THE ODYSSEY FAQ
Greetings, esteemed member of the LA improv community!
It is my extreme honor, nay privilege, to announce that after a nearly ten-year hiatus, everyone’s favorite unnecessary adventure romp is returning from the grave to once again delight its devotees with delicious discoveries and daring dalliances.
On December 15th, at 12:00 PM, you will have the opportunity to embark on one of the most unique team bonding experiences ever devised: The Odyssey!
Um... like, what is The Odyssey?
The Odyssey is a giant, clue-based treasure hunt that will lead you and your teammates on a journey through L.A. and present you with a variety of puzzles and challenges. The first team to arrive at the finish line will win the title of “Odyssey Champions”, and forever know that they are better human beings than their fellow competitors.
Got it! So it’s a scavenger hunt.
Close. It’s a treasure hunt.
What’s the difference?
A scavenger hunt provides a list of things that teams must collect or take pictures of. A treasure hunt requires that they figure out the meanings of clues, then work together to solve them. It’s much more involved and much, much cooler.
Who can play?
Anyone who is an active member of the LA improv community. The Odyssey used to be an event for UCB teams only, but we wanted to open it up to include our thriving indie community and all the other theatres that have sprung up in recent years. So if you are currently a student, teacher, or performer at any of LA’s improv theaters or indie improv nights—you’re invited!
But that’s like… a lot of people.
Correct! Which means that if you want to play, it’ll be really important for you to sign up as soon as possible (once registration opens on October 15th at noon). We are limited in how many people we can accommodate, and registration will be on a first come, first served basis.
Do I get to choose who’s on my team?
Yes, but you can also register as a solo player. Basically, you can sign up with as many people as you want (up to 8), and we’ll take care of the math.
Math?
Yep! Every Odyssey team will have 8 players on it… so sign up with however many people you want, and we’ll turn you into a group of 8 by mashing you up with other half-teams and/or solo players. It's a great way for you to mix it up and make some new friends from our community!
Does it cost anything?
65 dollars per person, which includes an open bar at the finish line (beer / wine / hard seltzer / non-alcoholic drinks). Payment will be due by November 1st (via Venmo, Paypal, or Zelle).
OK I’m definitely in. Tell me how to sign up.
Registration for this year’s Odyssey will begin on October 15th at exactly 12:00 PM. Because we have to cap the amount of players, we’ll be accepting registrants on a first come, first served basis. To register, you’ll need to do three things:
Figure out who you’re going to play with (solo players are more than welcome!)
Wait until October 15th at 12:00 PM.
Go to: https://www.suzibarrett.com/the-odyssey and fill out the form.
NOTE: If you’re signing up with more than one player, only one of you will fill out the registration form!
How long will the event last?
The game itself will last anywhere from 90 minutes to 3 hours, depending on how clever and quick your team is. Once you reach the finish line, you can leave right away, or stay and party as long as you want.
Tell me more about this finish line party…
You’ll be able to enjoy the aforementioned open bar, and there will be food available for purchase. For those who can stick around, we highly encourage it! This will be a great chance to hear about the other teams’ adventures / mis-adventures, catch up with old friends, and meet some new ones. The intention of this day is to facilitate team bonding, and also serve as a mixer for people who are newer to the community or who play at one theatre more than others. Let’s mix!
Is driving involved?
Yes. Teams will need to bring two cars in order to accommodate their 8 players. The first 1/3 of the event will take place in and around the Fern Dell area of Griffith Park. After that, teams will drive to a different area of town to complete another series of puzzles and challenges, before finally driving to the finish line.
Can we all drive separately to the starting line and leave our other cars there?
If you want. But be aware that the park closes at sunset, so you’d need to find a way back there before then to get your car. Many times, teams find it easiest to rendezvous somewhere else first and drive in to the park together.
If I’m drinking at the finish line, can I leave my car there?
Yes—there is street parking, and we encourage ride share usage.
This all sounds great, but I’d rather be a part of running The Odyssey than playing it. Is that possible?
ABSOLUTELY! This thing takes a village to pull off, and it’s actually super fun to be on the inside of things. We need two types of helpers:
Beta Testers, who will meet up a few weeks before the event to test the clues and puzzles and make sure everything works, and then be available on the day of the event to answer “help line” calls for teams who are stuck. You’ll get 20 dollars an hour for your time, free pizza on the night of the Beta test, and access to the Finish Line party on the day.
Game Control members, who will be needed on the day of the Odyssey to set up stations, run challenges, and distribute clues. You’ll get 20 dollars an hour for your time, and will also have access to the Finish Line party.
What if I thought of a question that isn’t on here?
Email suzibarrett@gmail.com and ask away!
Wait! I already thought of one!
Hit me.
I talked to my friend who’s an improviser and they didn’t get this message… does that mean they’re not invited?
Not at all! Everyone is invited, but we don’t have everyone’s email addresses. If your friend is currently taking/teaching improv class at an LA theater, or does improv shows at any LA theater or indie night—they’re invited! Please forward this email so that they may also spend two hours reading it.
And I forgot... when does this happen again?
SUNDAY DECEMBER 15TH AT NOON.
Thank you for your time and interest, dear players! We look forward to seeing your genius in action…
Over and out,
Game Control