The Unlikely Allure of Live Dungeons & Dragons: A New Breed of Theater

The phenomenon of thousands paying to watch live Dungeons & Dragons performances is rooted in the unpredictable nature of live events and the intimacy of shared storytelling. It’s a fascinating intersection, one that echoes the rise of competitive video gaming and its analogues in sports.

The growing popularity of “actual play” – tabletop role-playing games performed for an audience – can be attributed to online shows like Critical Role, Dimension 20, and The Adventure Zone, which have brought this format into the mainstream. However, it’s not just the spectacle of watching others play that draws in crowds; it’s the promise of a shared experience, with every performance unique and unpredictable.

Scholars point to parallels between actual play and forms of unscripted entertainment, such as hockey or theater. The audience is drawn into the story, invested in the characters’ journeys, and eager for the next twist or surprise. As comedian Brennan Lee Mulligan notes, “It’s happening in front of your face… You are there, your gasps, your laughs, your groans at a bad D&D pun.”

Actual play emphasizes collaboration and improvisation. The performers co-create the story with each other and their audience, creating an exhilarating experience that leaves everyone wondering what will happen next. This dynamic has been compared to being on a roller coaster where “the track is being laid in front of you at high speed” – it’s an unpredictable ride.

One aspect of actual play particularly noteworthy for its potential for inclusivity and diversity. The cast of characters, with their varied backgrounds and identities, becomes a microcosm of the world we live in. Comedian Abdul Aziz notes that “the feeling of being in the room” is key – an atmosphere that’s both authentic and inclusive.

The exploration of identity and culture through tabletop gaming has also become significant. Women, gender-nonconforming people, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, and disabled people have always been part of tabletop gaming as players and creators, but were not always visible in traditional spaces. Actual play provides a platform for these stories to be told, making it easier for audiences to see themselves represented.

This shift towards visibility is reflective of the changing nature of entertainment itself. We’re moving away from scripted, formulaic experiences towards ones that are more dynamic and collaborative – ones that reflect our own agency as participants. Em Carlson notes that “play can’t happen if you’re not safe” – a commitment to safety and collaboration is essential for creating this kind of shared experience.

Watching the sold-out performance of Endless Dungeon at Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Theatre, I was struck by what this phenomenon says about our collective desire for connection and storytelling. We’re drawn to the unpredictability of live events, the intimacy of shared experiences, and the potential for self-discovery that comes with exploring different identities and cultures.

The rise of actual play may seem like a niche interest, but it speaks to something deeper – a yearning for human connection in an increasingly digital world. It’s a reminder that even in the most unlikely of places, we can find common ground and shared experiences that transcend our differences.