Growing up as a kid in the 90s, the basketball landscape was dominated by figures of mythic proportions. These legends captured our imaginations with their acrobatic dunks and swooshing three-pointers. None, however, could hold a candle to the sheer force of nature that was Michael Jordan.
Now, you may be wondering, “What’s the connection between immersive acting and Michael Jordan?” Well, it’s not about athletic prowess or footwear (though a good pair of shoes can make a difference on stage); it’s about the rules of engagement, or as I call it, the “Michael Jordan Rule.”
Imagine this situation: you’ve won an opportunity to play a one-on-one game with the legend himself, Michael Jordan. Weeks of anticipation build as you practice your moves, your shots, and your defensive skills. Finally, the day arrives, and you find yourself standing on the court, feeling the weight of the ball in your hands, and looking up at Michael Jordan himself.
Would it be enjoyable if he ruthlessly stole the ball every chance he got, chucked it at your face with the power of a cannon, and never even let you touch it? Not in the slightest. Yes, Michael Jordan would undoubtedly win the game, but he would make sure you’d get the chance to dunk on him at least once. He’d allow you that shining moment, knowing it would etch a memory into your mind that you’d cherish forever.
This, my friends, is the essence of the Michael Jordan Rule – as immersive actors, your job is to let the audience score on you.
We, as immersive actors, are not there to overshadow or overpower our audience. Instead, our purpose is to create a rich and engaging narrative that allows our audience to shine, and to have their own memorable moments. Yes, we’re the professionals who have control and guide the overall direction of the experience. Still, we want our guests to walk away feeling like they were the clever, inventive, and special protagonists of their own interactive story.
This rule has become one of the guiding principles of my work in immersive theater. Like Jordan on the court, we can dictate the pace and maintain control, but we also need to set up our audience for those memorable moments that they’ll share with their friends, family, and maybe even their grandchildren one day.
If you’re in the immersive entertainment industry and looking to create unforgettable experiences for your audience, remember the Michael Jordan Rule. Let them dunk on you; let them have their moment of victory. Because, at the end of the day, the stories we remember most are those where we were made to feel extraordinary.
As always, I’m here to help. If you’re planning an immersive event and want some advice on how to strike that perfect balance between guiding the narrative and giving your audience their memorable moments, feel free to reach out. Let’s create some unforgettable stories together.
