Whether one’s fear is of ghouls, goblins, or ghosts… or a physics test, the frightfully-fun spirit of Halloween has already been evident on campus, as sightings of a creepy and kooky Addams Family stole the spotlight on stage as Nazareth’s Fall Musical.

In addition to creepy characters Gomez and Morticia, there are also more masked monsters walking the halls of Nazareth. The only question is who are they?

Seniors Lizzy Lang and Julien Acosta, and Juniors MaryKate Smith, Brooklyn Gasiorek, Haylee Donovan, and Mackenzie Carlson work at the 13th Floor Haunted House in Melrose Park during Halloween season.

The preparations for the petrifying party of the haunted house began as early as June. Julien Acosta says that, “It takes the effort of hundreds of people; the set needs to be built and painted, costumes need to be made, makeup needs to be done, and then the actors need to sell the scene.”

Lizzy states that her favorite character to personify is a vampire because, “The acting for this character includes stunts and screeches.” Other character favorites for the group include clowns and for Brooklyn, she says, “my job as a gatekeeper is to let people inside the house and explain the rules. It is extremely fun. While I do this, I am acting out a character of my choice.”

Creativity allows the Naz actors and actresses to scare their customers and each other. While waiting for their professional airbrushed makeup–which Lizzy reveals is “endless but fantastic . . . our makeup artists were trained by the Face Off winner” [a television special effects makeup competition]–she says that: “We always spook each other! And sometimes it’s not even on purpose. . . sometimes you have to run around, covering different rooms, or if you’re on break you can get scared by someone so easily. It’s dark, and we all look super spooky so it happens.”

After clowning around, this haunted family gathers together to share stories about the night’s highlights and laughs even more. Brooklyn explains, “We are constantly sharing new and funny scare stories at the end of a show with the entire crew. Some people have mentioned people being so scared that they fell down, or a group of muscular guys running and holding hands through the house. Us actors and management have a handful of inside jokes.”

MaryKate describes her love for her job, “I have enjoyed getting to know all of my co-workers and enjoyed the reactions I get from customers. ”

Ultimately, haunting has evolved into a “lifestyle” for this family, as stated by Lizzy. Brooklyn further elaborates on this dynamic: “I can now say that the people I work with are truly a part of me and are considered my family. Everyone there is unique and different in his or her own way and we all contribute to put on a tremendous show.”

The energy and support behind-the-scenes testifies to the power of finding one’s passion. Halloween, one special case for this haunted family, has united talented individuals via their acting potential and desire to be a part of “anything spooky or scary,” says Brooklyn.  

Halloween fulfills individuals’ need to address and celebrate mysteries that frighten them, thereby acknowledging and overcoming their fears. Stepping out of one’s inhibitions and daily routine for a day to masquerade as a character allows one to experience child-like, carefree happiness and perhaps, uncover a new creature within himself or herself.

These Naz haunters dedicate a ghoulish amount of time and energy to their passion of scaring. They encourage everyone to stop by during the season of spooks and experience the house’s spine-chilling fun!
Let the werewolves howl: Halloween is here.