Boulder High’s Haunted House Dives into Terror with “Shipwreck of Souls”

Visitors to Boulder High School this Halloween season can expect an immersive experience at the much-anticipated haunted house, themed “Shipwreck of Souls.” Set to run from October 31, 2023, this attraction promises to take guests on a chilling journey through a sunken cruise ship, complete with eerie decorations and performances by talented students.

The haunted house, co-directed by senior students Mads Cass and Scarlett Caste, showcases the hard work and creativity of approximately 40 student actors and crew members. Each year, the Boulder High theater department designs a new theme, allowing returning guests to enjoy a fresh experience while maintaining a familiar route through the haunted venue.

Paul Mealey, the technical director and a former actor in the haunted house, emphasized the importance of balancing fear with fun. “The goal is just to make smiles happen — and some screams,” Mealey stated. This year, the haunted house’s storyline is inspired by Caste’s personal fear of fish, plunging visitors into a narrative filled with mythical sea creatures and ghostly sailors.

Transforming the School into an Underwater Nightmare

The haunted house transports visitors to the 1920s, where they will explore various themed rooms, including a casino and a ballroom, all set within the confines of a sunken ship. Students have dedicated countless hours to constructing realistic underwater wreckage, featuring barnacles, tentacles, and seaweed. One particularly creative effect involves a tilted and padded floor designed to induce a “seasick” sensation among guests.

As attendees journey through the haunted ship, they will hear the sounds of crashing ocean waves mixed with period music, enhancing the immersive atmosphere. The actors, dressed as grotesque sea creatures, wear gel in their hair for a wet look and utilize fake blood to amplify the horror. Odalis Torres, the head of makeup, noted, “Nothing in the haunted house has not been touched by blood.”

A Range of Reactions from Guests

The reactions of visitors vary widely, according to senior Darin Williams, who portrayed a bloody rabbit in last year’s event and now serves as a bartender in the ship’s speakeasy. Some guests scream in terror, while others attempt to maintain their composure. “You can tell they’re still scared,” Williams remarked.

The “Shipwreck of Souls” haunted house will be open from 7 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, with additional hours from 6 to 9 p.m. on Halloween night. An earlier “lights on” version for less brave souls will be available at 6 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets can be purchased online at tinyurl.com/3ktx638r or at the door, with proceeds supporting the Boulder High theater department.

This year’s haunted house is not only a testament to the students’ creative talents but also a celebration of community spirit during the Halloween season. Visitors can expect an unforgettable experience filled with thrills and chills, all crafted with love and dedication by the students of Boulder High.