Interview with Johnny of Midnight Seduction

By Scarlet Apron*
Do you think vampires are sexy? If so, then Midnight Seduction might just suck you in. Part party game, part theatrical orgy, Seduction is a thriving, adult enterprise that brings together an enticing array of characters: mortal, eternal and definitely lusty.  Fetish overtones combined with card-driven erotic tableaux spell out the evening’s adventures in this unique dice-less venue. One local enthusiast is Johnny (real name withheld). A strapping, affable blond with a business degree from MIT and a taste for bacchanal, Johnny recently joined the Midnight Seduction team. Together with his associate/girlfriend, Amberlynn, they host Seduction parties in the New England area. Here, he tells us how much fun the undead really have.

 
What can people expect when they show up?
The event is free. It’s totally non-commercial. Over 2000 people have played it, so far. It’s basically a party in a private home, that’s all. People are all dressed sexy in black and leather. You maybe have a drink, meet, mingle and throughout the evening, some people will choose to flirt and interact. So, you might see some bondage, some submission. We also have a casino for people who are cautious. They can just watch. There’s stuff for them to do as well, but by the end of the evening, everyone feels comfortable trying it out. People should just approach it as a regular party that has a theme of vampires and fetish.  We get about 50 people. Our target age is 18-29. The reason is that most people who are dating are in that range. I should also mention, since the purpose of the party is to make people feel comfortable, we do a bit of screening on the people who attend to see that they are intelligent, respectful and have a body type that’s appropriate to flirting and dating. 

 
Describe the game to someone unfamiliar with live-action role-playing
For one thing, there’s not a whole lot of role-playing to it. A lot of people are turned off by role-playing, but if they’re told to come dressed as James Bond or “Secret Spy Assistance,” they can do that. Or perhaps they just want to be someone for an evening, and that makes them feel a little more comfortable doing things they won’t normally do. Seduction is really meant for people who are curious about the fetish lifestyle. It’s probably the most comfortable way to learn because we keep the parties PG-rated. There’s no nudity. No sex. The culture of the game is to be as inviting, as possible. 

 
What's the back-story on Midnight Seduction? 
The game was created two years ago in Philadelphia by Anon.  It’s a way for people to get introduced to the fetish lifestyle. I think it’s hard to attend a party, see someone who looks cute, kneel down and call them “Sir.” The rules of Midnight Seduction “break” the ice.  Accepting and declining are part of those rules. 

 
Why vampires?
I think vampirism is the gateway drug to fetish.  If you think vampires are hot, you probably will think that fetish is hot.  Why is that? Because vampires are powerful predators. You think it’s sexy to be the victim of a vampire because there is someone who is powerful dominating you. Or maybe you think it’s sexy to be a vampire because you have superhuman strength, hidden abilities and you’re prowling throughout the night, fetish is like that. All you have to do is be a little more open-minded and your sexual opportunities and experiences can be five times what they’ve been, in the fetish community.

 
How did you get involved? 
I met Anon last year at the Fetish Fair Fleamarket ™.  I have a background in gaming and I’ve been doing lots of live-action, role-playing through the MIT and Brown University communities. I also founded a computer games company.  Midnight Seduction works really well on the psychological level. It gets people comfortable with seeing bondage and submissive role-playing. Then, when they’ve seen it, they want to try it out. I love to organize events and parties, so I said to Anon, I would do it in the Boston area. I’ve been officially invited on to the team.

 
What are some post-saturnalia comments?
People say, ‘Wow. I showed up. I was anxious but everyone was so friendly and respectable. I never felt pressured. I saw a lot of wild stuff going on. I even tried it out.  It’s always been a fantasy to meet people who wouldn’t laugh at me for thinking bondage was hot. I made friends, as well as play partners.’ We have tons of comments like that. It makes me feel great as a host to facilitate someone’s coming out.

 
Misconceptions about Midnight Seduction?
So far, I’ve advertised only in the fetish community. To a larger community, like the Phoenix readers, I’d say: This is not an Animal House-style fraternity beer bash.  It’s very important to us that everyone is made to feel respected. We do attract an intelligent crowd, they don’t get drunk immediately (laughs). They just want to have fun with it. They don’t take it too seriously. Also, this is not a swingers’ party. We’re not prudes, but to make people feel comfortable, you really have to promise them that they won’t see any nudity or sex. It helps to encourage people to attend. So, anyone who is looking for a wild swingers’ party, this is not that party, but this is definitely the gateway to that party. 

 
Most outrageous scene you’ve seen?
At the last party, a woman had a bar tied under her knees and she wanted a smoke, which is allowed outdoors, so four men picked her up and carried her to the back porch.  We also had three people who got into the cage together, I wasn’t expecting that. 

 
Best part of the job?
It’s a lot of fun.  I get to corrupt dozens of people.  What’s better than that?!

 
Worst part?
I’m too busy as a host to take part.

 
Tips for making the most of the experience?
The hardest thing to do is just to show up at the party.  People have anxiety about what will happen, but once they’re here, there’s a whole group geared towards making them feel comfortable and respected.  So, just be daring and give it a shot!

 
Character you’re most likely to be found seducing as?
Sex cult leader, dark and mysterious.

 
What outfit goes with that?
Tuxedo and top hat, sometimes a cape.

 
Hobbies?
I know a lot about happenings in New England.  I’ve been to a dozen haunted houses in the last two years. I have a LiveJournal blog on fun, strange, quirky things to do around town.   

 
Sound track to your life?
Marilyn Manson, The Doors, Nine Inch Nails, Portishead and anything I can dance to.

 
Books by your night stand?
“The God Delusion” by Richard Dawkins; ”The World is Flat” by Thomas Friedman and “The Year’s Best Science Fiction.”

 
Food you can be seduced with?
Chocolate-covered strawberries.

 
For more information on Midnight Seduction, visit Myspace. 

Check out Johnny’s event list at LiveJournal.

*Contact Scarlet Apron at scarletapron@yahoo.com with fetish news and events.