Before you book
This page helps you decide whether DARKFIELD is right for you before you book. Every location is a little different, so if anything here doesn't answer your question, get in touch and we'll give you the specifics for your visit.
If you have access requirements, please contact us before you book at hello@realscapeproductions.com.
Every experience takes place in complete darkness for the majority of its run. You wear headphones throughout and hear binaural audio - different sound in your left and right ear, which gives it a 360-degree, all-around quality. There are sound effects and, in both experiences, sudden movement or vibration. There are no live actors; everything you sense is created through sound. You stay seated for the whole experience. Allow 20 minutes for SÉANCE (16 minutes running time) and 25 minutes for FLIGHT (22 minutes).
You're never locked in. You can take your headphones off at any time, our team are standing by, and we never lock the doors. For everyone's safety we ask you to stay in your seat once it's dark - but if you feel unsure or anxious, tell a team member before the show and they'll seat you near the exit.
Ages 15 and over can come on their own. 13 and 14 year olds need a responsible adult over 18 with them, in the same experience at the same session time. Under 13 we cannot admit.
There is no waiver for DARKFIELD Toronto. You will not be asked to read or sign anything before you take part. If you would like to talk any of it through first, contact us at hello@realscapeproductions.com.
If you're unsure whether DARKFIELD is right for you, we can arrange a time for you to look inside the containers before you book. Email us at hello@realscapeproductions.com.
Our at-home audio experiences, including ETERNAL, are built entirely on sound, heard through your own headphones in the dark. There is currently no captioned or transcript version, so they rely on being able to hear the audio. If you are D/deaf or hard of hearing, the experience can't be delivered as intended without the sound.
ETERNAL is designed to be heard once, in a single sitting, and can't be paused. If a technical problem interrupts your listen, contact us at hello@realscapeproductions.com.
We recommend listening with over-ear headphones in a quiet, dark room where you won't be disturbed.
If you use assistive technology and have any trouble accessing your experience, contact us at hello@realscapeproductions.com.
Reactions are personal, and a theme tied to a phobia can make one show intense while another feels completely fine - someone with a fear of flying might find FLIGHT difficult but SÉANCE comfortable. Here's what each experience involves so you can choose what's right for you.
Every experience takes place in complete darkness inside an enclosed shipping container, with loud binaural audio through headphones and, in some shows, sudden movement or vibration.
A séance, in complete darkness. Themes of the supernatural and the power of suggestion - it can feel as though someone is in the room with you. Includes short, abrupt seat movement.
Set in a plane cabin, exploring two parallel realities and two possible outcomes. The aviation setting may distress anyone with a fear of flying; it isn't a flight simulator or a crash recreation. Includes short, abrupt seat movement and a brief sequence of flashing light (non-strobe).
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Our shows explore anxiety and fear, but they also reflect on bigger, philosophical ideas. We'd describe them as intense or unnerving - eerie and surreal rather than horror, closer to a strange, vivid dream than a scary film. We avoid calling them scary or terrifying, because that isn't the aim of the work. That said, people do react differently, and if a show's theme touches a personal phobia it can feel frightening - someone with a fear of flying might find FLIGHT intense while finding SÉANCE completely fine. The themes for each experience are set out above so you can choose what's right for you.
DARKFIELD takes place in blackout conditions inside a shipping container, so it may not suit those who experience claustrophobia. It's also not recommended if you experience hallucinations, because of the subject and immersive nature of the work.
Our experiences are dark, loud and intense, can feel claustrophobic, and some (SÉANCE and FLIGHT) include short, abrupt movements and vibration. We leave it to you to decide whether that's right for you. This isn't medical advice and our staff aren't medical professionals - if you have any concerns, please speak to your medical professional.
Some experiences (SÉANCE and FLIGHT) include short, abrupt seat movements that may aggravate a neck or back condition. Contact us at hello@realscapeproductions.com and we'll give you more detail to help you decide.
SÉANCE has a dedicated space with no transfer needed - choose the Wheelchair ticket when you book. FLIGHT requires a transfer to a house seat and a ramp is available; book a General Admission ticket and tell us when you book so we can prepare the space. If you'd like to talk it through first, contact us at hello@realscapeproductions.com.
No. If you need someone with you to support your visit, book your own ticket, then get in touch at hello@realscapeproductions.com before your visit and we will arrange their ticket at no charge. One support person per guest; they stay with you for the duration of the experience.
Seating is compact and varies by experience - some seats have fixed armrests, others have armrests that lift, and in some shows we can offer a roomier alternative seat. Seat measurements are on each experience's page. If you'd like to check the seating will be comfortable for you before you book, contact us at hello@realscapeproductions.com and we'll talk it through.
Yes - the experiences don't rely on your sight. Let a team member know when you arrive if you'd like guidance entering and leaving the container, or a touch tour of the container and set beforehand.
DARKFIELD is built on binaural sound: the audio in your left ear and your right ear is different, and that difference is what creates the spatial, all-around effect. If you aren't able to hear both sides clearly, the experience won't have its full effect. To talk through whether it's right for you, contact us at hello@realscapeproductions.com.
The experiences use over-ear headphones, which some people find uncomfortable over hearing aids.
You're welcome to bring earplugs to wear under the headphones - you'll still be able to follow the dialogue. All experiences have loud moments.
Some cities offer the experience in additional languages - you'll find that on the page for that event. Even in English, it can still be enjoyed if English isn't your first language; contact us if you'd like the safety briefing in advance.
We don't currently offer relaxed performances, but as long as you stay seated during the show, stimming, vocal tics and fidgeting are absolutely fine. We ask that you decide whether the experience is right and safe for you, and get in touch with any questions.
That's absolutely fine. If you're concerned that involuntary movements might affect the person seated next to you, get in touch before you book - we can look at a quieter session and, where seats allow, keep the seat next to you free at no extra cost. Email us at hello@realscapeproductions.com.
Anecdotally, people who don't picture things in their mind sometimes enjoy the experience less, because so much of it lives in your imagination.
Service animals are welcome. It's worth getting in touch first at hello@realscapeproductions.com so we can talk through the visit and have everything ready - the experiences are in complete darkness inside an enclosed shipping container, with loud binaural sound and sudden seat movement. Your service animal stays with you throughout.
You can take your headphones off at any time, though some sound and effects may still be present. For everyone's safety we ask you not to move around in the dark, so if you think you might need to leave, tell a team member before the show and they'll seat you near the exit and guide you out if you need it.
DARKFIELD is at the Distillery District. The District provides mobility-accessible parking and ramp access to its buildings, but its historic streets are cobblestone and naturally uneven in places. If you'd like to talk through the route from parking to the containers before you book, contact us at hello@realscapeproductions.com.
Both experiences take place in complete darkness inside an enclosed shipping container, with loud binaural audio through headphones. Both have brief sudden seat movement, and FLIGHT has a brief non-strobe flashing-light sequence.
When a city is on sale, you'll find its specific access information - container measurements, step-free access, parking and on-site facilities - here.
Toronto is on sale now
We're happy to help you decide before you book. Email us at hello@realscapeproductions.com.