Make a Scene! is a live-action roleplaying scenario festival in the Twin Cities. Join us for a weekend-long celebration of new live-action narrative games ranging from large to small, silly to serious, and abstract to personal!

When we use the term “scenario,” we are referring to an easy-to-play and easy-to-learn narrative game. All of our scenarios will be played in-person at Make a Scene! and each scenario tells a different story. This kind of game is probably more familiar than you think. If you have ever watched or performed in a theater or improv show, participated in a murder mystery dinner or escape room, played a tabletop roleplaying game or larp, engaged emotionally with film and literature, or just played good ol’ make believe, you already have at least some experience with this kind of storytelling!

At Make a Scene! people are more important than play. That’s why we’ve implemented an inclusive and equitable code of conduct to promote the kind of community culture we want to see flourish. This is our commitment to each other.

But that’s not all! Participating in Make a Scene! is super easy. We’re offering:

• Sliding scale admission, including free admission
• Group meals served throughout the festival
• ADA compliant venues
• A program full of scenarios that are easy to learn and play
• Social time built into the schedule

At Make a Scene! you will find scenarios that cover a wide range of topics, that will have you in tears of laughter and stir your hearts. Our program places a special emphasis on scenarios by or about the lived experiences of people of color, women, non-binary individuals, LGTBQIA* individuals, and disabled individuals.

We are also calling for scenarios to feature at Make a Scene!  We are especially interested in featuring the works of new designers, and we will offer development support and mentorship to those whose scenarios we select for inclusion at the festival. So what are you waiting for? Submit your pitch!

Photo courtesy of l.p.lade.

We believe that play is a powerful and beautiful way to express a story. In play we practice a number of valuable skills, such as group cooperation as creative collaboration. But that’s just the beginning – in playing a narrative game we develop empathy for different perspectives, deepen bonds through shared experience, and revel in the creative intimacy of spontaneous collective storytelling. In addition to playing evocative games, we aim to inspire the next generation of scenario writers to share their experiences and insights through the medium of play. Make a Scene! is all about exploring an exciting new frontier of narrative and game design through play, discussion, and the cultivation of new ideas and approaches that go deeper and farther than ever before. That’s why we hope that you’ll join us at Make a Scene! Your energy and creativity brings something unique that we couldn’t possibly have without you!

Register now!