AMERICAN APPARITIONS
American Apparitions is a season-long psychogeographies project by Rorschach Theatre that runs from May through September 2026, inviting participants to uncover the ghosts, divinations, and delusions lingering in the nation’s capital on its milestone anniversary. Created by Randy Baker, Kylos Brannon, Jenny McConnell Frederick, and Jonelle Walker, this immersive experience blends storytelling with real-world exploration. Each month, subscribers receive a curated box of artifacts—letters, music, souvenirs, photos—along with a map directing them to a new location in the Washington, D.C. area. The journey unfolds across five chapters, each designed to engage all five senses while revealing a hidden layer of the city’s history and soul. The experience culminates in a live performance called Ghost Party on July 11, 2026, which is included with the subscription.
Venue: Rorschach Theatre (locations for the monthly expeditions are in or close to downtown D.C., all metro accessible; the final Ghost Party performance also takes place at a metro-accessible venue)
When: May through September 2026; new chapters ship every four weeks. Participants may sign up at any time—late registrants receive all previous chapters in their first shipment.
Performance date: Saturday, July 11, 2026 (Ghost Party, included with subscription)
Format: Monthly mailed boxes containing artifacts and a map to a curated location. Each chapter offers 15–40 minutes of content, not including travel time. Optional suggestions for extending the trip are provided.
At-home option: Yes. Each chapter includes alternative instructions and a video walkthrough for those who prefer not to travel, live outside D.C., or want to recap the experience.
Age recommendation: Generally PG/PG-13; suitable for young participants and adults, though engagement with the story depends on the child’s age and interest.
Accessibility: All five expedition locations and the final performance venue are metro accessible. Those unable or unwilling to travel can use the at-home instructions.
Tickets: Subscription required; individual pricing for the summer performance may also become available. Price is not currently listed.
Sharing: Subscriptions can be shared by purchasing a combined “See It All” and “On Stage” subscription package, which allows two people to attend all Rorschach Theatre shows for the 25/26 season and share one set of American Apparitions boxes. For American Apparitions only, one “Psychogeographies” subscription can be purchased, and additional single tickets for the summer performance may be added later.
Run time: Each monthly chapter experience is 15–40 minutes; travel time varies.
Note: The project is described by The Washington Post as “a season-long immersive experience” and by DC Metro Theatre Arts as “an adventure of the mind and, if you wish, the body.”