Attention citizens of Sinister Pointe: We need your help! If you attended THE EVENT, I’d love to hear from you. Stick around and scroll down to add your valuable voice to ours. But first…

Allow me to take you on a mission: complete the assigned task within the time allotted (20 minutes, give… or… take). Remember OPERATION, that board game some of us loved as kids? The object was to remove the bones and organs from a patient without causing the buzzer to go off. It was a fun concept, and not overly challenging, right? I had considered myself a respectably skilled surgeon in my youth. If I wanted that buzzer to go off, I would have had to tap it intentionally.

At THE EVENT, Sinister Pointe’s take on childhood nostalgia upped the ante to insane proportions, doing justice to their mischievous moniker. To sum it all up in three words: Operation meets Saw.

My team entered and was faced with a dimly lit autopsy room containing six tables. In order to complete the tasks, we made use of several tools: metal instruments (tongs, rods, and pliers) attached to a central desk, keys to unlock briefcases, paperwork, and writing utensils to identify all the goods removed.

The lead surgeon assisting us provided a short breakdown, making sure to include the following disclaimer: These patients are (mostly) dead.

Suddenly, time was on the clock, and just as quickly, this hospital from hell erupted into chaos. We were gifted with some “light” musical accompaniment. Mysterious fluids went everywhere, making a slippery mess of the work. These “mostly dead” patients screamed, flailing in protest as we struggled to remove items hidden within them. Meanwhile, the venue’s lead surgeon shouted hints that contrasted internal attempts to drown out the other distractions.

With so much action happening at once, the pressure was on. The chance for one of the most vital skills needed to complete this assignment, communication, was greatly reduced. Furthermore, we were operating in near total darkness. A flashlight came through for us, though not soon enough. We did manage to remove and organize many items, as well as acquire most of the keys needed. A third puzzle proved still more difficult.

Ultimately, we were eliminated, but the experience was addictive. Never one to back down from a challenge, I left thinking, “If only we could go through again, we’d totally nail it.”

They even throw in a mummified Coyote. (Heimbuch not included)

My best advice and ultimate takeaway? Get your inner peace on! Focus, and brainstorm ways to become innovative within a stressful simulation and time crunch. Hone your listening skills and really pay attention to your fellow assistants. A bit of delegation of tasks, while taking into account various strengths and weaknesses of the team players couldn’t hurt. Success inside the walls of this unique and unrealistic environment could carry you through and prove vital in any corporate office, interpersonal setting – even family parties!

Also worth mentioning is that the location where THE EVENT was held, 797 W. Imperial Hwy. in Brea, CA, will act as Sinister Pointe’s permanent central office location. The staff gave us a look at their new adorably creepy gift shop full of unique curiosities as well as merchandise.

If you are interested in stopping by for a visit, make sure you give them a call first (714-927-DEAD), as their business hours are a bit nondescript.

When we damn well please!

Failures in the game; winners in his heart. Team photo with EVENT director Jeff Schiefelbein, right.

Sinister Pointe promises some exciting new projects in the pipeline, details to which I am sworn to secrecy on thus far. THE EVENT marked the second show I’ve attended with this troupe – their spellbinding Bloody Mary-themed Halloween haunt being the first. Both offered markedly different experiences, each creative and thrilling – so you’ll definitely want to keep an eye out for their next venture.
Last words? We had a blast and would like to thank the team at Sinister Pointe for their talent and assistance. I highly recommend THE EVENT as a challenging, team-building, ice breaking activity for a group of colleagues or friends. I wish you a great time and good luck (you’ll need it)!

For upcoming projects and additional info visit: Sinister Pointe Productions!

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Thanks for staying with me. Now as promised, I have a request on behalf of myself and my group; this EVENT was designed with an element of competition. We are dying to know what would have happened had we stayed the course, completing the puzzles and solidifying our status on the leaderboard. Did your group save the patients and make it out alive? Teach us your ways! What tricks did you find most effective? What was the grand takeaway prize? Money? Fame? The Coyote???

Let us know in the comments!