Step into a world where mystery meets comedy, and eccentricity reigns supreme! The Riddlesbrood blog isn’t just words on a page—it’s a backstage pass to the whimsical, the peculiar, and the downright hilarious. Uncover hidden secrets, laugh at the absurd, and dive headfirst into tales that blur the line between reality and theatrical fantasy. Ready to unravel the enigma? Don’t just spectate—immerse yourself in the curious charm of Riddlesbrood. Click now and let the adventure begin, if you dare!
An Evening of Theater, Linguistic Wizardry, and Recognition in College Park, MarylandOn April 12th, 2025, the halls of the University of Maryland buzzed with linguistic creativity and intellectual enthusiasm as over 200 attendees gathered for the 11th Language Creation Conference (LCC11)—a global event hosted by the Language Creation Society (LCS). Held in the H.J. Patterson Hall, Room 2130, within the Department of Linguistics, the conference brought together conlangers, linguists, authors, and language enthusiasts from around the world to celebrate and explore the art and science of constructed languages (conlangs). Past conferences have been held in such varied and vibrant locations as Los Angeles, London (UK), and Montreal, with each gathering offering a unique blend of scholarly presentations, artistic showcases, and cultural exchange. This year,...
See MoreOur Traveling Theater adventure began in Stratford, NJ, where our headquarters buzzed with activity. Preparing for a show as elaborate as A Christmas Carol requires meticulous organization. Costumes, props, and set pieces filled every inch of our space as Kathleen Tegen and Shannon Long finalized their stunning designs. Each piece was carefully packed to ensure its safe arrival. Meanwhile, the set—crafted to transport audiences to Victorian England—was disassembled and loaded into two trucks and a trailer. This impressive logistical feat was coordinated by our stage managers, Brian Albert, Kevin Ebner and Cadence Tegen, who ensured every item was accounted for. With everything packed, the cast and crew gathered early on December 12th for a final checklist. The trucks were secured, the trailer hitched, and...
See MoreYesterday, on September 22, 2024, Riddlesbrood Touring Theater Company proudly participated in the highly anticipated Philly Children's Festival held at Polanka Park Picnic Ground, (3258 Knights Road, Bensalem, PA). As one of the most exciting and family-friendly events in the area, the festival was a wonderful day for kids of all ages, and Riddlesbrood's unique brand of entertainment brought the crowd on a swashbuckling adventure to remember. The event was filled with fun activities, including kids’ games, jump rope challenges, bouncy houses, finger painting, and so much more! Families from all over gathered to enjoy the lively atmosphere, but one of the biggest highlights of the day was when Riddlesbrood rolled in with their signature Castle Bus—a 4x4 custom muscle truck that transforms into an...
See MoreRiddlesbrood Touring Theater Company has been a proud participant in the Historic Smithville Fourth of July parade since 2002. Over the years, their presence has become a cherished tradition, eagerly anticipated by parade-goers. Some past floats have featured Peter Pan (2023), Alice in Wonderland (2022), Frankenstein (2016), Harken (2018), Pirates (2002 & 2011), the circus (2012) and even the Jersey Devil (2003)! This year, the Riddlesbrood float did not disappoint. It was a vibrant and elaborate display, featuring beloved characters from our mainstage performance of "The Wizard of Oz," including Glinda the Good Witch (Kathleen jack Tegen), the Cowardly Lion (Jerry Long), Dorothy (Kaylie Leon), the Tin Man (Justin Hlifka), and also a few of the kids! (Amelie Connelly, Arianna Brown and Tegan Long, Scott...
See MoreParents eager for a memorable Memorial Day weekend activity for their kids can look forward to "The Little Mermaid Kids Puppet Show - With TREATS," a vibrant, family-friendly event at Historic Smithville, NJ. Hosted by the Riddlesbrood Touring Theater Company, this immersive puppet show is scheduled for May 25th and 26th, 2024, with seating's at 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM each day. Reservations can be made directly at Brown Paper Tickets Little Mermaid, ensuring a spot for this sought-after seaside adventure for only $14.95! The events are nestled in the heart of New Jersey, Historic Smithville and on the deck overlooking Lake Meone. A particular highlight that has captured the imaginations of children and parents is the Riddlesbrood Touring Theater Company's live-action kids' puppet...
See MoreNestled in the heart of the Garden State, Southern New Jersey is a treasure trove of vibrant festivals that offer unforgettable experiences for families. From the lively streets humming with festival music to the colorful stalls brimming with local crafts, these events are more than just gatherings; they are a celebration of community, culture, and fun. With an array of upcoming South Jersey festivals on the horizon, there's no better time to explore these fantastic, family-friendly outings. In this article, we'll take a special look at two signature festivals by Riddlesbrood, known for their captivating themes and joyous atmospheres. Outdoor community theater at festivals is perfect for families! It offers live entertainment, engaging storytelling, and interactive fun in a vibrant setting. Kids and adults...
See MoreNestled in Absecon, New Jersey, the Historic Towne of Smithville offers a delightful journey back in time. With its 60 specialty shops, award-winning Smithville Inn restaurant, and three other delightful dining establishments, the village is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. The charming cobblestone paths, old-world architecture, and the gentle hum of history make it the perfect backdrop for a festive extravaganza. Come Black Friday weekend, Smithville isn't just about shopping deals. It's about making memories. On Saturday, November 25th and Sunday, November 26th, the town will come alive with the spirit of Christmas, transforming into a festive wonderland that Charles Dickens himself would be proud of. Step into a magical Victorian Christmas at Riddlesbrood’s Dickens Festival! Every Black Friday weekend,...
See MoreIt was around 11 a.m., and I remember calling the owner of the theater franticly to check if the show booked that afternoon was cancelled. The proprietor, Matt Custer, was trying to get in touch with the senior group to see if they were still coming, but the phone system was only working sporadically due to the high volume of calls. We all assumed that the show would be cancelled, considering the shocking images that we were seeing on every channel. The sizable group was also from New York and they were supposed to have 160 people attend the show that day, surely given the situation they would want to be with their families. However, by around 1p.m., we realized that we had...
See MoreWell, let's step into the magical early days, where Riddlesbrood was a fledgling, spreading its wings. Picture this: the year is 2000, the world breathing a sigh of relief post the Y2K hullabaloo, and in the weird realm of New Jersey, history was being made. Long before they became a household name, Riddlesbrood was carving out its niche in the theater landscape. It all began in the summer of 2000, with the company preparing to breath fresh, comedic life into a timeless classic—"A Christmas Carol." It wasn't just a foray into traditional theater; they revolutionized the "Dinner Theatre" scene across the nation (Ok, well at least in the small town of Collingswood, NJ). Their productions, such as "Medieval Mayhem," showcased an early love for...
See MoreAre you a summer camp director looking to inject an extra dose of excitement and imagination into your camp curriculum? If so, we've got just the right entertainment idea that will have your campers talking about their summer experience for years to come! Welcome to the world of live-action kids' puppet shows, brought to you by the Riddlesbrood Touring Theater Company. In this article, we'll explore how adding a fun and interactive live puppet show to your PA summer camp can captivate young hearts and minds, fostering creativity, engagement, and unforgettable memories. Bring excitement to your summer camp or school with Like Actors Puppet Shows! Engaging, hilarious, and interactive, our performances captivate kids while inspiring creativity. Read our blog to discover how to book...
See MoreIn a world filled with digital distractions, there's something truly enchanting about experiencing live entertainment under the open sky. If you're seeking a unique and captivating experience that will make everyone laugh and fill the air with joy, look no further than Riddlesbrood Touring Theater Company. With a repertoire of diverse comedy-style shows and a passion for creating unforgettable memories, Riddlesbrood brings the magic of theater to outdoor settings. Whether you're planning a community event, a corporate function, or a special celebration, Riddlesbrood's outdoor touring theater company has you covered with laughter and happiness. Outdoor Trailer Stages for Versatile Setups: At Riddlesbrood, we understand that every outdoor venue is unique, and we pride ourselves on our adaptability. With our two outdoor trailer stages, we...
See MoreAt the heart of a memorable camping trip in New Jersey, along with the fantastic outdoor experiences, is a vibrant, laughter-filled, and exciting outdoor comedy theater night. This increasingly popular form of entertainment is perfect for any campsite or RV park, bringing everyone together for an unforgettable evening of laughter and camaraderie. When the sun sets, the stage lights up. An outdoor comedy theater night, with a portable stage and professional actors, can turn your camping experience into something truly magical. The outdoor setting, the communal atmosphere, and a clear night sky create the perfect backdrop for an interactive and enjoyable performance. Riddlesbrood's Outdoor Touring Theater Company has perfected this blend of comedy and theater under the stars. Specializing in high-energy, interactive performances that...
See MoreSenior bus tours play a vital role in boosting local economies by bringing groups of travelers who spend on dining, shopping, entertainment, and attractions. These tours support small businesses, create jobs, and encourage tourism, helping sustain communities that rely on visitor spending. Smithville is one of the top visited attractions in New Jersey for group outings. Why? Because this destination is loaded with history, eclectic shopping, great food and entertainment - supplied by Riddlesbrood Touring Theater Company, of course! Riddlesbrood has picked this location to host group tours since 2001 because it makes such a well-rounded day trip package and its close proximity to Atlantic City. Group tours in Smithville New Jersey will satisfy your thirst, hunger and yearning to laugh- all in one...
See MoreFantasy and imagination are essential to children's development, fostering creativity, problem-solving, and emotional growth. They encourage kids to explore new ideas, build confidence, and develop empathy. Through imaginative play and storytelling, children learn to dream, innovate, and see endless possibilities in the world around them. Imagine all the fun you can have when YOU are the one who influences what happens on stage during The Riddlesbrood Touring Theater Company’s Spring production, “Harken – A Game of Phones.” [harken mainstage show-the community theatre kids of Riddlesbrood’s harken]. “Harken”, an original fantasy adventure that unfolds within a medieval "Game-of-Thrones- like" world, is like no show you’ve ever seen before! Combining live action and spectacular 3-D computer-game-like scenery using advanced smartphone technology, "Harken" is a unique marriage...
See MoreWinning the competition for the next crop of littles is a task that requires creative thinking and a unique twist that will set your house apart from all the others. If you're reading this blog post, chances are you're a sorority recruitment chair or someone actively involved in planning a rush event that is looking for an amazing event idea that will make your letters shine brighter than all the rest. As a traveling comedy troupe, we here at Riddlesbrood take our whimsical brand of lunacy to all kinds of different venues all over Pennsylvania and New Jersey -- wedding halls, restaurants, and even retirement homes. But some of the best events we've ever participated in have been sorority parties -- both Rush and...
See MoreAn outdoor stage is essential at a festival or fun fair, providing a focal point for live entertainment, performances, and announcements. It enhances the atmosphere, engages crowds, and supports local artists, making events more dynamic, interactive, and memorable for attendees. Attracting customers to your restaurant, banquet hall or social venue has always been challenging, but now, because of the new Covid safety guidelines and restrictions on capacity with social distancing, it’s even more critical to convince isolation weary diners that your business is a secure place where they can enjoy a meal and have some fun. It’s no doubt, you’ve sanitized, cleaned, and sterilized … masked-up, washed-up, and temperature-checked as much as you possibly can. In addition to being squeaky clean, many establishments have...
See MoreDon't waste today in sorrow—choose joy, embrace laughter, and let happiness light your way! It's already a proven scientific fact that laughter causes the release of endorphins in our brains that produce feelings of happiness and an elevated sense of well-being. But the results of a recent study about relaxed "social laughter" and the role it plays in our lives has revealed that the effects of group laughter are much more far reaching than temporarily elevating our mood levels. These experiments have shown that laughter isn't just an essential component of our social exchanges and non-verbal communication, it also has a great effect on our well-being by fostering group bonding and providing us with an enhanced ability to protect ourselves from both physical and...
See MoreMany parents are dreading that warm summer day in June when their children don't have to get up to go to school. In fact, just getting them out of bed before noon is a tug-of-war of epic proportions. And camp leaders are also wondering what they might select as an activity for their campers this year! But more important than this: what do you do with them while they are home? How do you keep them entertained? And here's the most important question: how will you keep their plastic little brains from atrophying while they're out of school? Research is revealing what parents have known for decades -- that most kids forget over summer break what they learned during the school year. The reason...
See MoreIn order to ensure that our actors never become starving artists, we have started a new business endeavor at our touring theater company. We call it "The Broodfood Project". What is "Broodfood", you ask? Well, we have started our own garden at Riddlesbrood Headquarters and planted highly nutritious, purple fruit and vegetables! We will be selling our "Broodfood" at local farmers' markets, fairs and festivals to help benefit our actors at the theater company and generate revenue for the maintenance and expansion of our garden. Eating freshly grown vegetables from your own backyard provides superior nutrition, rich flavor, and fewer pesticides. It promotes sustainability, saves money, and encourages a healthier lifestyle with organic, homegrown produce straight from the garden. Don't be shy! Pick a...
See MoreFeel the light brush of dry, crinkly streamers across you nose as you step through the school gym doors. The butterflies seem like they’re multiplying by the hundreds in your stomach as you scan the room to see if that special someone is already there. Hair check. Dress check. Shoes check. You’re feeling good. You find your friends and chit-chat about anything as you’re still waiting for him or her to arrive. Will they ask you to dance? What do you say? Say YES, because it’s prom night in New Jersey...Every prom has a similar setting; chaperones and wallflowers line the walls, the cool kids in circles glaring at the brave already out on the dance floor. But what if your prom was different?...
See MoreWe, the actors of The Riddlesbrood Touring Dinner Theater Company miss you terribly and can’t wait until the time returns when we can come to your next birthday party, anniversary, company gathering, family reunion … or even post-Coronavirus celebration; we’ll be celebrating anything and everything, then! (National Toilet Paper Liberation Day, anyone?) For, as much as we love our cozy beds and comfy couches, fully-stocked refrigerators and more than ample time to binge watch our favorite shows, we know you’re looking forward to the days when you can hug your friends at the local club’s fundraiser, dine inside your favorite restaurant for your parent’s anniversary, throw an in-person surprise party for your son’s graduation, or host the next holiday at your house for your...
See MoreTo become an actor in NJ, or any other place for that matter, requires more than hard work - - - it requires a little insanity. (OK, some would argue it may require more than just a little!) If you've ever wondered why anybody in his or her right mind (as mentioned, perhaps not a prerequisite) would choose to risk utter and extreme humiliation in front of an audience, you’re not alone. Many people don’t understand why we become actors, but I’ll let you in on the secret if you keep reading. Your persistence emboldens me so much that i feel free to divulge the facts to you! [This rad crew is rocking an ‘80s vibe with neon colors, big hair, and iconic outfits...
See MoreIn 2010, the Riddlesbrood Touring Theater Company started our, our Community Theater Program. It is called the “Arts on the MOVE” Performing Arts Program for children and teens which culminates with performances in an original musical adaptation of a main stage production. Arts of the Move gives students the tools to: reach and dream, discover and create within the magical world of the performing arts! Our instructors are passionate, working artists with extensive experience in their specific disciplines. Generally the experience consists of 10 weeks of expert instruction in musical theater, art, acting, vocal music and more! Involving children in the theater is a great opportunity to teach them several life skills while simultaneously having fun with a troupe of professional comedy actors and...
See MoreCan comedy truly help a company thrive, or is it merely a fleeting distraction? Does laughter forge deeper connections between employees and customers, fostering loyalty and creativity? Perhaps humor is not just entertainment, but a vital force that strengthens resilience, innovation, and human connection. “Believe nothing you hear, and only one half that you see.” Edgar Allan Poe- Is the monotony of your daily work routine getting you down? Forget about any "professional" considerations you may have had that kept you from sharing a little humor and laughter with your co-workers! Let yourself go and tell that funny story or a few good jokes! They might be just the prescription for not only breaking up your co-workers around the water cooler, but also breaking...
See MorePlanning a party is about making sure that from start-to-finish, your event keeps your guests having a blast. When it comes to deciding how you want to entertain your party guests, you may want to go straight for the top of the list. This list of the three most popular party entertainment ideas is based on two factors: how reliably they succeed at wowing the crowd, and how popular they are with our clients. With party ideas like these, you can keep people entertained for hours and give people something to talk about after they leave. This will secure your reputation as a party planner extraordinaire. [This trio of larger-than-life characters leaps straight from the golden age of spectacle, ready to transport you into...
See MoreWhen you are a touring theater company, you have to be ready for almost any situation. People expect you to get to the gig, no matter what! Weather can be a tricky thing to account for when you’re putting together an event with entertainment. Outdoor affairs open to the elements keep event coordinators up at night, however even a party indoors can be impacted by Mother Nature. Heavy rains, wind, power outages, snow and even weather-related traffic can all disrupt itineraries and spell a cancellation. But one thing is always certain, and that’s when your patrons and customers are sitting at the table, the entertainment better be able to get there! As a touring theater company, Riddlesbrood has performed more than 2500 shows and...
See MoreBack in the days of steam locomotives and horse drawn carriages, hungry, nomadic Thespians, just like traveling salesmen in the 1800's, traversed the country with nothing but a big steamer trunk that not only contained all of their worldly belongings, but also colorful costumes and zany props they needed to put on a "road" show as they made their way across the nation trying to eek out a living as an actor. [This vibrant festival scene is bursting with theatrical magic, featuring lively performers dressed in rich purples and golds, whimsical masks, and an eye-catching giant eagle watching over the fun. From playful expressions to grand costumes, this is an experience that will delight kids and adults alike!] Bring your little ones, let their...
See MoreArt is at its very heart, subjective. For those of us who dedicate our lives to producing entertainment it can be difficult to understand why some shows are well received while others are not. Murder mystery, Dinner theater and frankly theater of any type can be so non-quantifiable that it defies measurement in the traditional sense. Smart business owners understandably seek explanations, yet sitting down making lists of “contributing factors” is often fruitless. Was it the actors? The lighting? The room? That joke? Maybe our costumes? Producers and artists can debate it for hours and come no closer to really identifying what makes a phenomenal show. Do not delay, click the blog and read this amazing article before you forget!
See MoreAs a prospective client, you may be curious about how we, as a company, handle subject matter (Jokes & general content.) in our shows and its appropriateness for you upcoming event. This little 'Humor Manifesto' will make our process more clear to you: Clyde telling a joke- After 17 years of presenting original, live comedic entertainment to a wide variety of audiences at private, corporate and public venues throughout the east coast, we have established some core values concerning our unique brand of humor. Generally, our Dinner Theater and Murder Mystery events focus on interactive spontaneity and improvisational skills intended to give each audience an opportunity to "let loose", laugh, and have a great time. Beyond this, as an artistic company based upon creating...
See MoreDearly beloved, we are gathered here today to marry you to your sweetheart. Say, what? You read that correctly … the Riddlesbrood can marry you! We now have on-staff officiates, ordained by the Universal Life Church, who’re qualified to perform your ceremony … and, yes, it’s perfectly legal! Want to be married by a wise-cracking gangster? A swashbuckling pirate? A flashy super hero? A clever comedian? Maybe a creepy zombie? Or simply an actor/U.L.C. ordained minister dressed in a tux or Bermuda shorts? No problem! Our accomplished officiants can appear in any form you wish. Indeed, Clyde P. Riddlesbrood, himself, (our esteemed founder) is eager to adorn his luxurious purple cloak and regal top hat to marry you in grandiose style!
Every little girl imagines their perfect wedding at a very young age. But maybe instead of a white dress and a church you are wearing a heavy, purple, cloak down the aisle of a Transylvanian castle. Maybe beneath your clogs lays a red velvet carpet and the pews are drenched in thick, yellow knotted ropes. Or perhaps you’re not walking down the aisle but walking the planks of a Pirate galleon! The guest’s ditched their suits for coat of arms, Victorian costumes, or the tri-corned hats of privateers! You are about to run the gauntlet carrying your heart on your sleeve. Have fun! You’re about to wed your knight in shining armor.
Cue the music, Moonwalk dance, and a deep, scary voice: “The final hour is close at hand … but there’s still time to party plan. You can’t decide what to do … to entertain your curious crew. Fantasy-theme party ideas confound … and are way too hard to get off the ground. But there’s one sure way to boost your mood … just ask Clyde P. Riddlesbrood! Cause it’s your thriller… chiller plight, and Riddlesbrood’s gonna save you from the panic ‘bout to strike!” Ok, maybe that was a bit of a stupid parody…but there is a point!
Go ahead … let out a long, loud, gut-wrenching belly laugh! Ahhh… doesn’t that feel great? We at Riddlesbrood Touring Theater Company know that laughter is not only good for you, but that it’s even more beneficial when shared with others. But, don’t just take our word for it … listen to the experts. Although we often crack ourselves up, (yes, we think we’re funny and hope you will, too) … scientists have observed that most people do not laugh alone. People laugh up to 30 times more when in groups. Why is this important? Well, researchers have speculated that laughter evolved to boost social bonding and cooperation. They claim that, through the shared experience of humor, individuals acquire a feeling of being part...
See MoreThere has been quite a bit of chatter online in the entertainment world about audience interaction, audience participation, engagement and the like. There are about as many different terms as there are definitions which has contributed to a lot of confusion about what exactly audience interaction is; not to mention how it effects an evening of entertainment. Murder mystery companies specifically have latched onto the phrase and profess audience interaction to be a universal good while other more traditional theater troupes decry it as cheap and amateur. Sherlock Holmes revealing the mystery’s solution in an audience-interactive comedy show—The perfect event entertainment!
Being involved with The Riddlesbrood Touring Theater Company is not all fun and games – sometimes it’s a parade! And that’s exactly what happened, recently, when, once again, Riddlesbrood troupers marched in the Historic Smithville, NJ Independence Day Parade. This year’s theme was “fantasy.” “Our parade float had mermaids, colossal-sized knights, and other whimsical characters.” said Ryan Long, creator and Executive Director of Riddlesbrood Touring Theater Company. “The idea came from our full-length theatrical show, ‘Harken – A Game of Phones.” “Harken” is an interactive theatrical experience with a fantasy, “Dungeons and Dragons-like” theme that Riddlesbrood has performed for two years as a main-stage show with a cast of 35 and dozens of behind-the-scenes artisans. Costumed performers interacting with the audience during a lively...
See MoreAfter 20+ years of presenting original, live comedic entertainment to a wide variety of audiences at private, corporate and public venues throughout the east coast, we have established some core values concerning our unique brand of humor. Generally, our Dinner Theater and Murder Mystery events focus on interactive spontaneity and improvisational skills intended to give each audience an opportunity to "let loose", laugh, and have a great time. Beyond this, as an artistic company based upon creating original productions, we feel strongly about the right of free speech and, as a matter of principle, oppose the arbitrary restrictions of the hypersensitive. Since our inception, our motto has been ‘The laugh justifies the means’, which has become a hallmark of our success.
See MorePlanning a private party and looking for an unforgettable experience? Want something beyond the usual dinner, drinks, and small talk? Get ready for a high-energy, laugh-out-loud, thrilling event that will have your guests talking for weeks! Enter the world of Riddlesbrood’s electrifying Cash a La Carte game show, where the competition is fierce, the prizes are real, and the fun never stops. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, organizing a corporate team-building event, or just want to shake up your next gathering, this interactive, fast-paced game show will take your event to the next level. Want to see the game show in action? Read our blog now to discover how Cash A La Carte can transform your next event into an unforgettable experience!