Brendan Duggan
The Immersive Theater Pro Committed to Supporting Actors
After meeting fellow actors Parker Murphy and Zach Martens at Punchdrunk’s Sleep No More, Brendan Duggan made the decision in spring 2021 to go all in on starting a new immersive theater: OddKnock Productions. The Denver-based company’s goal is not only to create stellar immersive art, but also to support the artists essential to each production. “It’s been a continuous journey to understand our own artistic approach, our method of building a space together and finding ways to maintain a healthy business model, so that everyone feels respected and supported,” Brendan told Westword. So far, so good. OddKnock’s interactive performances have gotten rave reviews from critics and actors, transporting audiences to new worlds (literally) and inviting them to contribute to the narratives, creating magical moments that can only happen live.
Projects
OddKnock’s From on High welcomes audiences into an absurd corporate environment with an obsessive work culture. Audiences enter as new employees of BANR at the start of a new work week, and they’re free to explore the eccentric ‘80s office, interact with in-character co-workers, and uncover the depths of devotion the company requires. OddKnock debuted in 2021 with a free, five-part series called Test Kitchen. The troupe spent two weeks writing, building, and rehearsing — and whatever they had after that time was performed for one weekend only. Then they started over again. The latest work, Good Bones, is an immersive dance production that follows (literally) an older woman at a housewarming party as she uncovers varying elements of her psyche. Cast members perform behind lightweight curtains as audiences of around 50 people roam through the space.
