Is this a play that the kids perform?
Is this like a scavenger hunt where they find clues around the house?
How does a Dramatic Fanatic® whodunit party work?
What if I don't want a murder mystery?
How long does the party last?
Do some kids have bigger parts? I don’t want anyone to feel left out.
Does the criminal know who he/she is?
What if someone can’t come?
What if I have fewer than eight players?
Is the party hard to run? I’m not an actor!
What age is appropriate?
Who should be the host?
What about costumes and props?
Are you coming out with more kits?

How do I order a kit?
How do I get my kit? How fast does it take to arrive?
How many pages will I be printing?
Can you mail me my kit?
Why can’t I open my kit?

 

Is this a play that the kids perform?
No, think of the mystery as a role-playing game. top

Is this like a scavenger hunt where they find clues around the house?
It is not designed to run like a scavenger hunt. However, you may certainly add your own hidden clues to embellish the mystery. top

How does a Dramatic Fanatic mystery party work?
Here’s an overview of how the party works. Click on the links for samples:

1) Before the party, you’ll cast party and send out Character Cards to your guests.

2) At the party, characters introduce themselves through an Opening Speech.

3) Once the crime is announced, the Host uses her Host Cards to lead kids through Rounds 1, 2 and 3, where they out short fun scenes loaded with clues and information. Throughout these Rounds, some kids become Suspects and others become Detectives. All kids are involved throughout the entire mystery.

4) After each Round, kids piece together the information and discuss their theories.

5) After hearing all of the clues and receiving additional evidence, kids fill out Crime Reports where they officially declare who they think did it and why.

6) The Host announces who did it and the criminal confesses!

Most kits also give kids the chance to be extra creative by making up commercials, songs or skits. top

What if I don't want a murder mystery, just a mystery?
We have both! Just click on the mystery you'd like and it will tell you whether it's a murder mystery or not. top

How long does the party last?
Mysteries usually last about 1 hour, depending on the number of players. The mystery is designed to run straight through. Of course, you are free to divide up the action as you wish. top

Do some kids have bigger parts? I don’t want anyone to feel left out.
All Dramatic Fanatic kits are designed so that all kids are completely involved from beginning to end. Throughout the mystery, some players become Suspects and others become Detectives, but all are involved the entire time. top

Does the criminal know who he or she is?
No. Nobody knows who did it until it is revealed at the very end. This way, everyone can stay focused on figuring out the case. top

What if someone can’t come?
On your Cast List, you will find instructions that explain how to re-cast or delete characters. It is very simple! top

What if I have fewer than eight players?
Each mystery has a minimum of eight characters and all of these characters must be represented. If you have fewer than eight players, one popular solution is to cast moms, dads or older siblings in the remaining roles. This usually adds an extra layer of silliness and fun. The other option to for someone to play more than one role. However, we believe the first option works best. top

Is the party hard to run? I’m not an actor!
No! The party is very easy to run! The directions, ie. Host Cards are scripted, so they tell you exactly what to say and when to say it. If you read through the kit and prepare beforehand, you’ll be fine. top

What age is appropriate?
Kids should be able to comfortably read aloud in front of a group. We have found kits work best for ages 8-13. top

Who should be the host?
An adult or older teen should be the host. Hosts guide the action of the party by reading from the Host Cards. They should ideally be able to set the tone by adding some “drama” and excitement to the party. top

What about costumes and props?
Costumes and props are by no means necessary, but naturally they will add a fun element to the party. Here are a few popular suggestions:

• Ask each guest to come dressed up as his or her character
• Gather a pile of old clothes, dresses, hats, etc. and have a costume “grab bag” at the party
• Buy an assortment of boas, costume jewelry, bright tights, makeup and hair ornaments top

Are you coming out with more kits?
Yes! Soon. Please feel free to suggest mystery themes your kids might enjoy at info@dramaticfanatic.com. top

How do I order a kit?
We provide safe, secure online ordering through Paypal. Click on the Order tab to begin. At this time we do not have ordering by phone or mail. top

How do I get my kit? And how fast does it take to arrive?
You can access your kit two ways. At the completion of your order, your email receipt pops up immediately. A link to your kit is in this receipt. Additionally, moments after you order, you will receive a copy of your receipt in your provided email. This receipt also contains the kit link. Click on this link to download your kit. top

Can you mail me my kit?
We apologize but we are only on online company at this time and cannot mail kits. top

How many pages will I be printing?
Kits range from 20 to 35 pages, depending on the number of players selected. top

Why can’t I open my kit?
Please be sure:
1. You have the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you need to download or upgrade, you can do so for free here
2. You have saved the link to your computer. Using the Right-side button on your mouse, click the link. Next, select the "Save Target As..." or "Save As..." menu item and save the file to your desktop.
Open and print. top

Please feel free to send us additional questions or comments to info@dramaticfanatic.com