MILLVALE, Pa. —
Playground Dropout, a new immersive game show experience, is set to open in Millvale, offering Pittsburghers a unique opportunity to participate in live game shows.
Playground Dropout, a first-of-its-kind immersive game show experience complete with a host, is about to open for Pittsburghers.
"Game show studios are starting to pop up across the country, and we thought that we could do it, just as well as some of the other companies, if not better," Corey Deasy said.
Deasy, owner of Playground Dropout, and a couple of his childhood friends from Greenfield got into the experience business about 10 years ago, bringing the first-ever escape room to Pittsburgh.
"When it came to escape rooms, no one knew what that meant. You're going to pay us to get locked in a room, and then you have to find your way out? And everyone thought that was crazy at first," Deasy said.
He anticipates the same learning curve and hopefully success with Playground Dropout. It's located inside what was Lumberjaxes in Millvale.
The ax-throwing is still there, and the curling is coming back the day before Thanksgiving. Now, they're excited to unveil the game show studio.
"You can come in groups of two, and we can pair you up if you're not with a whole group. We can pair you off for a specific time slot. Or you could get groups of up to 20. Good for corporate events, good for a night out with friends. Good for getting babysitters--having a good time," Joe Welsch said.
Joe Welsch, head host at Playground Dropout, will serve as one of the hosts of the game show. A comedian in the area for about eight years now, he says this is a perfect fit.
"You're going Family Feud type game, I'm going to the podium, asking you your day job. What do they do for the night? Do they have a sitter? Mess with them. Things like that. It's fun, playful banter," Welsch said.
They have a couple of games set up that you'll get to experience if you book a session, each lasting an hour and 15 minutes.
A play on "Family Feud," a play on "Wheel of Fortune," and a play on "The Price Is Right" famous Plinko game.
"We have some cool twists on the concept where you're going to take part in this. You can buzz in on your phones, you can submit answers on your phones, you can compete in corporate team building events. And as well, you can come in for just a birthday party or a family outing or just like a couple, if you're lucky, maybe for a date," Welsch said.
Groups in each session will be split into two teams to compete against each other, leading to some friendly but fierce competition.
"Folks, this is the only place in the area where you compete against friends, coworkers, colleagues, or the neighbors you hate. In the classic game show experiences you love," Welsch said.
They are billing it as family-friendly, so feel free to bring the kids.
"It's just something you see normal people doing- who have normal jobs-participating for high-stake games. And everybody wants to be a part of that. Everybody dreams about being on a game show," Welsch said.
Now, if you'd like to be one of the first to try it, you can do it for free. They are looking for groups to be part of their testing starting this Saturday, Oct. 12.
It's going to be free from Oct. 12-24. The soft opening is scheduled for Oct. 25, and the grand opening is around Halloween.
To book your session, visit playgrounddropout.com or call 412-408-2650.