Mercer Theatre to present interactive improv show

When Martin Noyes was looking for his next career move, he decided to combine the two things he loves most -- theatre and Dungeons & Dragons. 

Noyes will bring his two passions together as he returns to Tattnall Square Center for the Arts to present his show, “The Blessed Demon,” in August. Noyes has partnered with Mercer Theatre to bring his Dungeons & Dragons themed improv show to life. 

“Actors play the main characters of the scenario,” said Scot Mann, director of theatre at Mercer University.  “They have their main attributes, they know their backstory, and they find out on the fly what their objective is. Everything after that is affected by their decisions.” 

This improv show is interactive. Whether you are dressed in costume or just wearing a “player” badge, anyone who wants to participate will have a chance to be included in the show. 

After the show’s success last year, Mann said they had to bring it back. 

“It was pretty much wildly successful,” Mann said. “When I suggested we might be able to do it again, if our students wanted to, they were unanimous.” 

Senior Kimberly Gessner said her experience last year made her excited to be part of the main cast again this year. 

“It was really, really cool,” Gessner said. “I usually do tech stuff, so getting to actually be on the other side and be on stage was a really fun experience.”

This year, Mercer Theatre will offer special ticket packages for devoted fans. 

“We noticed the first time we did the show there were people coming back every night because they knew that there was going to be an end to the story,” Mann said. 

A $50 package will give attendees access to all of the performances, or the roll of a 10-sided dice will determine the cost of your show entry that night. 

Mann said the cast and crew are happy to start the year by working with Noyes again. 

“He’s terrific,” Mann said. “I think one of the fascinating things about him is he just has these whole universes in his head.” 

The show will take place Aug. 22-24 and Aug. 29-31 at 7:30 p.m. There will also be matinee performances Aug. 25 and Sept. 1 at 2:30 p.m.