NBSLS LIAISON MEETING
Learn the ins and outs and how to host your own Harry Potter-themed Escape Room.
PRESENTED BY LUISA MUÑOZ Discussion Outline
Main Topics to Cover
What is an Escape Room? Things to Consider... The Prep The Story Clues Materials Photos! Logistics Next Time... Takeaway
N B S L S L I A I S O N M E E T I N G | H A R R Y P O T T E R E S C A P E R O O M What is an Escape Room?
“A physical adventure game in which players solve a series of puzzles and riddles using clues, hints, and strategy to complete the objectives at hand.” - Wikipedia
Escape Rooms I Have Done in the Past
• Find the Sorcerer’s Stone (Harry Potter) • Zombie Apocalypse • Escape from Azkaban (Harry Potter) • Mad Engineer • Escape From the Upsidedown (Stranger Things) • Escape the Library
N B S L S L I A I S O N M E E T I N G | H A R R Y P O T T E R E S C A P E R O O M Things to Consider Before You Begin:
Audience • Age group • Number of players
Time Depends on number of players, layout of space, and how many steps to solve • Length of the whole program • Amount of time for each group if there are multiple groups
Space • Size of room • Empty vs. not Empty
N B S L S L I A I S O N M E E T I N G | H A R R Y P O T T E R E S C A P E R O O M The Prep: • Research! Checked out Teen Services Underground, Pinterest, When and Where Should You Begin? Facebook Groups, and/or BreakoutEDU 3-4 MONTHS IN ADVANCE • The Planning Process Write everything out. Step-by-step. Map.
• Clues • Materials Gather for what is needed for clues first, then props & red herrings. • Reset Sheet, including room set up. • Test out multiple times. Fresh eyes help. The Story!
Work backwards: What is the final objective? Ie. Find the stone, escape from Azkaban, find the password, etc.
Determine the stake of the game- why is it important?
What would happen if the players succeed or fail?
• Escape from Azkaban before you are stuck forever • Find the Stone before Voldemort finds it
Are the clues related to the story? Suggestion: Make the clues for everyone, not just the people who have read Harry Potter and/or know of the Fandom.
N B S L S L I A I S O N M E E T I N G | H A R R Y P O T T E R E S C A P E R O O M Type of Clues
• Hidden messages in invisible ink • Makeshift bed to hide clues on boxes. • Clues on books • Hidden Keys • Hidden Clues • Spell worksheet • Ciphers (pig pen) • Puzzles • Riddles
Blacklight clue “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if only one remembers to turn on the light. -Albus Dumbledore”
N B S L S L I A I S O N M E E T I N G | H A R R Y P O T T E R E S C A P E R O O M The Materials:
• 4-5 locks per game • Hasp Word Lock 3 or 4 Digit Lock Directional Lock • Cable locks • Blacklight & Invisible marker • Big lockable container Travel Lock Combination Lock Box Key Lock • Small lockable container • Color coded stickers
**make sure the latches are big enough to fit the lock or hasp. Travel locks work the Cable Locks Hasp Blacklight & Pens best with slim latches. ***MAKE SURE YOU ARE ABLE TO RESET LOCKS *** PHOTOS FROM HARRY POTTER-THEMED ESCAPE ROOMS
Photos from “Find the Sorcerer’s Stone” (above) and “Escape from Azkaban (below) Logistics from the Harry Potter- Themed Escape Rooms: Escape from Azkaban: Total of 40 Teens (grades 7th-12th) After Hours Program on a Friday night (6:30 PM - 8:30 PM) 2 Hour program 4 groups of 10 teens 20 minute groups with 10 minutes to reset between groups. Find the Sorcerer’s Stone: Total of 60 participants (ages 9 and older) Evening Program (5:30 PM - 8:30 PM) 3 Hour program 6 groups of 10 people 20 minute groups with 10 minutes to reset between groups.
N B S L S L I A I S O N M E E T I N G | H A R R Y P O T T E R E S C A P E R O O M Next Time: • Write the opening, rules, and combinations code on index card instead typing them on a piece of paper.
• Have a designated place for the locks and key.
• Start planning at least 4-6 months in advance, and plan a little bit at a time.
• Set up the room two-three days in advance instead of the day of the program. N B S L S L I A I S O N M E E T I N G | H A R R Y P O T T E R E S C A P E R O O M Takeaways: • A reset map is a MUST.
• D.I.Y. vs. Buying
• 2-3 people to help run the program.
• Fandom-based programs
• Even pre-planned games take time to customize to fit your needs.
• Gather props and materials months prior.
• Have your coworkers test it out.
• Turn the hints into riddles.
• TAKE TONS OF PICTURES!!
N B S L S L I A I S O N M E E T I N G | H A R R Y P O T T E R E S C A P E R O O M Contact Info Questions? Luisa Munoz, Teen Services Librarian The Merrick Library Email address [email protected] Phone number 516-377-6112 ext. 116