haven't had that much fun with my clothes on in a long time!" - Moon 2/5/05
- "One of the best nights of our lives. An evening of pure joy." - Joanne N. 7/31/04
- "I had the time of my LIFE at the show last Saturday!" - Kayla S. 2/1/03
- "THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!!" - Sandra F., 11/2/02
- "Laughed so hard I literally fell out of my chair." - Guest 4/7/02
- "Thank you so much for such a wonderful, entertaining, memorable evening!" - John I. 12/1/01
- "Wow. Wonderful. You guys ... just wonderful." - Unidentified Guest 12/14/01
- "Best thing I have ever seen. Thanks for making my anniversary so pleasurable." - Guest 12/29/01
- "Best birthday ever."- Guest 11/11/01
"First off I'd like to say thank you so much for making our event as amazing and memorable as it was. It was definitely a night to remember and all your performers were incredible. So, we are definitely interested in planning something for our prom next year."
- J. Griffin, Encore High School, MAY 2009 "Get Smarter-er"
"We had the absolute best time, Julia! I've had nothing but smiles and compliments on the show, the food, and how great an evening it was. I truly hope we do this next year with you and your company! And thank you for making everything turn out right - I loved it!"
- Linda Barry, Vought Aircraft, OCT 2008 "Get Smarter-er"
"Your staff is amazing. I think I've been to the show at least 10 or 11 times now, and will never get tired of your show! It keeps getting better and better, and there are always surprises! Your actors are very impressive and absolutely hilarious. Thanks again for the most amazing and most unforgettable thrilling evening!"
- Dianna H., FEB 2008 "Alibi Ashore"
"I was given the amazing opportunity to attend your enjoyable show last night for my bachelorette party (I was the Bride). I wanted let you and the cast of Alibi Aboard know that I was honored to have been there last night and made apart of the show. You all are awesome professional entertainers and I want to commend both you for the enjoyable time had by all of my party. You are a true testement to the way theater and improvisational theater should be, and it is wonderful how you are able to get all parties involved. You really made this night a memorable one!!! I cannot say how thankful I am to each and every one of you for making my night amazing!!! "
- Jessica Koenig, OCT 2007 "Alibi Aboard"
"We had a great time and I laughed so hard my face hurt. We really enjoyed the audience interaction, from the moment that we walked in until the very end. We had such a good time, thank you and your whole cast! I have already sent out an email to all my friends and relatives recommending the show. "
- Daniel P., AUG 2007 "The Password is Murder"
WOW!!! That is how we describe our experience at your show. From the great interactions with the cast members before the show, to the wonderful and surprising good food... we have to say this was one of the best nights we have had together. My wife and I were also very amused with how the cast members dealt with the very talkative group we were next to. They eventually convinced them to quiet down. They made that part of the show. Please do not change one thing you do... the show was flawless.
Brian J., Bakersfield, CA (... oh yeah... they even made fun of Bakersfield), "Alibi Aboard"
"We had a wonderful time. The entire group had no negative comments, in fact, just could not quit talking about what a fun evening it was."
- Kay Dudley, Bank of The West Anaheim Hills, DEC 2005 "Alibi Aboard"
"I cannot remember ever having a better time !!"
- Judy B., MAY 2003
"Last night was incredible! I had a great time. I will tell all my corporate travelers about PJs Abbey."
- Teresa H., Embassy Suites
"Enjoyed the recognition in the table paper of our 55th anniversary. It was a great evening. Reminded us of The Drunkard, that played in LA 55 years ago. We Went to it on our Honeymoon."
- Eloise H., "$11 Million Dollar Winner"
"The acting was superb. I especially liked how the setting of the restaurant worked in concert with the time period and the story."
- Barbara D.B., "Stained Glass and Painted Ladies"
"You guys are fabulous. We've been to the Abbey and 11 Million, and you've done it again. You have different endings, right?"
- Rick M., NOV 2001 "Alibi Aboard" (Yes, we do)
"It was a wonderful evening. I hadn't laughed so much for a long time. I hope we can do it another time."
- Virginia W., MAY 2001 "$11 Million Dollar Winner"
"It's so fun the way the show goes on all around you while you're dining. We felt a part of the show, especially since we were able to converse with the actors and help decide the ending."
- Cathy W., JUN 2000 "Stained Glass and Painted Ladies"
"The intimate atmosphere gave us the feeling of being included in the plot. We shall spread the word !"
- Jack and Nancy T., JUL 2000 "Stained Glass and Painted Ladies"
"It was more than enjoyable, it was FUN!! The interaction and the spontaneity was great."
- Thelma G., MAY 2000 "Stained Glass and Painted Ladies"
"WOW What a night! Here it has been five days and we are still talking about it. The entertainment was great."
- Bill, NOV 1999 "Stained Glass and Painted Ladies"
"We enjoyed the entertainment very much. We laughed and learned about the era. We've recommended the show to our friends and family. Thanks! "
- Greg H. and Lisa D., "Stained Glass and Painted Ladies"
"We enjoyed it immensely. I loved being Molly Brown for a night. Please put me on a mailing list!"
- Marilyn N., Newport Beach, "Stained Glass and Painted Ladies"
"Wow! What a great show. It should run forever."
- Louise, "Stained Glass and Painted Ladies"
"I look forward to another event at Lasher's.
I would be happy to sing your praises!"
- Ray Lasher, Lasher's An American Restaurant, Long Beach, JUL 1999 "WISH You Were Here"
Why should we choose Killer Entertainment?
Killer Entertainment is distinguished by our creativity, professionalism, and integrity. We rely on the superior improvisational skills of our professional performers to fully involve our audiences. And for our Public Shows, none of our performers function as waiters or serve meals (a major difference from many other companies - giving us access to a higher level of performer), creating an atmosphere that responds to the unique personality of each audience and group.
All of our entertainment, even our murder mysteries, are full of comedy, improvisation, and ad-libs. Our humor is witty and always meant to honor you, your guests, or your organization (i.e. We avoid putting people down or relying on mean-spirited jokes. These are easy laughs, but at the expense of an individual person, and not how Killer treats our valued guests.). Killer Entertainment’s goal is for you to have a truly unique experience no matter how many times you visit us and to figuratively, if not literally, fall out of your chair laughing. We are our motto - FUN, FLEXIBLE, and FIRST CLASS!
What kind of customization/personalization do you do?
For PRIVATE EVENTS, we weave information into our scripts and improvisation about your event, location, attendees, company, industry, VIP, or all of the above through a questionnaire you answer and independent research done by the Killer Entertainment team. Private Full Shows are actually extensively re-written for each and every client. Many Private Events also include a Killer Entertainment signature song composed just for your group as well as a customized newspaper, both a nice memento for your guests.
For PUBLIC SHOWS, we also have opportunities to personalize aspects of the productions for your group or VIP including show newspapers that are created new for each show and a time during the production when we honor all VIPs and groups. We will either gather “inside” information by phone or by email questionnaire.
Who are the performers?
Killer Entertainment employs a professional company of actors, musicians, stage managers, and technical crew who come with backgrounds in film, television, radio, commercials, proscenium theater, interactive theatre, children’s theater, sketch comedy, stand-up comedy, nightclub performance, cabaret, opera, musical performance and CDs, broadway touring shows, and all other possible assortment of professional performance. Killer Entertainment takes pride in high standards of conduct and performance for our troupe.
Do you have Public Shows or just Private Entertainment?
We usually have 2-4 Public Shows running at any given time in Los Angeles and Orange County (LA & OC). In addition, we have numerous shows and entertainment available for Private Events at our location or yours. See our Public Shows, Private Parties, or Corporate Events pages.
Do you have Public Cruises as well as land shows, or just Private Cruises?
We performed our ALIBLI ABOARD Mystery Dinner Cruise Show on a riverboat in Long Beach Harbor for over 6 years. Unfortunately, we had to let that boat go in January of 2008. Right now our Public Shows are all on land, including the one in Long Beach. At the present time, our cruise options are all Private Yacht Charters.. However, we hope to have another Public Cruise at some point in the future. Keep checking the website.
Are Gift Certificates available?
YES! Gift Certificates are available for Public Shows. Please call the office to inquire.
Why should we want a Murder Mystery, Characters, or Theme Party for our group?
Whether you have people coming from all over the country who don’t know each other, from the same office, or friends and family from local Southern California, our expert improvisation artists will help break the ice, stimulate interaction, and add an unforgettable element of spice, suspense, and fun to your event. And even with our scripted shows, Public and Private, there’s always still plenty of “chat” time for your guests.
How do we decide between a Comedy, Murder Mystery, Atmosphere Characters, or Theme Party?
We will work with you to determine which type of event will be best for your attendees before sending a proposal. Budget, size of group, location, and other activities happening during the event are definitely deciding factors on what we will recommend.
Murder mysteries require the most attentiveness on the part of a group. If you have other activities as the primary purpose of your gathering (i.e. Casino night, A/V presentation, Awards, Gift Giving, Silent/Live Auction, Speeches, Photo Booth), you might consider our Atmosphere Events, or Theme Party Characters instead of a Full Show.
See our Private Parties and Corporate Event pages for more details.
How many people can you handle?
For Public Shows, we can accommodate singles, couples, and groups up to 150 depending on the show and location. For Private Entertainment, we customize the event to match your requirements, from 25-2000+. See our Private Parties and Corporate Event pages for more details.
Do the performers sit with the audience?
We are a professional theater company. Consequently, for our Public Shows and most Private Entertainment (especially since for most of our events we take you to a certain time period or location with our shows –1889, 1940s, the Carribean, Indiana Jones, etc), it is always obvious who the performers are. We feel you have paid good money to purchase professional actors and we shouldn’t minimize your interaction with them or their customized improvisation and time with your guests by hiding them amongst the audience (unless there is a particular reason to script a unique character that way). Furthermore, we don’t sit our actors at your tables for Private Events, because we aren’t there to eat with you, we’re there to perform for you, and the best way to do that is to keep our performers free to respond to your guests at all times and in any place throughout your restaurant, house, hotel, venue, or locale.
What is Mingling, and why is it important?
Interaction begins when characters greet the group during a reception or pre-show time. Mingling continues through serving breaks, between acts of a show, or inbetween other activities of your event, right up to the final curtain call or end of the entertainment. Mingling or pre-show interaction allows our professional performers to identify those members of your group most willing to play along (asking probing questions, quick to laugh, gregarious and outgoing, dressed for the time period, etc.). Some of these audience members will be identified during the event, and although some shows include opportunities for guests to get up out of their seats and join the action, no one is ever expected to "perform" who doesn’t want to.
Are your shows Interactive? Do you have Audience Involvement?
We have the MOST personalized shows in Southern California.
All our entertainments are very interactive and improvisational. How that works is slightly different with each of our shows. But even during the scripted portions of a show, it’s very improvisational, taking our cue from each audience, each performance.
Our performers never stop interacting, in character, with the audience. No matter what type of entertainment we provide, each member of the audience will have many opportunities to interact directly with various members of the cast. For some shows, a few guests are singled out to get up out of their seats, but no one is ever forced to participate. You can interact as much or as little as your personality dictates.
In addition, many of our entertainments include customized songbooks, newspapers, query sheets, game sheets, accusation sheets, etc. to help get the audience involved.
Can I ask you to pick so-and-so?
We never pre-arrange to choose any specific people because the actors take their cues from the audience for each individual show. (i.e. You might give us the name of your most outgoing, crazy employee, but maybe that night he’s having a bad day.) During the reception or pre-show, the actors really get a feel for the personalities of the different audience members. We trust our professional actors to make those choices on site. But, there’s plenty of opportunity to interact. If you’ve got someone who’s really outgoing, chances are the actors will pick up on that.
Do we have to participate?
You can always interact with the characters a little or a lot depending on your personality. If you want to just sit back and observe, that’s fine. And for those outgoing types who want to interact and talk with the characters directly, there’s plenty of opportunity to do that too. But, we never force anyone to participate.
PUBLIC SHOWS - How does the show work? Do we have to sit the whole time? Do we have time to socialize?
There’s plenty of time to chat and move around (i.e. take a smoke, go to the bathroom, go to the bar) during the serving breaks. The show goes back and forth. After the reception there’s an act of the show then a serving break, an act of the show then a serving break. And you get to guess who you think is the murder during the dessert break. We also give a couple of prizes to some of those who guessed the murderer correctly.
PUBLIC SHOWS: Where’s the Stage? I want good seats.
There is no stage per se. The Public Shows happen in and about the tables all evening long. So, there are no any bad seats.
PUBLIC SHOWS - Can my party sit at the same table?
We will sit you at the same table if we can. If your party is larger than one table, we will always sit your tables near each other.
PUBLIC SHOWS - Can my group make reservations separately?
Yes, we suggest someone call and establish the party name for the group. Then, that person should tell the rest of the group to mention the party name when they make their reservation so we can sit your group together. However, group discounts only apply if you purchase the tickets all at once.
PUBLIC SHOWS - What do you do for Birthdays (Anniversaries. Graduation, Retirement, Bachelor/Bachelorette, etc)?
If you make your reservation early enough (usually at least two days in advance), we’ll take inside info on your celebrant and use that information to weave into the articles in our show newspaper, which we re-write for every show. And if you’re a big enough group, we’ll send you an email questionnaire so we can get info on the rest of your group as well. All of this is given to the actors to also use during their improvisation and interaction with your group.
PUBLIC SHOWS - Can we come in costume?
It doesn’t happen all that often, but the actors LOVE it when guests dress up in period costume. And frankly the rest of the audience loves it too. It adds a fun element to the evening. Of course, it is never required, but if your group is interested, see our Referral and Links page for a few costume houses. The time period for the different shows is on their individual web pages or feel free to call the office to discuss your situation.
PUBLIC SHOWS:
See also our Public Shows Policy under Terms and Conditions
Following is a Partial List of our Clients.
- Abbey Event Services - Rancho Dominguez, CA
- Acosta Sales & Marketing - Diamond Bar, CA
- Active Sales - Santa Fe Springs, CA
- Adventures at Sea Yacht Charters - Newport Beach, CA
- Aerovironment
- A.G. Palder Plumbing
- AIFOtec Fiberoptics - Middletown, PA & Munich, Germany
- Akzo Research
- American Public Works Association - Ventura, CA
- American Rental Association - Moline, IL
- Ameriquest Mortgage Co. - Arlington, TX
- Anaheim Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau - Anaheim, CA
- Anaheim Police Department Records Bureau
- ARCO
- Arlington Mortuary
- Arrowhead Credit Union
- ASP (A Division of Johnson & Johnson)
- Association of Sandblasting Contractors
- Association of Vineyard Churches - Anaheim, CA
- Association Relocation Mortgage Services Group - Dallas, TX
- Atlantic Mutual Insurance - Orange, CA
- Automation Plating
- Bank of America
- Bank of the West - Anaheim Hills Branch
- Bastian Material Handling - San Dimas, CA
- Beckman Coulter - Fullerton, CA
- Belldini - Los Angeles, CA
- Bishop McCann Cal-Lift - City of Commerce, CA
- BTI Communications Group
- Cake Corp (Jewell Land Co.) -
- California Association for Medical Laboratory Technology
- CalTrol - Glendora, CA
- Canon Information Systems
- Club at Morningside - Rancho Mirage, CA
- Cerro Coso Community College
- City of Downey - Downey, CA
- City National Bank
- Clear Channel Radio
- Clumeck Stern - Encino, CA
- Collectors Haven - Los Angeles, CA
- Corporate Diversions
- Curves - Paramount, CA & Baldwin Hills, CA
- Disney / Buena Vista Pictures Marketing - Burbank, CA
- DMJM Holmes & Narver
- Dura Pharmaceuticals - San Diego, CA
- Edison Mission Energy - Irvine, CA
- Edwards Life Science - Irvine, CA
- Enterprise Rent-A-Car
- Ernst & Young - Pacific Southwest office
- Essence Entertainment - Costa Mesa, CA
- Expo Theater Productions - Laguna Hills, CA
- Exxon Mobil
- Fazoli's Italian Restaurants
- Financial West Group
- First Magnus
- First Regional Bank
- Forecast Homes
- Fullerton Kiwanis Frozen Food Council - Laguna Hills, CA
- Fujinon
- Gage Marketing Galpin Ford - North Hills, CA
- Ganahl Lumber - Anaheim
- GE Capital - Financial Assurance PMG
- Glenn M. Gelman Assoc. - Santa Ana, CA
- GM Packaging - Orange, CA
- Good times Travel - Fountain Valley, CA
- Great Western Tours - Pasadena, CA
- GTE - Long Beach, CA
- Hearthstone Community Foundation - Long Beach, CA
- Here We Go Travel
- Hilton Anaheim
- Holden Andrew Corp.
- Huntington Beach Police Department
- Huntington Park Police Association
- Hyatt Regency Hotel - Long Beach, CA
- Image Comics
- Intelsat Global Service Corporation - Riverside, CA
- International Parking Institute
- Intuitive Surgical
- Isogon Software John E. Profant Foundation - Santa Barbara, CA
- Kaiser Permanente
- Keane Incorporated
- Lasher’s-An American Restaurant - Long Beach, CA
- Keller Group
- Lacquer, Urban, Clifford & Hodge, LLC
- Law Offices of Gray & Prouty
- Leader's Forum, The
- Long Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau - Long Beach, CA
- Long Beach Memorial Medical Center
- Los Angeles Coptic Diocese
- Main St. Tours - Torrance, CA
- Maritz Travel - San Diego, CA
- Marshall School of Business Alumni Association
- Master Building Specialties
- McKesson HBOC Medical Group - City of Industry, CA
- Metro Point Engineers
- Meyerhof’s - Irvine, CA
- Money Concepts - Placentia, CA
- MPMS & RPM Property Services
- NALCO
- Nationwide Insurance
- Nissan North America, Inc.
- Office Depot
- Okuma Enterprises, Inc.
- Old Dominion Freight
- Onyx Acceptance Corp.
- Outdoor Dimensions - Fullerton, CA
- PacifiCare
- Pacific Coast Corvettes - Irvine, CA
- Pacific Entertainment - San Diego, CA
- Patient Care Technologies
- Peterson Consulting - Los Angeles, CA
- Piedmont Research Center
- PJ’s Abbey Restaurant - Orange, CA
- Prentiss Properties - Carlsbad, CA
- Price Pfister
- Procter & Gamble
- Prosonic Corp.
- Pulte Homes
- Quality Care DME Solutions - Grand Terrace, CA
- Quality Research & Replacement - Anaheim, CA
- Queen Mary Hotel - Long Beach, CA
- Rail Delivery -Irvine, CA
- Raytheon
- Reading International, Inc.
- Regents Point - Irvine, CA
- REIPA, NRRPA
- Roadrunner - Dawes Freight Systems
- San Diego Gas & Electric
- Sarnoff Court Reporters
- Sempra Energy
- ServNet
- SHURflo - Cypress, CA
- Sir Speedy Printing
- Smart N Final
- Smile A Mile Travel Club - Lakewood, CA
- Sodexo
- Softworks Corporate Training
- Southern California Gas Company
- Spa Gregory - Laguna Beach, CA
- Spectrum Medical
- Stice Company
- Susan Koman Breast Cancer Foundation
- Talon Instruments - San Dimas, CA
- Target
- Tilly's - Chino, CA
- Travelers Insurance - Diamond Bar, CA
- United Education Institute
- Upland Travelers - Ontario, CA
- URS Corporation, Inc. - Rancho Cucamonga, CA
- USS Tripoli Verizon - Long Beach, CA
- Talon Instruments - San Dimas, CA
- Toyota Motors
- Valeant Pharmaceuticals
- WestCoast Hotel - Long Beach, CA
- Western Asset Management Company
- Western Telematic
- Westin Hotel - Long Beach, CA
- Wild Attire, Inc.
- White, Nelson & Co. - Anaheim, CA
- Vineyard Christian School
- Yale Chase
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Locations / Venues / Restaurants
PJ's Abbey Restaurant , Orange, Orange County, California.
Terra Nova Restaurant, Wyndham Hotel Costa Mesa, Orange County, California.
Hilton Hotel, Long Beach, Los Angeles County, California.
Old World German Restaurant, Huntington Beach, California
Costume Rental
Bianca's Divine Costume Rentals, Long Beach, California - Appt only. Rennaissance to 20s
Rental Bootique, (YES it's a double O), Santa Ana, California
Costumes Galore, Orange, California
Limousines
Karmel Shuttle, Fullerton, California
Classique Limousines, Orange, California
Photographers
AmuseMatte Corp., Chatsworth, CA - Backgrounds/Green Screen Photos
Caught In The Moment Photography, Long Beach, California
Flash Fenton Photography, Cypress, California
Miranda Mirsec Photography, Southern California (Miranda took some of the "Password is Murder" and "Get Smarter-er" public show photos featured on this website. Thank you!)
Ken Huber - Photographer, 562-408-4571, Southern California (Ken took some of the "Hollywood Confidential" private corporate show photos featured on this website. Thank you!)
Web Design
PCNet Cypress, Cypress, California
What We Do
Killer Entertainment is a live interactive theater company specializing in comedy, spy, and murder mystery shows. Killer Entertainment has gathered a family of professional artists and technicians. Many are members of Equity, SAG, and/or AFTRA - though we do not fall under the jurisdiction of any Union, we are all professional performers. We do NOT serve or bus dinners - we perform!
Together we create, customize, and perform live, interactive theater comedy shows for corporate events, conventions, private parties (15 shows in various formats) AND public murder mystery dinner shows on weekends in Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, and Long Beach. (4-6 shows/week per location in December.)
Compensation
THERE IS PAY (and a meal) for every show (approx. $100 - $175/show, more for some Private Events), rehearsal (approx. $50 per 4-hour rehearsal), or early call. Most performances are in Los Angeles or Orange Counties. Shows from Santa Barbara to Palm Springs to San Diego include additional compensation for travel, and overnight accommodations if necessary.
What we expect
All Killer's performers are professionals. For many of our customized corporate events, performers are required to memorize a significant amount of material with two rehearsals. All our shows require interaction with the audience, so all must be skilled at improvisation, and create strong characters (sometimes 2 or 3 in one event) who have life outside the script. All must be able to perform convincingly in intimate proximity to the guests, and at the same time have presence and projection to "carry" a large room. All must have excellent comic timing.
All our performers are professional in bearing, conduct, integrity, and dependability. All must have some way to be reached when not home (cell phone). Email is mandatory. Most importantly all are great, fun people to be around. If this is you, we want to hear from you.
NEXT CASTING - TBD
Auditions are by invitation only held 1-2x/year or as needed.
We DO keep P/Rs on file until the next audition date.
Sides for various characters from several of our shows are available during auditions. Sometimes we list characters we're looking for; but if you are a "Killer" person and performer, we won't care if you do not fit their descriptions. There are many other characters in our many shows we might be able to fit you into. If you have a monologue, or a stand-up routine, or a song that you feel shows you off, you are welcome to do that too. DO NOT learn a new piece for an audition. We are looking for a solid, confident performance from prepared material; from the sides, ... anything goes.
We are always looking for Professional Actors, Musicians, and Stage Managers. Age is open, but you must be over 18. Writers with completed scripts looking for a web presence.
Send P/R and cover letter (let us know your interactive experience) to Email KillerEntertain2@aol.com
Hard Copy:
Killer Entertainment
475 N. Glassell, Orange, CA 92866

"This is not just the best theatre company I've ever worked for. This is the best company of any kind I've worked for !"
- Rob Vestal
Over 440 shows -- so far
"I was just thinking how blessed we are to say the words you give us, to play - these are dream roles !"
- Sean Blodgett
Over 400 shows -- so far
ACTORS
EVERY role requires versatile professional actors skilled in comedy, improvisational and live interactive theater. Creative multi-talented people with wide range. Singing, dancing, accents, foreign languages, stage combat, fencing, familiarity with history, (or willing to study), classical training, other special skills a plus, but not required. We are always looking for alternates with guaranteed performances for our PUBLIC shows. If cast, you will be paid for rehearsals; and you will appear. We cast for our PRIVATE and corporate shows separately from our PUBLIC shows, but frequently use many of the same actors.
Send cover letter detailing interactive experience, union affiliation, P/R, and tape if available to ATTN: ACTORS
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MUSIC
Versatile musicians to play guitar, banjo, fiddle, piano, harmonica, other skilled at various styles and improvisation, for underscoring during Acts of shows set in various time periods, and solo playing during breaks between acts. Acting skills a huge plus! Age open.
Send cover letter with submission to ATTN: MUSIC
WRITERS
Scripts for interactive mystery dinner theater and mystery scripts of any length for proscenium theater for international marketing and sale (non-exclusive) via the internet. No melodrama, no one-dimensional characters. Solution to mystery MUST be discernable from the clues.
Send cover letter with submission to ATTN: SCRIPTS
STAGE MANAGER
Detail oriented stage managers able to interact in a personable and professional manner with guests, clients and actors, oversee timing of event, manage load in/load out, and think quickly and creatively in any setting. Stage Managers for some shows may also be an on stage character. Valid Driver's License required. Age open.
Send cover letter union affiliation, resume to ATTN: SM
TECHNICIANS
Technicians skilled in load in, load out, setting up and operating follow spots, lighting, and sound equipment. Set up and take down of some sets requires some heavy lifting. Valid Driver's License required.
Send cover letter union affiliation, resume to ATTN: TECH
FOR "The Password Is ... Murder" mystery dinner show in Costa Mesa(1933)
"Deutsch" Cagney (male): Act I Gangster trying to take over the speakeasy. Act II & III appears in drag as a flapper type but really an undercover Treasury Agent. Age: 20s-40s.
Ruby West (female): Owner/Lead Singer of the speakeasy. Woman who can anchor a show like Rita Hayworth in Gilda, Annette Benning in Bugsy, or a Billie Holliday / Bessie Smith or madame type. Sexy (or obviously has former sexual and other past). Must sing well, several songs. Age open.
Pauline Sinclair (female): Act I plays innocent, sweet, dim, needy, insecure girl just off the bus from Kansas; Act II & III reveals her dynamic, sexy nature. Must sing well. May play guitar, banjo, or other portable instrument(s) in addition to above-listed acting skills (Huge plus but not required). Age: 20s-30s.
FOR "Alibi Aboard" mystery dinner cruise in Long Beach(1889)
- Marion Morrison (male): Act I plays a midwest bare knuckle boxer (no fighting), Act II plays Marion's brother, the financial brains of the showboat with a criminal past, Act III & IV plays the detective (good Irish or Scottish accent). Must be very versatile actor. Age open.
- Ashleigh Butler (male): Narcasistic male theater divo who thinks ALL women are in love with him. Cultured southern accent. Age open.
- Cecil/Cecily (male or female): Plays the showboat's competent company manager. Really runs the boat for QT. Some actual stage management duties part of role. Age open.
- Q.T. Bailey (male or female): Showboat owner, very facile with arcane language. Anxious to convince all that no murder has occurred, as the "show must go on." Must have powerful voice to control room (a la a circus ringmaster), must be able to improv easily, and handle a good deal of script. Age open.
- Marie Annette Bonaparte (female): Showboat can-can dancer (or former dancer). French, loose, sexy. Must have excellent French accent; tiny amount of scripted French, but ability to speak French a large plus (esp. for Improv). Does not have to dance - but ought to move or be built like a dancer. Able to carry a tune or sing. Age open.
Hortense Peyton Prescott (female): Trained theater diva with complex back story. Age: 30s-40s.
Anyone may be offered roles in multiple shows, including those we do for corporate clients. Roles may eventually be written to fit particular talents. If none of these roles fit, but you think the company might, contact us anyway!

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