The Tension Experience Continues to Haunt
Dread Central Staff
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It’s been three months since an anonymous e-mail appeared in my inbox, cryptically informing me of something called The Tension Experience in Los Angeles, CA.
It all started by obsessively poking through clues on their website, uncovering a phone number, and enrolling in a shadow organization called “The OOA Institute.” For weeks I received strange, unnerving phone calls and e-mails, deciphered hidden puzzles and ciphers, and even met with this group in person for a “consultation” (detailed here). Their message promises a path to absolute truth which will take members out of the darkness and into the light. Themes of illusion, privacy, and surveillance are prevalent in their campaign.
I cannot speak to what this group is – even if I wanted to – but they appear every bit as interested in me as I am in them. And even though I’ve only scratched the surface of this experience, they’ve already sent me on a wild exercise of paranoia and self-discovery.
I’m obsessed with haunted houses, immersive theatre, and ARGs. But The Tension Experience is a different beast altogether. It at once appears to be all of these things, yet none of them. The OOA’s motto is “You only get what you put into it,” and that’s an understatement. Members are encouraged to take on the role of “apostles,” spread their message, and engage in challenging exercises of self-reflection. The more active you are, the more they take notice.
Recently the website updated itself with a populated message board, and I’ve become a part of a full-fledged community of initiates. Several of us have even created annual meet-ups where we’ve dissected all the various puzzles and clues the OOA presents us with. I’ve made several new friends through the community – but at the same time, I’m not sure whom to trust. Because I know not everyone is who they say they are. There are also other shadow groups intent on exposing or destroying the OOA, and my loyalties have been tested throughout my initiation.
After all, “Tension” is the name of the game here… and they do it well.
The latest chapter in my journey took place this past weekend, when I was called upon to meet them at an intersection of downtown Los Angeles at my appointed time. After being stared at forever by a strange person on the street, a friendly woman approached me with a clipboard and, after signing a waiver, asked “Do you trust us?”
“Yes,” I answered, and she gave me a bag to place over my head. Once it was secured, she took me by the arm, and I felt myself being led through the streets of downtown into a building and down into a basement. When the bag was removed, I found myself in the darkness and staring into a mirror. I was instructed to unlock my phone and hand it over. A woman’s voice asked me deeply personal questions:
“What brought you here?”
“Are you a good person?”
“What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done to someone?”
“Are you a good person?”
If I tried to dodge a question or answer without total honesty, they knew and called me on it. After several rounds of this, I was instructed to place the bag over my head and was led out. At the exit to the building, they gave me back my phone and instructed me to walk outside where the next initiate was waiting and stare into his eyes. Later, I checked my phone and discovered they were taking pictures of me during our meeting.
I have no doubt the OOA will call on me again soon as I take my next steps into “the light.” How long this will go on and what this is all building to is anyone’s guess, but now something as mundane as my phone ringing has become completely thrilling.
For now, all those who wish to be involved can go to their website and start by filling out a very personal questionnaire – which also gives you a pretty good idea what you’re in for.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I think I hear my phone ringing…
We’re sure more… much more… will be coming our way regarding The Tension Experience, but for now check out The Tension Experience website, “like” The Tension Experience on Facebook, and follow The Tension Experience on Twitter and on Instagram.
Categorized:News
