Make Your St. Louis Event Unforgettable with Jest
An interactive murder mystery experience led by professional St. Louis actors because your event deserves laugh-soaked, clue-cracking entertainment your guests won’t stop talking about.
More engaging than bands, comedians or magicians, more inclusive than axe throwing, ropes courses or Topgolf, and far more memorable than trivia nights, casino nights or escape rooms, we bring our fully immersive, laugh out loud experience to any venue you choose.
- Over 25 Years of Unforgettable Events
- Professional St. Louis Based Actors
- Perfect for 15-350+ Guests
- We Travel Anywhere in the St. Louis Region
Why St. Louis Chooses Jest Murder Mystery Co.
What we actually do (In case you’re wondering)
We bring two professional actors to the venue of your choice and perform a fully interactive murder mystery comedy show around your meal service. Your guests become characters in the story, the actors guide the fun with improv and storytelling, and the whole room works to solve the mystery.
We set everything up, perform the show in acts between courses, and make your guests the stars, no stage, special lighting, or equipment required. It’s part show, part improv, part party game, and all laughter.
Whether you’re planning a company party, team building event, fundraiser, holiday celebration, wedding, rehearsal dinner, or private gathering, we make it easy, engaging, and unforgettable.
Unlike entertainment options that require travel, physical activity, or splitting your group across multiple spaces, Jest brings the entire experience to your venue, conference center, banquet hall, lodge, winery, restaurant private room, office, hotel, backyard, or anywhere else you choose.
What makes our shows a perfect fit for St. Louis events?
- Professional local actors trained in improv, theatre, and interactive comedy
- Serving the entire metro area, St. Louis, St. Charles, Chesterfield, Kirkwood, Belleville, Alton, Edwardsville & more
- Inclusive for all ages and personalities, everyone can participate at their own comfort level
- Perfect for mixed groups from 15 to 350+ guests
- Works in any venue without special staging or equipment
- Comedy + mystery = unforgettable shared experience
- We handle the fun and you enjoy the event
Whether you’re hosting a formal banquet at a historic landmark or planning a casual gathering in your office, Jest makes your event effortless, hilarious, and uniquely St. Louis.
Let’s Make Your St. Louis Event Unforgettable!
Get quick pricing by sharing your date, group size and venue. We’ll send a custom quote and take care of the rest.
Events We Bring to Life Across the St. Louis Area
Whether you’re planning a company gathering, private celebration, fundraiser, or holiday party, we tailor every show to fit your venue, your guests, and your goals. Here are the most common types of events we perform throughout St. Louis, St. Charles, Belleville, Alton, Edwardsville, and the surrounding metro area.
Corporate Events & Team Building
Perfect for breaking the ice, strengthening teams, or transforming a company dinner into something unforgettable. Our St. Louis troupe regularly performs at offices, restaurants, and event venues throughout the metro, making team building fun, interactive, and easy to host anywhere.
Learn more about our team building experiences
Holiday Parties
Make your company or family holiday party stand out with a laugh-filled, interactive experience people talk about for years. We perform holiday shows throughout St. Louis, St. Charles, Belleville, and the surrounding metro area — wherever your group is celebrating.
See how we elevate holiday parties
Christmas Parties
A festive, hilarious murder mystery is one of the easiest ways to make your Christmas party the highlight of the season. Whether you’re hosting in a private dining room, banquet hall, or your office, we customize the show around your space and your guests.
Explore Christmas party options
Private Parties & Celebrations
Birthdays, anniversaries, family reunions, rehearsal dinners — if you’re gathering people, we can turn it into an unforgettable experience. We regularly perform at homes, restaurants, and event spaces across the St. Louis region, creating a show that fits perfectly into your celebration.
See what we can do for your private event
Fundraisers & Nonprofit Events
A live murder mystery show is a fun and effective way to engage donors, draw a big crowd, and raise money for a great cause. Many St. Louis organizations use Jest to add excitement to their annual galas, charity dinners, and local community fundraisers.
Learn how our shows work for fundraisers
Public Ticketed Events (Restaurants, Venues, Wineries)
Want to host a public murder mystery dinner? We make it easy for venues to sell out nights with high-demand entertainment that draws both regulars and new guests. Restaurants and venues throughout St. Louis and Metro East work with us to create recurring or seasonal ticketed events.
Guide to hosting public events
Virtual Parties
Great for remote teams or groups spread across different cities — fully interactive, fully chaotic, fully hilarious. Our virtual shows allow St. Louis clients to include out-of-town guests while still getting the full Jest experience.
See how virtual mysteries work
How Our Shows Work
Not sure where to start? Here’s a simple breakdown of what to expect, how the show unfolds, and how incredibly easy it is to host, whether you’re in a conference room, restaurant, home, or rented venue.
Learn how it works
Ready to Start Planning Your St. Louis Event?
Tell us your date, venue (or where you’re thinking), and guest count, and we’ll send fast, custom pricing for your murder mystery experience.
What St. Louis Groups Are Saying
Here’s what real St. Louis clients are saying about their murder mystery events with Jest from weddings and house parties to company celebrations and group trips.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“We hired Jest to put on a (surprise) murder mystery show at our wedding rehearsal dinner. This performance might have been the highlight of our wedding weekend! The performers were amazing, included everyone in the show, and helped break the ice between everyone in our bridal party. It was the best way to start the wedding weekend! I cannot recommend Jest enough.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Jest Murder Mystery provided the entertainment at a recent corporate event/employee celebration and they knocked it out of the park. The actors were amazing, funny and very engaging. They kept our staff laughing throughout the performance. Our employees had nothing but positive things to say about this event and were asking when we could host another murder mystery. 100% would recommend using Jest Murder Mystery Co!!”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“We were pleasantly surprised during our 2-day mystery trip to St. Louis with a Muuurder in Mayberry lunch show at the Lemp Mansion. Rave reviews from our travelers. We found ourself laughing for two hours. Highly recommend this entertainment!”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“An awesome experience. We had a show at our house for about 25 people. The performers were great. They catered to our needs. They were super flexible and improvised well. Would highly recommend hiring them for a party.”
Want to see more reviews?
Trusted By:
How Our Shows Work in St. Louis
Putting together a murder mystery event in St. Louis is easier than you think. Whether you’re hosting in a restaurant, banquet room, office, hotel, or your own home, we make the process simple, smooth, and fun from start to finish.
Tell Us About Your Event
Share your date, venue (or the city you’re considering), and expected guest count. Whether you’re in St. Louis, St. Charles, Belleville, Alton, or anywhere in the metro area, we’ll will get you quick custom pricing for your event. Our pricing is simple with no hidden fees.
You Submit a Contract
We Cast The Actors
Fill out our contract online and we will cast professional St. Louis actors. You can relax our team performs regularly in local venues, restaurants, offices, and event spaces, so we make setup easy no matter where you’re hosting.
Sit Back, Enjoy the Show
On the day of your show, our cast arrives early, works with your venue staff, and gets everything ready for nonstop comedy, mystery, and moments your guests will talk about long after the night is over. You can sit back and enjoy the show and take credit for all the fun.
Looking for a Murder Mystery Dinner in St. Louis?
If you’re searching for a murder mystery dinner with tickets available in St. Louis, we also host public shows where you can join the experience without planning a private event. These ticketed events are held at select venues and are perfect for date nights, small groups, or anyone who wants to experience the show before booking their own event.
Why Choose Jest for Your St. Louis Event?
There are plenty of ways to entertain a crowd in St. Louis, but a live, interactive murder mystery with professional local actors does something bands, DJs, trivia nights, and magicians can’t match. Here’s what sets Jest apart.
Local Professional Actors
Your show is performed by trained St. Louis actors with real stage and improv experience, not amateurs or volunteers.
More Interactive Than DJs or Trivia
Your guests don’t just sit and watch, they become part of the comedy and the mystery, which makes the night more memorable and more fun.
Works in Almost Any Venue
Restaurants, banquet rooms, offices, wineries, hotels, if your group fits, we can perform there without special staging or complicated tech.
Perfect for Mixed Groups
Office teams, families, church groups, and more all love our clean, laugh-driven comedy that works for a wide range of ages and personalities.
25+ Years Performing in St. Louis
We’ve produced thousands of shows across St. Louis, and the surrounding metro, so you’re booking a company with deep local experience.
Easy for Event Planners
We coordinate with your venue, cast the show, and handle all entertainment logistics you focus on your guests and enjoy the night.
Engaging for All Personalities
Outgoing guests can take bigger roles, quieter guests can stay more low-key, and everyone still gets to enjoy the story and the laughs.
A Proven Crowd-Pleaser
Perfect for corporate events, holiday parties, fundraisers, and other private events when you need a safe, high-impact entertainment choice.
Meet Our St. Louis Actors
Our shows are brought to life by professional St. Louis based performers who know how to read a room, keep guests laughing, and turn every event into an unforgettable shared story. Here are a few of the talented actors you may see at your event.
Matt Bender
Matt Bender is a Midwest-based performer and playwright with a dynamic career spanning stage, screen, and interactive entertainment. A longtime St. Louis local, Matt has collaborated with regional theatre companies including Stray Dog Theatre, bringing quick wit, grounded characters, and a natural comedic instinct to every show. When he’s not performing murder mysteries, he’s developing original work, collaborating with local creatives, and acting in film and commercial projects throughout the area.
Tina Cool-Anderson
Tina Cool-Anderson is a versatile performer who came to St. Louis by way of Branson, Missouri, where she appeared in multiple live comedy, musical, and variety productions. With years of performance experience and a natural ability to make guests feel comfortable participating, Tina is a favorite among event planners seeking a fun, welcoming, and high-energy show. She’s known for her sharp character work, expressive comedic timing, and warm stage presence.
Ed Reggi
Ed Reggi is a New York born, St. Louis based actor, director, and improviser known for making audiences laugh for more than 30 years. His St. Louis credits include work with The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis and teaching with COCA’s theatre programs, where he has mentored countless emerging actors. Ed brings a magnetic, improvisational energy to every Jest show, the kind that keeps guests leaning in, laughing, and fully engaged.
Taijha Silas
Taijha Silas is a Louisiana native whose experience in theatre, improv, and voiceover helps her instantly connect with guests and bring characters to life. She has performed with local theatre and improv groups throughout the St. Louis community, adding authenticity and regional flair to her characters. Taijha brings vibrant, joyful energy to every performance and is known for creating memorable moments and making even the shyest guests feel comfortable participating.
More St. Louis Actors You May See at Your Show.
George Doerr
George Doerr is a versatile St. Louis performer with credits in film, television, theatre, and commercial projects. He brings dynamic character choices and strong comedic instincts to every event.
Angie Sebben Frick
Angie Sebben Frick holds a B.A. in Theatre and Dance and has appeared in numerous productions across the St. Louis region. She combines strong classical training with a playful sense of humor on stage.
Chris Powers
Chris Powers has made St. Louis his creative home, performing comedy and character work across the city. He joined Jest in 2014 and brings a distinctive blend of offbeat humor and charm.
Brittani O’Connell
Brittani O’Connell is a St. Louis performer with international theatre experience and favorite roles in productions like Into the Woods. She brings strong musical theatre skills and expressive acting to her work.
Andy Vieluf
Originally from Las Vegas, Andy Vieluf has performed with national entertainment brands and holds a degree in Theatre Arts. His touring credits include playing Roger in the national tour of RENT.
Ashley Knaack
Ashley Knaack holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Shenandoah Conservatory and has appeared in regional theatre and new musical works. She brings strong vocal ability and a polished stage presence to every event.
Work With St. Louis’ Most Experienced Interactive Performers
Share your event details and we’ll handle the entertainment, energy, and laughter, starting with a quick pricing quote.
Featured St. Louis Area Venues
We bring our murder mystery shows directly to any venue you choose, restaurants, banquet rooms, hotels, offices, wineries, lodges, community centers, and just about anywhere else you want to host your event. The venues below are some examples of places we’ve performed recently across the St. Louis metro area. If you already have a location in mind or need help finding the best St. Louis venue for your group, we’re happy to work with you to insure your event is a success.
The Lemp Mansion
St. Louis, MO
Lemp Mansion is one of St. Louis’s most iconic historic landmarks and one of the most memorable places you can host a private event. They offer multiple private event spaces, including the The Lemp Mansion, The Lemp Grand Hall, and The Lemp Loft ideal for group gatherings of all sizes. With built-in ambiance, Victorian architecture, and a touch of mystery, the Lemp Mansion pairs perfectly with interactive entertainment.
Explore their private event spaces:
Lemp Mansion Private Events
Eckert's
Belleville, IL
Eckert’s Belleville Country Store & Restaurant is a beloved Metro East destination with multiple private-event rooms ideal for corporate outings, family gatherings, and seasonal celebrations. Their event spaces including the Country Restaurant Banquet Room and the Cider Shed which can host corporate gatherings, showers, and parties. Eckert’s is a perfect option for clients looking for a warm, approachable atmosphere with outstanding food and service.
Explore their event spaces:
Eckert’s Belleville Private Events
Pere Marquette Lodge
Grafton, IL
Located along the Great River Road, Pere Marquette Lodge offers one of the most scenic event destinations in the region. Their Conference Rooms provide flexible layouts for corporate retreats, holiday parties, fundraisers, and large group events.
The Lodge’s rustic stone architecture, giant timber beams, and scenic backdrop make it an unforgettable setting for an interactive murder mystery experience.
Explore their event spaces:
Pere Marquette Lodge – Event & Meeting Spaces
More St. Louis Area Venues You Can Book
The Falls Reception & Conference Center – Columbia, IL
The Falls Reception & Conference Center offers dedicated spaces for weddings, corporate functions, fundraisers, and private events, with an experienced staff and flexible layouts. Explore The Falls event options.
Crestwood Community Center – Crestwood, MO
Crestwood Community Center offers several rentable rooms with capacity for 10 to 200 guests, making it a flexible option for meetings, banquets, and private gatherings. See Crestwood Community Center rental details.
Old Post Office (OPO) – St. Charles, MO
The historic Old Post Office (OPO) has been restored into a unique downtown event venue with spaces available for private functions, parties, team-building activities, and gatherings. View OPO private-event info.
Schlafly Bottleworks – Maplewood / St. Louis, MO
Schlafly Bottleworks features private rooms like the Crown Room and East Room, designed for corporate events, parties, and receptions. Explore Schlafly Bottleworks private events.
Don’t See Your Venue Listed? No Problem.
From ballrooms to boardrooms, restaurants to community halls, wineries to backyards, if your group fits, we can bring the mystery there. Just tell us where you’re hosting, and we’ll work with your staff to make sure everything is set up perfectly for your event.
If you’re a venue interested in hosting public murder mystery dinners or ticketed events, we’ve put together a step-by-step resource to help you get started.
Check out our guide to hosting a public murder mystery event.
Want your venue to be featured on this page?
Contact us at [email protected]
— we’d love to talk.
Looking for a unique St. Louis venue?
If you’re planning a murder mystery in St. Louis and want something outside a traditional restaurant or banquet hall, a dedicated event venue can open up more possibilities for your group. Our shows travel directly to the location you choose, and many hosts look for distinctive spaces that match the style and energy of their event.
If you’re still exploring options, Peerspace is a helpful way to browse active St. Louis venues and compare spaces that work well for interactive group events.
Your Favorite Venue + Our Professional Talent = A Show They’ll Never Forget
Whether you’ve booked a venue or not, we’ll help you plan a night your guests won’t forget. Start by telling us a little about your event.
Extra! Extra! Read All About Jest in St. Louis
Jest has gone from a St. Louis favorite to a nationally recognized murder mystery entertainment company — and the press has taken notice.
Read how Jest grew from a St. Louis secret into a nationwide murder-mystery planning company in this feature: St. Louis Born Murder Mystery Company with Unique Approach Goes National .
Get to know our owner, Leslie Franklin, and her path from performer to running a national entertainment company: Leslie Franklin, owner of Alton, Illinois-based Jest Murder Mystery Co., on her path from actor to owner .
Jest was selected as a Top Team Building Services Provider for our fun, experiential approach to corporate events: Jest Murder Mystery Co.: Unleashing Fun and Experiential Team Building Entertainment .
Planning a team event in the area? Jest is featured as a standout local option in 13 Team Building Ideas in St. Louis , highlighting our flexible, travel-to-you murder mystery experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you travel to St. Charles, St. Peters, Belleville, Edwardsville, Alton, and the surrounding St. Louis metro area?
Yes. We perform throughout the entire St. Louis region including St. Charles County, St. Peters, O’Fallon, Chesterfield, Kirkwood, Webster Groves, Alton, Edwardsville, Belleville, Collinsville, and the Metro East. Even if your venue is further away we travel to you from our closest available troupe to minimize travel expenses and insure you get the best pricing for your event.
Can you perform at our restaurant, banquet room, office, home, or rented venue?
Absolutely. If your group fits comfortably in the space, we can perform there. We regularly do shows in restaurants, hotels, wineries, banquet rooms, event halls, private homes, offices, churches, and community spaces.
Do we need a stage, lighting, or special equipment?
If there’s space to laugh and dine, there’s space for a mystery! We’ve performed in private dining rooms, wineries, banquet halls, conference centers, offices, and homes. If your guests can eat there, we can entertain there.
How much space do we need for a murder mystery show?
No. We bring the show to your space exactly as it is. You don’t need a stage or special lighting just a room with enough tables and chairs for your group. Having a sound system for larger groups (over 60-100+ guests) is usually required. In St. Louis we highly recommend Output Unlimited
Is this appropriate for corporate or professional groups?
If your guests can sit together, eat comfortably, and move around a little when prompted, the space will work. We can perform for small groups in large rooms in a private residence, medium groups in private dining rooms (usually in a restaurant), and large groups in full banquet halls or large conference rooms.
How much does a show cost in the St. Louis area?
Pricing depends on your date, group size, and location. You can get quick, no-pressure pricing in under a minute by telling us a little about your event.
Do guests have to participate?
No one is ever forced to participate. We give larger character parts to the outgoing guests and smaller “helper” roles to those who prefer to stay more low-key. Most guests warm up quickly once they see how fun (and easy) it is.
Can you perform for small groups or very large groups?
Yes. We perform shows for groups as small as 15–20 people in offices and private dining spaces and as large as several hundred guests in banquet halls, hotels, and conference spaces.
Can you perform at venues like Lemp Mansion, Eckert’s, or Pere Marquette Lodge?
Yes. We’ve performed at all three many times, along with dozens of other popular St. Louis and Metro East event venues. If you’re not sure whether your venue will work, just ask, chances are we’ve performed there already.
What kinds of events do you perform in the St. Louis area?
Corporate events, holiday parties, team building, fundraisers, birthday parties, rehearsal dinners, family gatherings, church events, school and campus events, and public ticketed dinners. If you’re hosting people, we can build a show around it.
How long does a show last?
Our murder mystery events typically last 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on your audience, dinner service, and schedule. The scripted show itself runs about 90 minutes total, and can be performed as:
Three 30-minute acts (ideal for plated dinners or multi-course meals)
Mingle/Appetizers/Salad → Act 1 → Dinner → Act 2 → Dessert → Act 3
Two 45-minute acts (great for buffets, banquet service, or tighter timelines)
Mingle/Appetizers/Salad → Act 1 → Dinner/Dessert → Act 2
We’re flexible — we can adjust the pacing to match your venue, meal service, or event agenda.
You can also view a sample timeline here
Where We Perform in the St. Louis Area
We bring our murder mystery shows to venues all across the St. Louis region. From Ste. Genevieve to Hannibal and from Hermann to Effingham there’s a good chance we have performed in your area.
St. Louis & Close Suburbs
City events, downtown venues, and nearby neighborhoods.
- St. Louis
- Clayton
- Kirkwood
- Webster Groves
- Brentwood
- Maplewood
- Chesterfield
- Crestwood
St. Charles & West/North
Perfect for company parties, banquets, and private celebrations.
- St. Charles
- St. Peters
- O’Fallon (MO)
- Wentzville
- Florissant
- Hazelwood
- Maryland Heights
- Warrenton
Illinois Metro East & Riverbend
We regularly cross the river for events in Illinois.
- Alton
- Mascoutah
- Edwardsville
- Waterloo
- Columbia
- Belleville
- Fairview Heights
- Grafton
Ready to Plan a Murder Mystery Party Everyone Will Rave About?
We make it easy to create an unforgettable event—no stress, no pressure.
Get pricing and details tailored to your group, your venue, and your vibe. Let’s bring the mystery (and the laughter) to your next big night.
Locations
Learn More
Quick Links
More Links
