Life Line at Magnolia Park United Methodist Church

What does it mean to be alive?

That question is at the heart of LIFE LINE, a new immersive drama created by Matt Harry (SOMEBODY TO LOVE). The world is filled with so much stress and anxiety right now. Wars, pandemics, political upheaval — LIFE LINE seeks to combat all of that. This interactive experience will highlight the joys of living and remind us that, despite our many ups and downs, we are all connected.

Audience members will attend a support group meeting at a local church in Burbank, CA. There will be beverages from local coffee shops, pastries from Porto’s, and motivational posters on the wall.  Once everyone is present, the support group leader ANGELA (Dorothy Dillingham Blue) will begin the meeting. But then JOE (Taylor Karin) arrives, announcing they want to end their life. 

Over the course of the next hour, it will be up to Angela and the audience to convince Joe that there are still reasons to keep going. They will make gratitude lists, discuss the point of human existence, and debate which foods make the best “last meal.” Will the group succeed? Or will Joe choose a permanent solution to a temporary problem?

While it deals with heavy topics, LIFE LINE is not a depressing show. It is a fun, thoughtful, and above all, life-affirming experience. Our hope is that when people leave, they will view their world in a brand-new way. LIFE LINE is supported in part by a Community Arts Grant from the City of Burbank. Shows start September 19, 2024.

Writer/Director Matt Harry has plenty of experience with immersive storytelling. His interactive play SOMEBODY TO LOVE played to a sold-out run in 2019. Become Immersed called it a “delightful romp about the problems of modern dating,” while No Proscenium agreed it’s “endearing, playful, and a bold new take on a genre.” He also wrote the interactive novel You are a Filmmaker, as well as Sorcery for Beginners, Cryptozoology for Beginners, and Time Travel for Beginners.

Audience Role

As part of the support group, you can participate as much or as little as you like. You may be asked to think about difficult philosophical topics and consider your own mortality. But don’t we do that every day in some way?

Content Advisories

• Suicide, self-harm
• 14 +

Interaction Advisories

• Light (business/acquaintance) contact

Mobility Advisories

• No mobility advisories
• Event is wheelchair accessible.

Sexual Advisories

• None

Location:

Magnolia Park United Methodist Church, 91505