Screams can be heard from buildings away. Witches, clowns, zombies and dolls chase people throughout the theater department. Children cling to their parents while teenagers laugh and yell. As herds of people are running out the twists and turns of the maze, Rouse of Torment has begun.
Theatre’s very own haunted house has been a Trunk or Treat tradition for four years. Started by director Cheryl Painter, this event is a development of the previously known Haunted Hallway. Hosted inside of the Black Box, the all black theater classroom, walls are put up to create an intricate maze with hidden corners for student actor’s to hide in.
“Everyone going this year is super excited,” junior Lindsay Morgan said. “I’m excited to dress up and get scary, and get to scream cause my guts are gonna spill everywhere.”
Varsity and junior varsity theater students dress up to act as an assortment of characters, from doctors to nuns. With gray frizzy wigs and fake blood splatters, it is the actors job to be as scary as possible.
“I love getting to play a character I never usually get to play,” junior Kevin Mitschke said. “Doing something scary and different is a lot of fun.”
Opening at 5:30 p.m, the “small scares” are targeted towards young kids with no blood or violence in any scenes. At 6:30 p.m, the “big scares” begin, including a fake exorcism and jumpscares in every corner.
“I’d say this year is really good, but it always is,” Mitschke said. “We have a lot of interesting stuff going on this year.”
Each actor’s face is covered with dark ghoulish makeup to imitate whatever role they are playing. Most of the costumes are reused from previous years or shows, though some students bring their own.
“It’s the first year I’m doing this so I’m really excited,” sophomore Valentina Solis said. “Getting all spooky and scaring people is gonna be so fun.”
Rouse of Torment is also a fundraiser for the theater program. Tickets cost $5 for a one time run through the maze, while an unlimited pass is $10.
“It’s a great way to have fun during Halloween and I’m really happy to do it,” Morgan said. “I’m excited to be butchered!”