Monica Miklas and Lauren Ludwig travel through the fringe, to the front lines of immersive entertainment. Encountering overzealous onlookers, confused law enforcement, and a lifelong frustration with the 4th wall; they solve the problems that come with being on the front edge of a new wave. Based in LA, they are the skilled weavers of wonder that co-founded Capital W

Known for their shows: Red Flags, Rochester, 1996, and Hamlet Mobile. They have both spoken and taught at the Hollywood Fringe Festival, produced shows in Denver, and sustained a continuing run of the infinitely fascinating ‘Red Flags’ since 2017.

In this episode: we discuss immersive entertainment as a tool for cultural realignment, the hazards of confused onlookers, the barrier to entry, and why you shouldn’t think that a Disney or Meow Wolf budget is needed to create impactful and inspiring immersive entertainment.

Make it immersive: [21:50]
‘His Dark Materials’ and ‘Clue’

Selected links from episode:

• Capital W
• His dark materials
• Agatha christie comedy / clue
• Devised work (theatre terminology)
• Toon Town
• Sleep no more
• Hamlet mobile
• Red Flags
• Rochester 1996
• Filming permits in LA
• Meow Wolf Denver
• Tales by Candle Light
• More than 5 senses

Show Notes:

• World of choice: [2:15]
• Their path to and with immersion [4:14]
• The first why behind the creative drive [8:17]
• Knowing it’s fake, critical distance, and safety [10:20]
• Story: Cops, helicopters, and very confused samaritans [13:30]
• The illusion of Danger [17:10]
• Onboarding bystanders [18:50]
• Make it immersive! [20:50]
  • His dark materials [21:28]
  • Clue [26:46]
• Rapid fire [28:07]
• Excited about upcoming immersion experience.
  • Meow Wolf Denver [28:27]
  • Smell in immersion [28:50]
• Immersion’s impact on culture as a whole [30:30]
• About Capital W! [31:35]
• Lauren and Monica recommendations [32:46]