If you know anything about me, you know that: 1. I am a total planner, 2. I live for puzzles, and 3. I am absolutely enamored with any show Phoenix Tears Productions puts on. So, imagine my absolute delight when Phoenix Tears Productions’s newest show, AFTERLIFE JOB FAIR (AJF), linked 2 of those 3 items together AND led me to completely abandon my carefully formulated plan for a far more fulfilling journey.

Phoenix Tears Productions continues to create marvelous virtual experiences that never fail to impress me with their sheer intricacy and immersion. While boasting a strong list of virtual immersive experiences (Recovery, Posthumous, and Recovery: Cold Case), Phoenix Tears Productions also hosts live productions that I highly recommend checking out if you are in the Orlando area. Until I can fly out and see one of their in-person shows, their virtual shows do much more than scratch the immersive itch. AJF was no different, as it was a truly delightful show that left me wanting more in the best possible way!

AJF occurs after the events of Posthumous and takes place entirely on Zoom over the course of 2 hours. Like its predecessors, the show’s runtime does not feel like 2 full hours, as the storyline and interactivity kept us engaged the entire time. During AJF, audience members attend a job fair with 3 different afterlife companies that are hiring for a multitude of positions. These companies all specialize in uploading the deceased into utopian databases for them to consciously exist for all eternity. After some time mingling with the recruiters, we made our selections and the companies picked out who they wanted to join them for a mock day.

Before I logged on to AJF, I had planned to pursue a certain company solely based off of a theory I had. However, I quickly dropped my plan entirely due to my interactions with various characters in the show. Phoenix Tears Productions consistently delivers with a strong cast that never fails to be the driving force behind any Posthumous show. Each character in AJF had strong personalities and unique goals that proved to pair well with their own dynamic storylines. A standout performance was seen by Megan Markham as Dr. Eleanor Prism. A few other audience members and I connected quickly and easily with Dr. Prism, to the point where we wanted to protect that character at all costs. So, of course I had to choose the Dr. Prism track. I quickly discovered that that track included puzzles (!!) and proved to be way more satisfying than any original plan I could have concocted.

Overall, AJF left me incredibly impressed with both the performances and the sheer intricacy behind running an immersive show with multiple tracks and endings on Zoom. The cast all proved to be absolute powerhouses and the storyline I got to experience was immaculate. While this ending was a little frenetic, it matched the emotions behind the unexpected twist we received. I highly enjoyed AFTERLIFE JOB FAIR and am looking forward to attending again to try to get another track and ending.

AFTERLIFE JOB FAIR runs January 6th-8th. Click here to purchase tickets, and enter the promo code AFFECT for a 20% discount off of your order.

About the Author

Linnea Swanson enjoys writing about things that scare her. When not writing, she enjoys reading and screaming into the void.