Brave visitors to Boulder High School this Halloween season can expect a unique experience at the school’s haunted house, themed “Shipwreck of Souls.” This immersive attraction, which runs from October 28, 2023, promises to transport guests into a chilling underwater realm filled with eerie surprises and talented student performers.
The event showcases the creativity of the school’s theater department, featuring approximately 40 student actors and technicians who have dedicated countless hours to bring the haunted house to life. Co-director Mads Cass, a junior at Boulder High, shared, “You can tell that a lot of work and a lot of love was put into it.”
From Concept to Creation
This year’s haunted house draws inspiration from the fears of its student directors, including co-director Scarlett Caste, who openly admits to a deep fear of fish. The narrative is set in the 1920s, placing guests aboard a sunken cruise ship. They will navigate through various themed rooms, including a casino and a ballroom, designed to evoke a sense of being trapped in an underwater wreck.
Technical director Paul Mealey, who has firsthand experience as a former actor in the haunted house, emphasized the importance of ensuring that visitors not only feel scared but also have fun. “The goal is just to make smiles happen—and some screams,” Mealey remarked. This approach aligns with the tradition of the haunted house, which evolves yearly, keeping the experience fresh for repeat visitors.
Students have gone to great lengths to transform the school’s hallways into a convincing underwater environment. Creatively constructed barnacles, tentacles, and seaweed contribute to the immersive atmosphere. One particularly innovative feature involves a tilted and padded floor that simulates a “seasick” feeling as guests walk through the ship.
Immersive Experience Awaits
As visitors make their way through the haunted ship, they will hear the sounds of crashing ocean waves, complemented by period-appropriate music. Actors, dressed as grotesque sea creatures, enhance the atmosphere with wet-looking hair and realistic makeup, complete with gel and fake blood. Junior Odalis Torres, head of makeup, commented, “There’s blood in everything. Nothing in the haunted house has not been touched by blood.”
Senior Darin Williams, who previously portrayed a bloody rabbit in last year’s “Malice in Wonderland,” takes on a new role this year as a bartender in the ship’s speakeasy. Williams noted the varied reactions of guests, from screams to attempts at maintaining composure. “You can tell they’re still scared,” he observed.
“Shipwreck of Souls” operates from 19:00 to 22:00 on October 28, 2023, and from 18:00 to 21:00 on Halloween. On the opening night, a “lights on” version will be offered at 18:00 for those seeking a less intense experience. Tickets are available for purchase online at tinyurl.com/3ktx638r or at the door, with proceeds benefiting the Boulder High theater department.
This annual haunted house not only provides entertainment but also showcases the dedication and creativity of Boulder High students, making it a must-visit event this Halloween season.
