(Photo provided) From left, Marietta College students Wade Stout and Lily Sorensen record lines for their characters Monty Warbler and Amelia Harper in “The Capsule Demon Murders” podcast play.

What began as a spontaneous purchase of a discounted video game has blossomed into an innovative theatrical production at Marietta College.

Inspired by the narrative intricacies of the murder mystery genre, Doug Bungard, a senior Theatre-Performance Major, will debut his original play, “The Capsule Demon Murders,” as a hybrid stage and podcast experience.

The play centers on a near-future mystery where trading cards mysteriously appear beside the victims of a serial killer. Colorado Experimental Technology Agency, or CETA, investigators Leon Adler and Monty Warbler navigate this chilling puzzle, seeking justice in a vividly imagined dystopian world.

“This story is designed to captivate listeners and audiences alike,” said Bungard. “The combination of live performance and podcast recording opens up new ways to experience theater.”

The play premiered Friday and will have an additional performance at 8 p.m. Saturday in MC’s Friederich Theatre. Tickets are $20 at the door or online, but are free for students, alumni, faculty, and staff.

Sophie Wheeler, the project manager and lead dialogue editor, described “The Capsule Demon Murders” as “a near-future murder mystery story in which dead bodies inexplicably appear next to cards from a popular trading card game.”

Wheeler explained that this weekend’s performances are “to celebrate the podcast in its full form,” featuring live acting paired with sound effects and underscoring mixed in real-time. Although a specific release date for the full podcast is yet to be set, it is anticipated to be available in December on Spotify, YouTube and Apple Music.

Adapting a traditional stage play into a podcast brought unique challenges. Recording typically involved two or three actors at a time to maintain authentic interactions, reflecting the team’s theatrical roots.

“We had to rehearse extensively to ensure the actors conveyed emotion and context without any visual component,” Wheeler said.

Sound design, a cornerstone of the production, was helmed by students River Perry and Dallas Lacey, with ambiance and underscoring built to immerse listeners in the story’s vivid world. Concept artists Sophia Abrusci and Rose Wardlow contributed visual elements for the live performances, including trading card designs tied to key moments of the plot.

“This is the first time Marietta College has attempted a project like this,” emphasized Wheeler. “It highlights how skills learned in theater; whether acting, sound design, or direction – can translate across media. It’s been rewarding to show students the breadth of opportunities their skills can open.”