Total Terror Haunted House: From Home Haunter to Pro

Total Terror Haunted House: From Home Haunter to Pro

Author: Brian Foreman & Darryl Plunkie: Haunters, Scare Actors, Haunt Owners September 21, 2025 Duration: 1:30:39
Join us as we discuss the Total Terror Haunt with Chip Wells in Virginia.
  • Going from a home haunter to a commercial haunted attraction
  • Create your own props with papier-mache
  • How to operate and grow a haunted attraction
  • How to manage your haunt crew
  • and lots more...
 
Start and grow your Haunted Attraction at HauntersToolbox.com
 
Stalk Total Terror at TotalTerrorHaunt.com
 
Reward your scare actors and staff with merit badges from ScareItBadges.com
 
Learn more about these attractions inside this podcast:
 
EXORCYSM
Nestled at the end of a desolate road, the old manor stands as a testament to time's cruel passage. Its once grand facade now slowly crumbles, with ivy creeping up its walls like skeletal fingers. The windows, shattered and grimy, seem to watch with a malevolent gaze.
Father O'Malley, a priest known for his unwavering faith and courage, had heard the whispers of the manor's dark history. Desperate to rid the town of its lingering evil, he enliststhe help of a team of seasoned ghost hunters. Armed with their equipment and steely resolve, they approached the manor under the cover of night.
Join the team on the investigation and discover the true horror that dwells in the old manor.
 
FELDGEISTER
As twilight descended, the corn maze loomed ominously against the darkening sky. The stalks, tall and dense, whispered secrets carried by the wind. The entrance, marked by an ancient wooden archway, beckoned with an eerie glow.
Visitors to the maze were warned of its sinister reputation, but curiosity often outweighed caution. Tonight, the maze was alive with the presence of monsters from German folklore, each more terrifying than the last.

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…