Close to 100 students from across Trent’s colleges and both campuses tuned in virtually to play Love in the First Degree – an immersive, virtual theatre experience where attendees played the role of guests at a wedding gone terribly wrong. Students had just under two hours to work with their group to solve the mystery and declare a murderer and the motive. Bonus points were earned by demonstrating cooperative behavior, asking compelling questions in the investigation rounds, and for best 80’s-themed costumes.

The five colleges at Trent joined with Lady Eaton College Cabinet to sponsor the event and two Kingston, Ontario-based companies, Sherlock’s Escapes and 6AM Productions, were brought in to run it. Set in a virtual mansion, eight live actors played the host and suspects at the wedding, including the bride, the maid of honour, the wedding singer, and even a mysterious wedding crasher.

“The one thing that really sold the murder mystery was the acting, it kept everyone immersed in the story, and created an atmosphere where you could feel the tension,” said Abhishek Nigam, a third-year Lady Eaton College student in Trent’s School of Business. “The experience was phenomenal. The use of smaller teams in breakout rooms made it really fun as you could solve it with your friends. It really felt like a murder mystery from home!”

Since the emergence of COVID-19 last spring, many traditional large-scale college events have been adapted due to gathering size limits or moved online to help students stay connected and engaged, safely.

“This virtual, live, and interactive theatre event was a chance to bring students together safely to blow off some steam and enjoy a cultural experience,” shared Dr. Christine Freeman-Roth, principal of Lady Eaton College.

Learn more about Trent’s collegiate communities.