2013 class descriptions
Friday May 31st -
9:00 - 10:00
Keynote - Cydney Neil
The Heart of Haunting
Cydney Neil created and built one of the most aesthetically beautiful, commercially successful and community oriented haunted attractions in haunt history. When asked what her secret was, Cydney always said it was because her business had a heart, it “had a life of its own”. Cydney will show you how each part of the “body” of your business is essential to its life, and how to understand, engage and strengthen its “heart” to keep your haunt alive and thriving.
11:00 - 12:00
Tech - Dennis Griesser - 'Introduction To Still Photography For Haunts"
Your props are built, exquisitely details and painted. You have carefully lit each scene to thrill and scare. All that is left is to record for posterity your triumphant vision. You need some photographs, but they either come out too dark or washed away by the unforgiving light of the flash.
This presentation is intended to equip novice photographers with the basic information necessary for taking still photographs in low-light situations. This is helpful not only for haunts, but amusement park rides, concerts, and other situations.
Business - Dana Martin - “Freaking Out! – How to manage your freaks without losing your freaking mind”
Large haunts and small haunts benefit from returning casts and crew. Are you forced to re-train new actors each year? Does your show grow tired and repetitive as the month wears on? Are your costumes unorganized? Is scheduling a problem? It might be your management. Your bottom line benefits if your actors are happy and return each season. Dana will train your actor coordinator or “haunt mom” to manage your monsters efficiently, allowing owners and other crew to focus on their jobs.
Baptized by fire, Dana Martin learned to run two haunted attractions 90 minutes apart and developed, by necessity, techniques to cultivate a positive acting environment, satisfy crew expectations, and give guests a unique experience every year. Besides management tricks, Martin plans to share the most efficient methods to reward and retain actors on a yearly basis, and how to keep the nightly shows fresh.
Unmanaged monsters are like circus animals without the ringmaster. Dana will show you how dedicating one person to actor management will improve your show (and your sanity).
Makeup- Matt Huntley
Design - Drew Pierce - OLD, DIRTY & RUSTY SCENIC PAINTING DEMONSTRATION
Drew Pierce, owner of Cutthroat Studio, will be teaching you how to make your sets look old, dirty and
rusty – with some wood graining thrown in for good measure!
In addition to being a special makeup and blood effects artist on such shows as "Grimm", “Grey’s
Anatomy” and "Heroes", Drew Pierce has been a set painter, scenic artist and sign writer for over 10
years.
In this class, Drew will show you various techniques and paint finishes that will help you produce age,
filth, rust and more for your haunt!
12:00 - 4:00
Dutch Birhary - 3D paiting class - senic design
(pay class) $125
3D Color Depth Workshop for your Home or Pro Haunt!
Increase traffic to your home haunt or attraction by adding a section on 3D! In this workshop you will learn 3D color theory and airbrush tips and techniques. All the equipment to learn this will be in the class, you don't need to be an artist to create awesome 3D art, just come to the 4 hour class, learn and practice
1:00 - 2:00
Tech - Shawn Morse - “Learn How to Build a Laser Vortex”
Learn how to incorporate a working laser vortex into your home or pro haunt. Areas covered will include equipment safety, application, an how to modify and build your own. See a live demonstration of a laser vortex.
Business -
Makeup - Pashur - “Haunted Asylum”
This class will teach disturbing and scarier Designs for Haunted Attractions.... Possessed, Occult Priest, Seamstress of Fate, Doll Face, Zipper Face, Skincrawler, Tortured Soul, Ringu, Grimm, etc.
Design - Leonard Pickel - Effective Room Designs
Stephen King defines fear as “A cold touch in the midst of the most familiar, applied with a sudden pressure!” Join haunting veteran Leonard Pickel as he dissects this definition and adapts it to the art
of effectively scaring people in a Haunted Attraction. How mood, setting, realism, startles, the unknown, insecurity, timing, pacing misdirection all can be used to take your attraction to the next
level. Covered in this session is who are we trying to scary, what scares them and how to best effect that emotion in any kind of Haunt, from yard displays to professional Halloween Events
3:00 - 4:00
Tech - Laura Neeley - Foam Carving
From monsters to monuments to tombstones, if you can imagine it, you can make it with the Hot Wire Foam Factory family of tools, glues, and coatings. Manufactured in the USA since 1991, our professional quality foam cutting tools make cutting EPS foam (polystyrene foam and Styrofoam) fast, fun and easy.
Business - Jennie Peck - "Special Needs Means Special Skills - Tapping into A Wealth of Knowledge"
“Remember that kid that never fit in? The one that always got called on last in gym class? The kids that were in that “special” class down the hall? The ones that because of a disability, be it learning, developmental, or physical was told they couldn’t do certain things? Well, they can do those things. And sometimes, better than others because they see things differently. Come and hear how a simple haunt has enriched the lives of several of those kids and adults. And in turn, how they have enriched our lives, and find out how you and your haunt can tap into that “Wealth of Knowledge”. Even if you are a home haunt, this seminar can help you make it a great one for those special patrons that come through.” You will learn how all of her jobs have intertwined themselves within her daily life to work with her autistic son.
Makeup - Loretta Kava - “Silicone vs. Gel”
There are those who swear by silicone and some who take court with gel effects. In this class we'll create a variety of wound, protrusion and burn effects with skin-on applications of silicone and 3-d gel. Looking at the pros and cons of each and how each works into your haunt needs. Using some class participants to apply and wear the skin effects, we'll show what actors can do themselves and how either can provide you or your makeup department with easy, great looking scare effects.
Design - Clarie and Damien Brooksbank - Design to Completion”
Damien and Claire Brooksbank of DSD FX Studios, and creative team at Confront Your Fears Haunted Attraction will walk the class through concepts to take home and pro haunters alike through the process of designing a cohesive haunted attraction to take shows to the next level. Nothing will take an audience out of the moment more than a set or a character that doesn’t make sense in a theme, so the class will include breaking concepts down to their most basic form to ensure that the world created in a haunt is thorough and consistent, set design and character design in relation to thematic
Saturday June 1st -
9:00 - 10:00
Guest speaker - Mike Krausert
Safety first, last and everything between
While safety may not be the sexiest topic, it could be the difference that makes or breaks your season!
As the haunted attraction industry continues to grow, so does enforcement and adherence to local and national building and fire codes. With more attention than ever from local officials focused on our haunts, it is crucial to get out in front on all matters of safety. We, as members of the haunt community have a responsibility to our customers, our employees, and to each other, to commit fully to the safety of our events. Join Mike Krausert as he discusses current codes, actor safety, employee safety handbooks, self-inspection, and more in the essential seminar for every haunter.
Mike continues to devote his time and energy towards advancing the artistry and professionalism of this industry. His expertise has been consulted and relied on to educate and inform the New England Fire Marshalls Association about haunt safety as well as the latest fire prevention materials and applications available to our industry. Mike adapted colleague Kelly Allen’s Employee Safety Handbook to reflect safety and emergency protocols specific to Nightmare New England and SpookyWorld. This handbook has been instrumental in serving two purposes beyond ensuring the safety within his attractions—it has helped to educate local, state and national inspectors about the importance emphasizing safety in the design of haunted attractions but also underscored the professionalism of our industry.
11:00 - 12:00
Tech - Davis Graveyard - Video projection for your haunt
Business - Steven Cloberg - “Scaring Up Customers: Making Your Website More Effective”
This technical seminar is full of easy tips and tricks that will increase traffic to your website and bring in more customers. You have made a big investment in your website, now it’s time to make it pay. Topics include: tweaks to make Google happy, what your webmaster should know, free links, and making local search work for you.
Makeup - Lacey Bailey - Fast haunt faces
"Fast, High Impact, Durable FX Makeup for Haunt Volunteers"
Cut set-up time in half! With this hands on demo class for home haunters and haunt volunteers you'll learn which basic gore and simple makeup and makeup supplies are proven industry winners. Keep it scary with quick, but durable application to create comfortable wearing makeup that makes an impact and lasts all night! Class participants will learn how to get the most out of their makeup wheels, lighting techniques, fast application, as well as tips on how to tweak those cheesy mass production plastic masks for a more realistic scare. Discover powders and sealers that keep makeup in place. The class will also cover ways for haunt attraction volunteers to prep and seal their own make-up. Get the most Boo for your Buck!
Tech – BJ Winslow, Tech – “Prop Gore FX, Painting & Repair”
Don’t be afraid to mangle your props! BJ Winslow, lead prop artist and owner of Dapper
Cadaver, shares Hollywood-grade techniques on how to create gory body parts, realistic tombstones and more. Also, learn prop rental shop secrets on how to extend the lifespan of your props and repurpose damaged props.
Techniques include -
Creating small cuts and knife wounds
Creating bullet holes
Creating large wounds with exposed bones
Using foam rubber to create gore
Creating Bomb and Burn Wounds
Use of spray paints, powder paints, and paint thinners
Making Permanent Blood
Protective Gloss
1:00 - 2:00
Tech- Zach and Jeromy Ball / Troy Frantz -
It's frightening to think that YouTube videos are all over the web. From social media sites, like FaceBook, to professional websites - YouTube videos are everywhere. However, maybe the most heart-stopping thought is that your haunt ISN'T on YouTube! Learn the importance the Media Monster that is YouTube can play! Whether you have a yard haunt or a professional attraction, YouTube can be used to advertise, market, network or show your creativity off to the world. Maybe you can make a few bucks while you're at it, too! That's anything but scary!
Business - Brian Fields - Home to Pro
Makeup - Alex Hanson - Airbrush stencils
In this class Alex will teach how to utilize stencils in you airbrush makeups.
Design - Leonard Pickel - Designing a Spooktacular Façade
By Leonard Pickel
First impressions are powerful and very important in creating the atmosphere and setting. For a Haunted Attraction this includes the entry area and façade (fake front) of the attraction. With one glance the patrons should know what kind of structure they are about to enter, the approximate time period and what may be in store for them within. A dramatic, realistic looking façade can greatly enhance the overall haunt experience and will increase ticket sales! Learn the steps in designing a spooky façade for your attraction from 30 year industry veteran Leonard Pickel, known for his “spooktacular” Haunted Architecture, and pick up some tricks and tips about how you can make the façade on your attraction look more evil and foreboding.
1:00 - 6:00
PAID COURSE - 1:00 - 6:00 ($125 click here)
Taught by Cory Hunt of Nightmare Playgrounds
I LIKE WHEN YOU USE YOUR TEETH!
Fang Fashions a.k.a. Monster Grillz!
A Fangs and Cosmetic Teeth Appliances Workshop.
3:00 - 4:00
Tech - Apprehensive Films - Home Haunter Documentary screening (90mins)
Business - Erik Tavares - “Operating an Outdoor Haunted Attraction”
Some of the best (and scariest) haunted attractions in the nation are outdoors; and, a haunted forest can be both successful and profitable even in the rain-soaked Pacific Northwest. Learn how to find a location, build successful partnerships in the community, plan, organize and build sets, and manage the unique staffing and security needs associated with an outdoor haunted attraction. Best of all; learn how to take advantage of the unique scare and creative opportunities only a dark forest or trail can provide!
Makeup - Pashur - “Zombie FX”
Zombie Kiss (Mouth Ripped Off). Rotting Zombie, Viral Outbreak Zombie, 70's Disco Zombie and more...
Design - Emily Stadilus - “Scenic Painting Techniques for Décor, Costumes and Props”
Do your haunt decorations look chintzy and cheap? Or are you tired of paying top dollar for ultra-realistic effects? Learn how stretch your dollar by using multi-purpose products and techniques that will turn your sets, costumes and props from pathetic to powerful. In this hands-on workshop we’ll use free product samples to demonstrate the science and techniques in working with different materials to achieve a variety of looks as cheaply as possible. Participants will get to try their hand at techniques such as wet blending, dry brushing, faux finish techniques like aging, wood grain, marble, blood spatter, toxic sludge and more. Wear something you don’t mind getting messy and let your creativity reign supreme! FREE to attend, FREE samples, and FREE coupons!
5:00 - Special session:
Ask Cydney Neil-
Do your research, come prepared! Cydney Neil has agreed to host an open Q&A session where you can gain knowledge and understanding of any haunting topic from one of its best. Cydney not only designed her haunt’s breathtaking sets, but created all of her own award-winning marketing and promotional materials, developed her incredible volunteer cast incentive program, managed her own budgets and accounting and oversaw, nightly, every aspect of her enormous show. Cydney can answer questions on simple safety to gaining international acclaim and everything in between. This is a rare opportunity and one not to be missed!
Sunday June 2nd -
9:00 - 10:00
Guest Speaker - Scott Simmons
Don’t be Scared of Social Media
In this session, Scott will reveal the low cost but high impact secrets to building awareness and audience for your haunted attractions all year long! What social media platform works best for you? How can you reach thousands of new fans and potential customers without spending thousands of dollars on advertising budgets? And how can you find the time to create content for all of these services while still trying to produce and promote a haunted attraction? Find out how The ScareHouse has utilized social media, iconic characters, and interactive storytelling to regularly raise awareness and attendance for one of America’s scariest haunted houses.
Facebook.com/scarehouse
Youtube.com/thescarehouse
10:00 - 5:00
Pashur - 13 Ways to Die (Pay Class) $125
Pashur will show you several ways to paint victims of your haunt..Shot, Frozen, Burned, Drowned, Skinned, Slashed Throat, Eyes Gouged Out, Flesh Easting Bacteria, Radioactivity and Monster Attack.
Class time is 10-5
11:00 - 12:00:
Tech - Robyn Burns - Show programing for haunts
Business - Troy Crivellone - Tips on building a home haunt
Tips on Designing and Building Your Low Cost Effective Home Haunt
How to design and build your haunt with items you find at home, get for free, or find for a minimal cost, and places to obtain these items. We will feature a technique of building walls with pallets and how we are able to build a medium scale home haunt for a fairly low cost aand have the potential to attract lots of people. We will touch a little on low cost or free ways to market your haunt as well.
Makeup - Christina Kortum - “Micro Budget Monster Madness”
Have a haunt but don't have the budget for purchased prosthetics? Want to start showcasing makeup, but don't want it to look like every other haunt in town? Christina Kortum with demonstrate some creative tricks she's learned over the years for making unique looking characters on a super tight budget.
Design - “Build your Own Flaming Pumpkin”
Juan and Tim will talk about how the flaming pumpkin prop was constructed. Step-by-step instructional handouts will be given at the class. At the conclusion of their class, Juan and Tim will do a demonstration on the top of the parking garage.
1:00 - 2:00
Panel - Cydney Neil, Scott Simmons and Mike Krausert - Haunted House Set Design – Concept to Creation - Three Designers – Three Ways
Cydney Neil, Scott Simmons and Mike Krausert will each share with you their unique philosophies, techniques and processes they have all perfected for creating their award-winning Hollywood quality sets. Don’t miss this fast-paced, highly visual, secret-sharing hour!
Business - Ron Rivera - Big Brother Zombie is watching you aka Government Relations and your haunted attraction.
Big Brother Zombie is watching you aka Government Relations and your haunted attraction.
How does local state, county and city government ordinances effect your haunt? Filing for permits from entertainment to fire, having a haunted house is an attraction most local government agencies do not understand or embrace. This seminar lead by a government employee (please don’t throw things) examines the basics of government interaction and provides a round table of discussion of our experiences.
Makeup - for “Body Paint Improv” Class:
Claire Brooksbank of DSD FX Studios, and part of the creative team at Confront Your Fears Haunted Attraction, incorporates on-the-spot body paints into the makeup at CYF. Frequently, there is no prior design incorporating body paint, and knowing what to do when the body paint bug bites to conserve time can be the difference between throwing a black hood on your actor and having a unique, dynamic character to add to your roster. Claire will go over useful tools to have on hand and how to bring a character to life. The class will include an improvised body paint on a model. Recommended for haunters age 16+, though no nudity will be involved.
3:00 - 4:00
Tech - Ron Rivera - Sliding, stunts, scaring and safety, how we keep our haunt from becoming a haunting hazard
So your haunt has gone to the extreme and is adding sliding and stunts to the entertainment and scares. Sounds like a blast or maybe even a screech! But it is important to know the type of training, equipment and staff you need to pull this off. This presentation will examine the popular stunts at haunt lead by a SAG stunt coordinator, slider and a professional wrestler. Join the discussion so your haunt can add the excitement safely.
Business - Leonard Pickel -Top 5 Things You Need To Know To Succeed In The Haunted House Business!
Presented by: Leonard Pickel of Hauntrepreneurs(R) Haunt Design and Consulting
Navigating through the treacherous pitfalls in the business of a Haunted Attraction Event is a horrendous task for even seasoned veterans, and what you don’t know will kill you! In this final segment of the day long Speed Seminar Series, industry legend Leonard Pickel boils down his 34 years of professional haunting experience into the five most important aspects of the October seasonal business that are the difference between being hugely successful and out of business.
Makeup - Loretta Kava - “Zombie Skin™ Effects”
This ain't your daddy's latex. This new product is easy to use and versatile for building up skin effects, blending all types of appliance edges, and clothing. Drying in matter of minutes and covering with a variety of makeup this special latex product is perfect for speed and fast makeup applications. No wonder it is now used by some of the top haunted attractions in the US. In this class you'll see a variety of effects and then make fast and fun ripped skin effects.
