Experience our 2020-21 Off the Grid season!
What is Off the Grid?
Off the Grid creates immersive theatre experiences for today. With an innovative artistic approach, interactive performances take place in site-specific or social settings that reimagine the nature of theatrical storytelling. Adjusting the programming for our current health crisis with virtual and socially distanced events was a natural extension of the unconventional approach Off the Grid has been taking for the past five years.
Scroll below to see what's in store!
There's plenty to explore now, and more events for 2021 will be announced later this season.
Pod Plays
Listen to an audio play, outdoors, for free!
The Pod Plays Project makes creative use of technology, storytelling and outdoor space. These original audio plays each take place in a unique location in Cincinnati. You’ll be guided through the space as the story unfolds, interacting with the same views, spots and markers as the characters in the story you’re streaming. Pod Plays are free to the public, and can be listened to at any time.
The Aviators
Written by Trey Tatum
Location: Alms Park — 710 Tusculum Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45226
Story: The Aviators follows Kaylan and Cece, who form an unlikely friendship after working through the trials of a school project about flight. Their journey includes an exploration of Alms Park and all of its hidden gems, as well as an exploration of the history of aviation.
Learn More
Richie and Blanche
Written by Isaiah Mikel-Reaves
Location: Purple People Bridge — Newport on the Levee
Story: In Richie and Blanche, a mother and son find themselves at a crossroads. Their relationship had taken a turn after Richie came out to his parents, setting off five years of estrangement. Their emotional journey includes a walk across the Purple People Bridge as they take in the beautiful sites and views of the Ohio River and Cincinnati Skyline.
Learn More
Shadow Cast Film Series
See your favorite films brought to life in front of the big screen!
What's a Shadow Cast?
Shadow cast film viewings feature actors reenacting cult classic films in front of a live audience as the movie plays on the big screen behind them — a la The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Sign Up!
We’re partnering with the Esquire Group to bring you a series of shadow cast film viewings at Mariemont Theatre, located at 6906 Wooster Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45227.
Mariemont Theatre has safety protocols related to COVID-19, and attendees should anticipate wearing masks while moving throughout the building, having their temperatures taken prior to entry, following reduced capacity auditorium seating, and adhering to social distancing guidelines.
Choose Your Adventure:
Dreamgirls
Thursday, Oct. 1, at 7 p.m.
Mariemont Theatre
Cost: $12
One dream will change everything.
In the 2006 hit musical Dreamgirls, three female soul singers find their dreams of musical stardom coming true (and their personal lives forever changed) in the early 1960s. This special screening will feature a live shadow cast performance for an interactive event.
Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle
Thursday, Dec. 3, at 7 p.m.
Mariemont Theatre
Cost: $12
Fast food. Jail cells. Neil Patrick Harris.
Harold and Kumar set out to satisfy their munchies and encounter some wild and hilarious surprises along the way in this cult comedy screening. Audiences may find themselves as part of the screening and performance as a group of actors perform a live shadow cast!
Girls Trip
Thursday, Feb. 4, at 7 p.m.
Mariemont Theatre
Cost: $12
It’s time to get away with the girls!
Four best friends take a break from their jam-packed lives and reunite for a raucous and unpredictable trip to New Orleans in this 2017 blockbuster comedy. This interactive screening includes a shadow cast performance, adding a unique theatrical element to this screening event.
Mean Girls
Thursday, April 1, at 7 p.m.
Mariemont Theatre
Cost: $12
So fetch!
In conjunction with our production of School Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls Play, we’re hosting a special screening of the cult teen comedy Mean Girls with a special shadow cast performance! New girl Cady leaves the familiarity of her home-schooled upbringing and transfers to an American high school, where she falls into the cut-throat world of girl cliques.
Special Events
Children of the Corn Maze
Written by Trey Tatum
Saturday, Oct. 24
Burger Farm and Garden Center
7849 Main St. (Rt. 32), Cincinnati, OH 45244
Cost: $20
Strange things are happening in the corn fields of Burger Farm…
There are whispers of supernatural events and sightings of monstrous creatures, and everything is becoming a little spookier than usual. What secrets are lurking
in the fields? What sinister surprises are in store? With fun nods to horror and thriller favorites from Stephen King to Ghostbusters, a twisted tale unfolds as audiences walk the haunted trail in this immersive, theatrical experience. Suitable for
ages 13 and up. Groups leave every 10 minutes between 6:40 p.m. and 10 p.m. and will include up to 10 people. Entry times are reserved in advance. The experience lasts approximately 45 minutes. Please arrive 10-15 minutes before your ticketed start
time.
When the grown-ups are away, the kids will play… in Pumpkinland!
Treat your kids to a fun-filled 90 minutes while you venture out into the fields. Children will rotate between the three activities in small groups. Each session includes excursions in the Pumpkinland maze, pumpkin crafts and Halloween-themed movies like It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. Suitable for ages 4 to 12. Kids Pumpkin Parties have 90-minute timed entries beginning at 6:30, 8, and 9:10 p.m. and cost $10. Pumpkin Party tickets are available as an add-on when you purchase tickets for Children of the Corn Maze.
What You Need to Know:
• The trail for the Children of the Corn Maze haunted experience includes walking along uneven gravel roads and through corn fields. One portion of the walk includes a slight incline. Patrons may walk through mud. With advanced coordination, some accommodations for accessibility can be made.
• We recommend wearing full-length pants and comfortable shoes that you can walk in for extended periods of time and don’t mind getting a little muddy.
• Face masks are required during the event. Groups of 10 on the haunted trail may include people you don’t know, but the location makes it easy to maintain social distance throughout. Children at the Pumpkin Party will be able to maintain six feet of distance with those who are not from the same family group.
• Visibility is limited in the corn fields, and tours will take place in the evening and at night. Flashlights will be provided, and pathways will be clearly marked.
• Children attending the Pumpkin Party must wait to enter until their ticketed session, and they must be picked up by their designated time.
• There will be concessions for purchase, including popcorn, nachos and cheese, hot pretzels, coffee and tea, bottled water, soda, apple cider, and apple cider slushies. Cash and credit are acceptable.
• No food or beverages are allowed in the fields.
Tickets
Nancy Brew Zoom Dunnit
Written by Margot H.G. Manburg
Thursday, Nov. 12, at 7 p.m.
Zoom
Cost: $10
Who doesn't love a good mystery?
In this interactive whodunnit hosted via Zoom, armchair detectives can log in from home to track down the culprit of a crime. Participants will break out into teams, observe scenes, track clues and interact with characters to solve a mystery, virtually.
Past Events
THE COUNT OF MONTE PESTO
Feb. 25, 26 and 27, 2020
7 to 9 p.m.
Kate’s Catering & Personal Chef Services
Cost: $60
Celebrity chef Dante Cristo lives with a secret he’s harbored for 15 years — a secret that ripped him away from his family and Mercedes, the girl he loved, when he was betrayed by his best friend. With his identity hidden from those who once knew him, Dante uses his celebrity status and wealth to enact a plot of revenge. The time comes to put the plan in motion when Mercedes hosts a charity fundraiser and Dante agrees to teach an exclusive cooking class in support of it. As Dante leads participants through this interactive, theatrical cooking class, he’ll bring secrets to bear and delicious food to eat, along with a reckoning of the past. After all, revenge is best served with a tasty plate of pasta.
Ticket includes up to two drinks per person, and tastings of Italian-based entrees, including salad, pasta, frico and cannolli. Audience members will help prepare the dishes and ingredients during class.
Audience members will be on their feet for the duration of the class. Accommodations can be made for persons who have physical disabilities. The facility is wheelchair-accessible. Space is limited to 20 participants in each performance.
Kate’s Catering & Personal Chef Services is located at 702 6th Ave., Dayton, KY 41074. Must be at least 16 years old to register. Alcoholic drinks will be available for registrants 21 and up.
OCTOBER ART AFTER DARK
Friday, Oct. 25, 2019
5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cincinnati Art Museum
953 Eden Park Dr.
Tormented Souls
Enjoy free admission to special exhibition Treasures of the Spanish World! You'll explore the cultures of Spain and Latin America across four millennia through some of the finest artworks from the Iberian peninsula and the Spanish colonies. Will take place in Western and Southern galleries and Schiff galleries.
Includes docent-led tours of the permanent collections, featuring performances by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park.
Free admission. RSVP not required.
BEAUTY AND THE BOURBON TASTING
Friday, Nov. 8, 2019
7:30 to 10 p.m.
New Riff Distillery
Cost: $40
Bailey Sinclair is a quirky, independent photographer who prefers to keep to herself. But when her ailing father’s medical bills become too expensive, she takes a second job at New Riff Distillery to help cover costs — despite her aversion to bourbon and the distillery owner’s reputation for being rather beastly. Determined to help her father, she does her best to deal with the pressures of her new job, beastly boss and all. Join Bailey on this interactive bourbon tasting as she finds that there may be more to the bourbon and the beast than meets the eye.
Ticket includes one cocktail during registration from 7:30 to 8 p.m., three tastings of bourbon and whiskey, and a free after-party featuring live music and a cash bar starting at 10 p.m.
Audience members should wear shoes that are comfortable to walk around in, as they will be on their feet, taking stairs and standing during throughout the performance. There is some accessibility for wheelchairs, though access to some scenes may be limited.
New Riff Distillery is located at 24 Distillery Way, Newport, KY, 41073. Must be at least 21 years of age to register.
ART AFTER DARK
Friday, March 29, 2019
5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cincinnati Art Museum
953 Eden Park Dr.
Passport to Paris
Bonjour! Escape to the city of entertainment this month during Art After Dark: Passport to Paris! Enjoy free admission to special exhibition Paris 1900, live music from the Faux Frenchmen, dance performances from Madame Gigi's Outrageous French Cancan Dancers, food for purchase from Urban Stead Cheese, Macaron Bar and the Terrace Cafe, specialty wine from The Skeleton Root and docent-led tours of the permanent collections featuring performances by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park.
Free admission. RSVP not required.
THE WAR OF THE MALLS
Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019
One-hour time slots starting at 6:30 p.m.
Tri-County Mall
Cost: $20
The Martians have landed at the Tri-County Mall! On a mission to destroy the earth, they’re leaving no person in their path alive. In this interactive escape room/laser tag adventure, teams of brave humans will undertake the task of tracking down the Martians and eliminating the threat before they destroy every living thing on the planet!
Participants will be grouped into teams up to 12. There is no seating, and participants will be on their feet during the hour-long experience. This event is accessible for wheelchairs. Participants should wear shoes that are easy to stand and move in. One-hour time slots start between 6:30 and 9 p.m. Sign up with a group in a time slot or as an individual, and we’ll introduce you to some new friends!
Tri-County Mall is located at 11700 Princeton Pike, Cincinnati, OH, 45246. The event takes place in the former Ethan Allen store located next to BJ’s. Recommended for adults and kids ages 10 and up.
20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA
by RYAN UNDERBAKKE and NICK RYAN
Adapted from the book by JULES VERNE
FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2019 | NEWPORT AQUARIUM
A one-night only production!
Immerse yourself directly in the action for a one-night-only, theatrical adventure! Follow a thrilling, top-secret mission to infiltrate an enemy submarine and capture a deadly foe. The audience will be part of all the action, twists and difficult choices that must be made to carry out the mission, all while receiving exclusive access to the aquarium’s animal exhibits, hallways, backways and hidden spots. Tickets cost $30 per person.
Spaceballs Screening
with Live Shadow Cast
Wednesday, March 6, 2019, at 7 p.m.
Kenwood Movie Theatre
Cost: $10
Costumes encouraged!
Join us for a special screening of the 1987 cult classic Spaceballs, featuring a live shadow cast performance. A rogue star pilot and his trusty sidekick must come to the rescue of a princess and save the galaxy from a ruthless race of beings known as Spaceballs. Join our shadow cast as they bring to life the movie in front of the screen, a la The Rocky Horror Picture Show. You just might find yourself in the performance!
Costumes are encouraged, and a reward will be given for the best dressed! Pre-show activities begin at 7:00 pm. Screening of the movie starts at 7:30pm. Kenwood Movie Theatre is located at 7815 Kenwood Rd.
ART AFTER DARK
Friday, Feb. 22, 2019
5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cincinnati Art Museum
953 Eden Park Dr.
We built this city…on art and food!
Celebrate special exhibition "Art Academy of Cincinnati at 150: A Celebration in Drawings and Prints" with live music by Art Academy of Cincinnati alumni Heavy Hinges, chili from Camp Washington Chili & salads from Dewey's Pizza, cocktails, docent-led tours with Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park and star gazing with Cincinnati Observatory.
Free admission. RSVP not required.
BREW & VIEW
Moana Sing-Along: A Celebration of Lin-Manuel Miranda
Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019, from 7 to 9 p.m.
The Video Archive
965 E McMillan St.
You're welcome.
Celebrate the musical work of Hamilton superstar Lin-Manuel Miranda with a Moana screening and sing-along! Join us for an interactive screening event that begins with trivia, games and your favorite karaoke songs written by Miranda from Hamilton, Bring it On and In the Heights. Then enjoy the Disney musical sensation Moana about an ancient Polynesian curse, a demigod named Maui and a young girl who must save her island home.
Event begins at 7 p.m., and the screening of the film starts at 8 p.m. No registration is required, but space is limited.
BREW & VIEW
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, from 7 to 9:30 p.m.
The Video Archive
965 E McMillan St.
Daughters do not dance well with masticated brains.
The prim and proper Bennet sisters are newly rendered as swashbuckling, tough-as-nails heroines who fight off zombies in this post-apocalyptic interpretation of Pride and Prejudice. Join us for an interactive screening that will include games, trivia, a costume contest and a zombie makeup artist.
Event begins at 7 p.m., and the screening of the film starts at 8 p.m. No registration is required, but space is limited.
FRIGHT NIGHT
Thursday, Oct. 12 and 19, 2018
5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cincinnati Art Museum
953 Eden Park Dr.
This fall, take a guided tour through one of the country’s most haunted museums that brings together real accounts of ghosts and spookiness over the years. Cash bar and appetizers available. Cost is $10 for Cincinnati Art Museum members (ages 10 and up), $15 for the general public (ages 10 and up), $5 for children (ages 3-10, Monster Mash only). RSVP required. Limited space. Ticket required for entry. Tickets include tour, food and one beverage (alcoholic or non-alcoholic).
STEPHEN KING MURDER MYSTERY PUB CRAWL
Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018
6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Mt. Adams
Cost: $10
A serial killer is on the loose in Mt. Adams — and they’re using the dark works of Stephen King as inspiration for their crimes! Help us unlock clues at each bar and narrow down the suspects through this interactive, murder mystery performance. Sign up with a group or as an individual, and we’ll introduce you to some new friends!
LIVE BOARD GAME
Thursday, May 3, 2018, at 7 p.m.
Rhinegeist Brewery
1910 Elm St.
Get in the game!
The people are the pieces in this interactive combination of Sorry, Charades and Quelf! Step onto the board and play a life-size game that will challenge your creativity and ignite your imagination for a crazy good time.
MT. ADAMS PUZZLE PUB CRAWL
Thursday, April 5, 2018
6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
The Puzzle Crawl
Mt. Adams Pavilion
949 Pavilion St.
Hunt for Buried Treasure
Travel from bar to bar solving puzzles, fulfilling quests, and enjoying some delightful drink specials along the way. The early bird rate is just $10 per person: a 60% discount off other Puzzle Crawl events!
GORILLA CINEMA BREW & VIEW
The Princess Bride
Thursday, March 15, 2018, at 8 p.m.
The Video Archive
965 E McMillan St.
As you wish ...
Step into character and tap into those drama classes from high school, or simply make it up as you go. More of a spectator than a thespian? Just grab a drink and enjoy the show.
GORILLA CINEMA BREW & VIEW
Rent: Filmed Live on Broadway:
Sing-Along!
Thursday, Feb. 1, 2018, at 8 p.m.
The Video Archive
965 E McMillan St.
No day but today.
Step into character and tap into those drama classes from high school, or simply make it up as you go. More of a spectator than a thespian? Just grab a drink and enjoy the show.
FRIGHT NIGHT
Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, at 5 p.m.
Cincinnati Art Museum
953 Eden Park Dr.
Explore one of the country’s most haunted museums this fall. Take a ghost tour and hear stories of hauntings in the galleries in partnership with Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park's Off the Grid program! Cash bar and appetizers available. Free admission. RSVP required. Limited space.
#SelfieThePlay
#SelfiethePlay is a Real World-style interactive reality theatre experience following six young professionals as they attempt to adult in Cincinnati. Be part of the action as our camera crew records their drama live at Mt. Adams Pavilion. To learn more about this project from our 2016-17 season, visit the #SelfieThePlay website.
Off the Grid Bar Series 2016-17
So This One Time: Story Slam
We give you a microphone. You tell your true story in five minutes or less. Mic drops optional.
Battle Ground: Lip Sync Contest
Contestants will lip sync for their lives in a competition in which the crowd determines the champion.
Live Action!: Role Play Your Favorite Sci-Fi Shows
We’re bringing your favorite TV shows to life, complete with audience participation. Relive iconic episodes from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Dr. Who, Star Trek, Firefly and Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog. Costumes encouraged.
Sponsors
