Evoke and the Thrill of the Virtual Séance

Last year, I attended The Beverley Street Séance hosted (and created) by Jaymes White. It had all of the thrills and chills that you need to get you in the Halloween spirit. There was a spell cast that night at the Beverley Street Mansion. The atmosphere, the anticipation of the evening itself and White’s abilities not only as a storyteller, but a master of suggestion were on full display. I know people that didn’t sleep for days after experiencing the séance and one person was so freaked out, he had to leave. Whether or not you believe in the paranormal, a séance is a frightfully good time. With the current social distancing rules, you would think that séances would be a thing of the past. Well, think again.

White launched Evoke, “A chilling, virtual, interactive experience. Jaymes guides small groups of brave souls through a soul-stirring atmospheric séance, conducted entirely through Zoom,” on October 16. After 4 years of séances across Ontario, he is taking his unique experience to a computer screen near you until November 28^th.

I had a chance to attend Evoke the very first night. I couldn’t help but wonder how you could replicate the experience of being in a haunted house virtually, but you can’t put anything past Jaymes White. What happens at a séance and the reaction that you have to it is largely in your head. It’s about creating an atmosphere, story-telling and audience participation, and that is something that White excels at.

Evoke limits the audience to ten people giving it an intimate feel. Once again, I watched as the audience became putty in White’s hands. He created atmosphere by hosting the event from his studio and asking us to dim the lights at home. Using your imagination can conjure up scenes that can be as spooky as being in a creepy mansion. White’s ability to lead people where he wants them to go is part of the fun. It was just as interesting to watch people’s reactions as it was to listen to the story behind that particular event.

Here are some tips to get the most out of the experience:

If your friends have attended, don’t ask them to tell you what happened. Each experience will be different. Plus, part of the fun of Evoke is the thrill of the unknown
Read the email that is sent to you about how to prepare
Create a séance-like atmosphere. Turn out the lights, light a candle or turn on a battery-operated candle. If you have all of the lights on, you are missing out
Have an open mind – you don’t have to believe, but for one night, suspend disbelief
Pay attention – put your phone away and use a laptop for the event. Your latest Instagram Story can wait
Book your tickets in advance – you know that Halloween will likely sell out, but there is a Friday the 13th in November!