Sunsetting Mall is a new immersive theater attraction that combines nostalgia and interaction to tell an original story set in a fading shopping mall from the 80’s. Through a rich cast of characters and detailed historic environments, guests discover clues and experiences that unveil the mall’s strange occurrences, all stemming from the arrival of supernatural entities in 1989. Among the groups at play in this attraction are the supernatural Dupes with a strange power over their environment, the Theorists and InvestiForce who are digging into the location’s secrets, and The Lost who have had their memories erased as a result of the Dupe arrival. Each character has their own story and motivation which is discovered through guest interaction with actors and the many experiences set within the shops of the mall. After discovering the origins of the Dupes, a way to remedy the memories of the Lost, and how to navigate the Dupe-corrupted environments, the story culminates in uncovering the last of the Dupe’s secrets – their living home and hideaway in the dark recesses of the mall. Inspired by the cultural impact of malls as the work and hangout spots of the past, this adaptive reuse project seeks to revitalize their relevance by introducing a new experience to fill abandoned anchor store locations. Because of Sunsetting Mall’s multiple store and venue layout, adaptation and expansion of the concept to meet site constraints and audience interest are easy. Additionally, the project’s retro approach naturally lends to the reuse of existing space and materials, helping to reduce the environmental impact of the new experience.

Jones-Sunsetting-Mall-Guidebook

Team members: Carter Jones