Arts & Entertainment

Farmington-Area Mystery Dinner Theater Group Launches Fund Drive

Organizers say donations will be used to cover the cost of rehearsal space, props and costumes for their rollicking productions, which involve audience interaction.

Organizers of Get a Clue Mystery Dinner Theater, known for hilarious and interactive productions, are getting serious about the future of their company. 

Get a Clue has set a goal of $5,000 for a fundraising drive on gofundme.com. Laurie Smallis of Farmington and Hans Mosher of Farmington Hills are also deep into the paperwork that goes with a 501(c)3 application. 

"We always wanted to start as a non-profit," said Mosher, who grew up in Milford. Instead, the theater company got caught up in the passion of putting on shows, and "the business side was secondary." 

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Mosher and Smallis met years ago, in a Novi theater group. "Putting on shows has been a passion for both of us," Mosher said. "It's fun to start with a group of people and get them trained ... so they know how to put on a show." 

Now in their second year, Get a Clue has produced The Mint Julep Murders, The Wedding from Hell and Funeral for a Gangster at local restaurants. Their fall production will be something completely different.

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"We're working with another group, Theatrical Combat Network," Smallis said. "They write their own material, so I've asked them to write a medieval murder mystery for fall. They're going to include some of their stage combat in the show."

There may even be a medieval dinner, she added. The fall show will be held at the in Farmington. While the space is "wide open", the dinner will have to be catered, so Smallis and Mosher are looking for another restaurant that has a banquet room or hall that could be dedicated to a Get a Clue performance.

Mosher said he expects non-profit status to help when it comes to soliciting rehearsal space, donations of props, costumes, printing and other items needed for the production. 

To support Get a Clue's drive for their upcoming season, visit gofundme.com. To get involved with the company, whether on stage or behind the scenes, call 248-476-2099. 


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