The Haus of Hoax
Presents
The Racket
A Film Noir Party Game
Enjoy a San Francisco Classic
For over 10 years, The Racket has been raising the bar in private entertainment. Our captivating noir-themed cocktail parties are the epitome of unforgettable moments. Whether you're planning a team off-site, a memorable holiday celebration, a one-of-a-kind birthday bash, networking extravaganzas, charitable fundraisers, or any event that demands excitement, our events are an instant hit.
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FADE IN:
INT. PRIVATE VENUE - BAR, OFFICE, OR RESIDENCE - AfTERNOON or EVENING
THE RACKET is about to begin.
THE RACKET is a cocktail party game for groups of 15-250 people. While it bears a slight resemblance to traditional Murder Mysteries, at THE RACKET you'll find no over-the-top actors, convoluted backstories, awkward improvisations, or mysteries about who committed what.
Instead, each GUEST is given an intriguing new profession straight out of a classic crime film. The Bodyguard, the Bounty Hunter, the Con Artist will be all in attendance alongside the Detective and the Thief. With each profession comes a unique set of skills and a pocketful of cash, providing GUESTS with the leverage needed to form alliances or outmaneuver their fellow players as they race to be the person with the most money.
While the game is afoot, GUESTS will live out the central plots of Film Noir. They might heist a casino, start a mafia that puts hits out on other players, run a pyramid scheme, play cat and mouse as secret agents, or run for election to become a corrupt official. Unlike scripted scenarios or role-playing, these exhilarating plots are seamlessly integrated into the party, offering GUESTS the freedom to choose their path and their co-conspirators.
It's drama with no actors, a game with (almost) no rules, a Film Noir fever dream that epitomizes the mantra “Play or be played.”
“As the evening progressed I could feel the psychological genius simmering, then boiling”
★★★★★
THE PLAY BY PLAY
A TIMELINE OF EVENTS
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SCENE 1: RECEPTION
Guests arrive and check in with our Host(s) to receive their materials, read the rules, and get comfortable.
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SCENE 2: INTRODUCTION
The Hosts gather the group to review the rules, administer a few choice pieces of advice, and start a timer for 75 minutes.
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SCENE 3: THE GAME IS AFOOT
Players exchange assets, trade secrets, and leverage newfound expertise as they complete a variety of ambitious capers.
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SCENE 4: THE AFTERMATH
When the game ends, players count their money and report their totals to the Host, who tallies the results and announces the winners.
Frequently Asked Questions
For a complete list of who’s, what’s, when’s, and where’s, visit our FAQ page. For further questions, contact us directly at thehaus@hoax.studio.
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How long is the experience?
The game itself is 75 minutes long. However, the entire experience lasts just under 2.5 hours and includes the following phases:
1. Reception (30 minutes): Guests arrive and check in with our Host(s) to receive their materials, read the rules, and get comfortable.
2. Introduction (10 minutes): The Hosts gather the group to review the rules, administer a few choice pieces of advice, and start a timer for 75 minutes.
3. Game (75 minutes): Players exchange assets, trade secrets, and leverage newfound expertise as they complete a variety of ambitious capers.
4. Aftermath (20 minutes): When the game ends, players count their money and report their totals to the Host, who tallies the results and announces the winners.
We also require at least 30 minutes of set-up time and 30 minutes of clean-up time. Any space should be reserved for at least 3.5 hours or 3 if our staff are given early access.
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Where are you located?
We are headquartered in Oakland and travels around the Bay Area and beyond.
The Racket does not have a venue of its own. Instead, we travel directly to our client’s office, home, or a private venue of their choice.
If you are looking for a venue, we recommend using The Vendry or Tagvenue to find bars and restaurants or Peerspace to find homes, offices, and other event spaces. We also maintain a long list of preferred venues and can furnish recommendations for spaces that accommodate various group sizes and budgets.
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What time can the event take place?
We can host at any time of the day, any day of the week. Most of our events take place in the evening or afternoon.
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How many people can play?
We can host events for anywhere between 15 and 250 people.
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Is food or beverage service included?
No. However, we are happy to provide recommendations for venues or catering if you are hosting your event in the Bay Area.
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How far in advance do I have to book?
We need only 24 hours of advance notice and can fast-track an event to meet a close deadline. We take reservations up to 6 months in advance.
Request a Quote
Drop us a line with as much information as you have or call us at 415-269-0078. We'll get back to you as soon as possible. General inquiries can be sent to thehaus@hoax.studio.
Please note that our minimum group size is 15 players.
