How to read the room (and survive the zombie apocalypse)

A playful, in-person simulation designed to help you practice reading group dynamics, navigating disagreement, and collaborating under pressure—skills we’re expected to have, but rarely taught.

A sudden outbreak has locked a group of strangers inside the MIT Media Lab. Outside, infected figures move slowly but relentlessly, drawn to sound, light, and movement. Inside, the building is no longer reliable—badge access works in some places and fails in others, lights flicker without warning, and the HVAC system hums ominously, sometimes blasting air through sealed corridors. Phones are dead. Cell towers are down. A small, hidden office stocked with emergency supplies has been discovered--but the supplies are limited. Do we share them? The infected are slow, but once contact is made, transformation is inevitable. Every choice carries risk. Every sound matters. And as tension rises, it becomes clear that surviving what’s outside may depend on how well you can read what’s happening inside the room.

In-person only—the zombies don’t do hybrid.  The bunker can only hold so many and entry requires completing this form.

Date: Tuesday, Jan.27

Time: 2pm - 4pm

Location: E15- 3-359

Food: Emergency snacks will be provided, assuming the supply cache holds

Bunker spots are first come, first served. Please allow 24-48 hours for an email confirmation. Communications are...spotty.

Questions, concerns, or survival-related inquiries: email Alice Gold, Instructional Designer & Program Manager for realtalk@MIT, MIT Center for Constructive Communication (liaoa@media.mit.edu).

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Check out our opportunities, fill out the interest form to pitch your own project, or email realtalk@mit.edu with questions! We would love to hear from you.