Immersive performance 'Portal' highlights historical areas of Boone

By Jordyn Daniels jordyn.daniels@mountaintimes.com

BOONE — An immersive experience comes to Boone thanks to Ashe County native and producer Stephen Shelley, and the team he is working with.

The experience featuring mystical pop-up press events have been showing up throughout Boone. Strange, silent entities at Busker’s Fest, peculiar question-driven men on the green at App State. Even the Watauga County Farmer’s Market had strange happenings. All of these events related to the Portal Immersive Experience are coming to Boone.

Shrouded in mystery, this event has been coined “an escape room that moves” by producer, director and writer Stephen Shelley. Throughout the journey, there will be moments of performance that help prove that attendees are going in the right direction. Although attendees will experience historical areas in Boone that are familiar to most locals, the change in lighting and ambience highlights a new perspective on the area.

Bryony Perkins, choreographer and performer, said that many people will be appealed to this show “just because it’s not that kind of like fourth wall, stage, audience theater. There’s nothing wrong with that. It can be amazing. But this could appeal to different people for different reasons, or just something fun you can go and do with your mates,” he explained.

All ages are welcome to the show. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and warm clothes. The majority of the experience will take place outside.

The adventure begins on Oct. 14 and continues until Nov. 5. The performance is interactive, and is compared to a scavenger hunt and escape room.

Tickets are available online at www.portalexperience.live, and there are a limited number of tickets available.