The world’s most popular D&D actual play is leveling up its ambitions: as Critical Role celebrates its 10th anniversary, the cast is plotting an even bigger global adventure-bringing their signature live shows not just across the US, but to new stages around the world, with Australia as the first stop beyond American shores and a “big list” of international destinations still to come.
Critical Role is no stranger to live performances – at gaming conventions, livestreamed in movie theaters, or most recently at London’s Wembley Arena. In fact, the actual play troupe that cut its teeth on Dungeons & Dragons (before building its own systems) has a live show coming up on June 15 in Los Angeles. And it’s at the historic Greek Theatre, no less! But CEO Travis Willingham sees an opportunity to bring his performers’ special brand of magic to even more loving audiences – especially outside of the United States.
“Where else could we go?” Willingham wondered out loud in a recent interview with AELGAMES.
Ticket sales clearly point to an unmet need for live-action actual play performances among the genre’s most devoted fans. Critical Role’s London show easily drew more than 12,500 attendees. More recently, Dropout’s Dimension 20 sold out Madison Square Garden, with a 19,500-seat capacity, in a matter of days. Live performance is back in a big way since the COVID-19 pandemic, and actual play needs to get on board – and start thinking even bigger.
“Especially after [Wembley and Dimension 20’s success selling out MSG], we have got to get out of the U.S. a little bit,” Willingham said. “We have to make sure we’re taking care of the rest of the U.S. [besides Los Angeles and the tabletop convention circuit], but can we go to Australia? Can we go to other targets in the EU? Can we go to South America? South America has been amazing in terms of our audience demographic, and we feel like it’s underserved.
“It’s a logistical challenge to figure all those things out,” Willingham continued. “There’s really no playbook for these things. But no playbook [has] kind of [been] our MO for the last five or six years since we went independent. So we take a shot at it, we try and figure it out along the way, and we just kind of act on where we think people are wanting or indicating to us that they want to see us.”
The challenges of a live show are many, but they’re also a chance for the actors to go outside their comfort zones. For Willingham, that means letting his guard down and putting on a goofy costume every once in a while.
“Me, I’m a T-shirt-and-jeans kind of guy,” Willingham said with a laugh. “We got some people in this group that just can’t be stopped. And then we throw somebody from wardrobe at them that can go out and source any crazy ideas we have, and it just gets taken to a 10.”
But what Willingham is most excited about is digging ever deeper into the larger narrative that’s being crafted by Dungeon Master Matt Mercer.
“One of the things that I love and applaud the most about Matthew Mercer is that he has the craziest red-thread board somewhere in his mind,” Willingham said, referring to the well-worn meme from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. “If you watch campaign one and haven’t watched anything since; if you watched campaign two, Mighty Nein, and nothing else since; if you tune in for the Greek Theatre live show [.] there is instantly going to be components from both of those things that are already at stake. [.] So whether or not you are caught up, or don’t even know who the characters are, there’s something in there for you. [.] I’m sure our outfits will be worth it alone.”
Also? Maybe keep an eye on Willingham himself, who, more often than not, says he’s just trying to keep it together on stage.
“Matt starts getting into lore? I’m freaking out. Somebody starts flirting? I’m freaking out”
“I’m terrible at keeping a poker face during our actual play,” Willingham said. “Matt starts getting into lore? I’m freaking out. Somebody starts flirting? I’m freaking out. So those things are just magnified with the screens that they have at the shows. But other than that, it’s just trying to control your heart rate before you take the stage and then knowing that you’re about to go through something incredible with thousands of people that have enjoyed the game that you love as much as they do.”
How will Critical Role expand its live shows beyond the US and Australia
Critical Role’s Plans for Expanding Live Shows Beyond the US and Australia
Multi-Stop International Tour and Global Ambitions
Critical Role is actively planning to expand its live shows beyond the US and Australia as part of its 10th anniversary celebrations. While the 2025 tour includes stops in major US cities and a debut in Sydney and Melbourne, CEO Travis Willingham has emphasized a strong desire to reach more international audiences, specifically mentioning the EU, South America, and other underserved regions. The team is maintaining a “big list” of potential locations, with places like South America and Singapore already under consideration for future shows.
Screenings in Cinemas Worldwide
To further extend their reach, Critical Role has partnered with Fathom Entertainment to rebroadcast four of their 2025 live shows in 800 movie theaters across the US and Canada, allowing fans who cannot attend in person to experience the events in a cinematic setting. This approach could be a model for future international screenings as well.
Logistical and Community Considerations
Willingham has acknowledged the logistical challenges of taking the show to new continents but remains committed to exploring global opportunities based on fan demand and demographic data. The cast is enthusiastic about celebrating with fans worldwide and is open to suggestions on future destinations.
Summary Table: Expansion Strategies
| Strategy | Details |
|---|---|
| Live Shows in New Countries | Actively planning shows in the EU, South America, and Asia beyond Australia and the US |
| Cinema Rebroadcasts | 2025 live shows to be screened in 800 theaters in the US and Canada |
| Community Engagement | Soliciting input from international fans on where to go next |
| Flexible Show Formats | Each city may feature unique show formats and audience participation |
Critical Role’s expansion is driven by audience demand and a commitment to making their live performances accessible to fans around the world, with more international stops likely in the near future.
What specific countries or regions is Critical Role considering for future shows
Critical Role has specifically mentioned interest in expanding live shows to regions such as the European Union (EU), South America, and Asia, with Singapore highlighted as a potential destination. These areas are on their “big list” of future locations under consideration, reflecting the team’s intent to reach fans in underserved international markets beyond their current US and Australian stops.
