Visitors to Boulder High School this Halloween season can expect a unique blend of thrills and chills at the annual haunted house, titled “Shipwreck of Souls.” The event, which runs from October 31, 2023, features a captivating underwater theme that immerses guests in a narrative filled with mythical creatures and eerie adventures.
The haunted house is a student-led project, showcasing the creativity and talent of approximately 40 actors and technicians from the school’s theater department. Mads Cass, a junior and co-director of the event, expressed pride in the production, stating, “You can tell that a lot of work and a lot of love was put into it.”
Students Bring ‘Shipwreck of Souls’ to Life
Technical director Paul Mealey, who participated in the haunted house during his own time as a student, emphasized its collaborative nature. He described the initiative as “student-run, adult-supervised,” highlighting the balance between youthful energy and experienced guidance. Mealey reminded participants that the aim is not only to frighten attendees but also to ensure they have an enjoyable experience. “The goal is just to make smiles happen — and some screams,” he stated.
The theme for this year’s haunted house was chosen by the students themselves, providing a fresh experience for returning visitors. “Every single year, it is a completely different experience,” said senior co-director Scarlett Caste, who has been involved since her freshman year. The inspiration for this year’s theme stemmed from Caste’s personal fear of fish, an element that adds authenticity to the experience.
Set in the 1920s, guests will explore a sunken cruise ship, encountering rooms that include a casino and a ballroom frozen in time. To achieve the underwater ambiance, students have creatively transformed the school’s hallways with props such as barnacles, tentacles, and seaweed. A notably innovative feature includes a padded and tilted floor designed to create a “seasick” effect as visitors navigate through the haunted ship.
Immersive Experience Awaits Guests
As guests embark on their journey through the haunted house, they will be accompanied by the sounds of crashing ocean waves and music from the era. Actors dressed as grotesque sea creatures enhance the atmosphere with wet-looking hair and fake blood in their latex costumes. Odalis Torres, a junior and head of makeup, noted, “There’s blood in everything. Nothing in the haunted house has not been touched by blood.”
Senior Darin Williams, who portrayed a bloody rabbit in last year’s “Malice in Wonderland,” is now serving as a bartender in the ship’s speakeasy. He observed a range of reactions from guests, noting, “Some scream, while others try their best to keep a straight face.”
“Shipwreck of Souls” will be open to the public on October 31 from 19:00 to 22:00, with a special “lights on” version offered earlier at 18:00 for those seeking a less intense experience. Tickets are available for purchase online at tinyurl.com/3ktx638r or at the door, with proceeds supporting the Boulder High theater department.
The haunted house not only provides entertainment but also serves as a platform for students to showcase their talents and creativity, making it a much-anticipated tradition in the Boulder community each Halloween season.
