The Evolution of Haunted Attractions with Beverly & Nick Pappas

The Evolution of Haunted Attractions with Beverly & Nick Pappas

Author: Brian Foreman & Darryl Plunkie: Haunters, Scare Actors, Haunt Owners November 27, 2024 Duration: 1:46:11

It stinks that we don't get to travel during October to visit haunted attractions because most of us are busy with our haunt businesses and projects. 

Nick and Beverly Pappas have traveled thousands of miles yearly as Haunt customers and have seen things we haven't. Listen to their stories and get a peek at how Haunts are changing. 

What are the trends coming for the industry? How do Haunts compare between now and then? Are you doing everything at your attraction to maximize your guest experience?

Become a Haunter's Toolbox member at HauntersToolbox.com


Ever wondered how the chilling atmosphere of a professional haunted house is really built, or what it takes to make a scare actor’s performance truly unforgettable? HaunTopic Radio: Haunted Attractions | Haunted Houses | Halloween | Haunters pulls back the heavy black curtain on the world of professional scares. Hosts Brian Foreman and Darryl Plunkie aren’t just commentators; they’re working haunters, scare actors, and haunt owners who live this passion year-round. In each episode, they sit down with the artists, builders, and visionaries who create the terrifying events we love, capturing their personal stories and hard-won expertise. This podcast is built on practical, real-world advice, focusing on how you can design effective scares and build compelling attractions without relying on a massive budget. It’s a deep, conversational dive into the craft, from makeup techniques and set design to the psychology of fear and the business of Halloween. You’ll hear the triumphs, the creative problem-solving, and the dedicated community that brings the haunting season to life. Tune in for an authentic look behind the screams, where passion for the art form is always the main topic.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

HaunTopic Radio: Haunted Attractions | Haunted Houses | Halloween | Haunters
Podcast Episodes
Scare Acting 101: Hiring, Training, and Firing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:22:51
In this Master Class we get Allen Hopps from Dark Hour Haunted House and Drew Badger from The Big Scary Show to discuss Scare Actor tips and tricks. Where to find them, how to hire them, ways to train them, and when to l…
Not Afraid To Slay: Women of the Haunt Industry [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:12
In this BONUS episode we talk to Jan Knuth, the author of Not Afraid To Slay, about her journey writing the book and what she learned in the process. We also talk about her Haunt, Grayhouse Haunts. Buy her book here. Bec…
The Psychology of Fear: How to Make Your Haunt Scarier [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:23:21
Matt Scott breaks down the psychology of fear and how you can create scarier sets and creepier characters inside your Haunted Attraction. To attend these LIVE Master Classes become a member at HauntersToolbox.com
The Future of the Haunted Attraction Association [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:27
Changes are coming to the Haunted Attraction Association. The new president, Spencer Terry, explains the future of the HAA and how BIG changes are coming. Are you a member? This original podcast episode was recorded by h…
Part 2: Transworld Halloween & Attractions Show [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:19
Part 2 of our Transworld Halloween & Attraction Show interviews. Go support the people heard in this podcast. :) Graphitti FX: https://graffitifx.com Psychotic Circus of Savannah: https://youtube.com/c/ThePsychoticCircus…
9 Interviews from the Transworld Halloween & Attractions Show [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:52
Maximus Bryant does all the work on this one! Max gets some of the show vendors, actors, and creators on this podcast from the Transworld Halloween & Attractions Show. He chats with: John Moran from Brimstone Haunt Creat…
Haunted Attraction Design Do's and Don'ts with Leonard Pickel [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:40
Designing and building your Haunt will be one of the most time-consuming tasks that you'll do. That's why it must be done right or you'll spend valuable time doing things over. Leaonard Pickel, from Hauntrepreneurs.com,…
Do It Yourself Animatronics with Steve Koci (Replay) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:24
Steve Koci is having some medical complications currently, so we decided to dust this Master Class off and let you listen to the words of an Animatronic Master! Steve gives great advice on building your own animated prop…