Scarehouse Podcast

Ben Armstrong, co-founder of Netherworld Haunted House, and Jennifer Braverman, President of Transworld Trade Shows, join us for an extended preview of the 2014 Midwest Haunters Convention! The Midwest Haunters Convention is the largest Halloween show of its kind in the US serving haunted attraction industry professionals, home haunters, and enthusiasts. Open to the public the MHC features a tradeshow, education, chartered bus tours and entertainment; and it returns to Columbus, Ohio June 6-8, 2014 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center and Hyatt Regency Hotel for its 11th year. Visit www.midwesthauntersconvention.com for more information! Ben and Jennifer take us through the packed schedule of exclusive haunt tours, seminars, special events, and one of the country's best costume parties! It's one of the greatest haunted attraction events of the year. ScareHouse, Pittsburgh's Ultimate Haunted House, has been ranked as one of “America’s Scariest Halloween Attractions” by Travel Channel and featured in multi

This week we talk to Macabre Noir and Lilith Deville from Morose & Macabre's Atrocity Exhibition coming to the Rex Theater on May 17th. Macabre is not only the organizer of Atrocity she is the instructor for The Steel City Burlesque Academy and a designer at ScareHouse. You may know Deville from his shocking (literally electrical!) performances with Atrocity and his torch singing in the ScareHouse lobby during the 2014 season. Macabre and Deville let us know the line up for Atrocity 2014 including more glass walking, burlesque, block head, feats of bravery and vendors selling oddities beyond your imagination. Performers are coming in from all over the US--Chicago, North Carolina, Missouri and of course a great representation of performers from PA.  Listen in for a sneak peak of what to expect at THE ATROCITY EXHIBITION 2014 - MUSEUM OF DREAMS.  Find out more here: The Atrocity Exhibition 2014 ScareHouse, Pittsburgh's Ultimate Haunted House, has been ranked as one of “America’s Scariest Halloween Attractions”

This week’s podcast features ScareHouse makeup artist and Customer Service rock star Mollie Stofan. Mollie is a Robert Morris University grad who started who own successful business “Mollie the Painter.” Mollie works year round face painting at a variety of Pittsburgh events and private parties. During the Halloween season Mollie is responsible for painting the faces of ScareHouses’s creepy monsters and keeping the peace out front. We also catch up with fellow makeup artist Nicole Coniff and pick up some helpful make up tips (and learn about potentially devastating spa disasters). Find Mollie at: Mollie the Painter ScareHouse, Pittsburgh's Ultimate Haunted House, has been ranked as one of “America’s Scariest Halloween Attractions” by Travel Channel and featured in multiple online and print publications including USA TODAY, Forbes, AOL News, Yahoo, Funworld, and Money magazine. Subscribe today for new episodes of our ScareHouse podcast. Help us reach new listeners when you leave positive reviews and feedback o

What kind of connections would a singing comedy duo have to a haunted house? More than you might think! This week the ScareHouse Podcast talks to Josh Verbanets and Gab Bonesso, two Pittsburgh-based writers, performers, educators, and public personalities. They also happen to be big horror movie and haunted house fans (but not stink bugs, Gab is NOT a fan of stink bugs). Their works have entertained and informed audiences of all ages on both a regional and national scale. Together, Josh and Gab have formed an unforgettable high-energy musical-comedy duo with a focus on an anti-bullying message. Josh & Gab have taken their award-winning programs to over 200 schools, camps, and community venues across Pennsylvania and its surrounding states. The duo has been featured on WQED television and in national press for their work, received both "Best In The Burgh" and "40 Under 40" awards from Pittsburgh Magazine, gained heavy airplay from WXPN Kids Corner radio, and recently partnered The Pittsburgh Childrens Museum a

This week catch up with Rob Johnston, Scott Simmons, and Margee Kerr as they recap all the latest from TransWorld, Japan, and Vine! Scott gives us a recap of TransWorld-AKA the Haunt Show which is the world’s largest haunted house trade show held every year in St. Louis where haunters go to find new props, inspiration, and education. Margee talks about her recent trip to Japan to explore thrilling and fearful material abroad, and Rob discusses his adventures on Vine. Scott also gives us a sneak peak at what’s next for ScareHouse in 2014. This is the essential recap podcast!   ScareHouse, Pittsburgh's Ultimate Haunted House, has been ranked as one of “America’s Scariest Halloween Attractions” by Travel Channel and featured in multiple online and print publications including USA TODAY, Forbes, AOL News, Yahoo, Funworld, and Money magazine. Subscribe today for new episodes of our ScareHouse podcast. Help us reach new listeners when you leave positive reviews and feedback on iTunes. THANK YOU for your support! Li

Margee Kerr takes us with her on her trip to Japan as she explores thrilling and scary attractions and spaces for her book SCREAM: Adventures in the Upside of Fear. She visits several haunted attractions, amusement parks, and just straight up scary spaces. You can read more about her project, and her upcoming adventures at www.margeekerr.com and you can follow her on twitter @margeekerr. ScareHouse, Pittsburgh's Ultimate Haunted House, has been ranked as one of “America’s Scariest Halloween Attractions” by Travel Channel and featured in multiple online and print publications including USA TODAY, Forbes, AOL News, Yahoo, Funworld, and Money magazine. Subscribe today for new episodes of our ScareHouse podcast. Help us reach new listeners when you leave positive reviews and feedback on iTunes. THANK YOU for your support! Like ScareHouse on Facebook.Follow ScareHouse on Twitter.Watch ScareHouse on YouTube.

Ayne Terceira has worked with ScareHouse for two years as the very first actor in The Basement at ScareHouse and has now developed her own immersive theater and art piece titled “Her Things: An Interactive Estate Sale.” We talk to her and the show’s technical director Aaron Tarnow about the project, and about the mysterious “ScareHouse Secrets.”  Be sure to subscribe and thanks for your support! More about Her Things: An Interactive Estate SaleModern Formations GalleryMarch 26-29, 2014Her Things is an immersive theater and art piece — a live video game, really. Participants will be invited to rifle through the objects and papers of "Poor Willa," a recently deceased turn-of-the-century recluse, to discover her story and more about her fate. Participants will be allowed to fully explore the space, touch and read artifacts in search of clues, interact with actors, as well as bid on certain objects by sharing their own memories as currency.https://www.facebook.com/HerThingsTheaterAlso be sure to check out www.unc

Meet Bonnie Banner, also affectionately known as “Happy the Clown” from The Basement at ScareHouse. Bonnie is an actress, make up artist, and designer with ScareHouse. We talk with Bonnie about her extremely diverse experiences growing up, in the haunt world and the Burning Man community. Bonnie shares her motivations, inspirations, and sage advice on what living is all about. She is a force to be reckoned with! You can find videos of “Happy” at www.youtube.com/TheScareHouse and look for Bonnie’s designs and contributions this coming season at ScareHouse. ScareHouse, Pittsburgh's Ultimate Haunted House, has been ranked as one of “America’s Scariest Halloween Attractions” by Travel Channel and featured in multiple online and print publications including USA TODAY, Forbes, AOL News, Yahoo, Funworld, and Money magazine. Subscribe today for new episodes of our ScareHouse podcast. Help us reach new listeners when you leave positive reviews and feedback on iTunes. THANK YOU for your support! Like ScareHouse on Face

Sean Collier was described as a "budding media personality" by the Pittsburgh City Paper, and no one - least all of him - seems to know what that means. What is verifiable about Sean is a varied list of roles around town. He's the movie critic for the WDVE Morning Show. He's the Associate Editor of Pittsburgh Magazine. He's a stand-up comic, with frequent appearances at Lawrenceville's Brillobox, downtown's Cabaret Theater, Papa J's, and anywhere else that invites him. He's appeared in storytelling shows, sketch comedy, Shakespearean tragedies, panel discussions, radio drop-ins, and more. Follow Sean at @seancollierpgh and listen to his podcast: “You Can’t Handle The Truth: honest reviews of new movies” at  https://www.facebook.com/HandleTheTruthPodcast ScareHouse, Pittsburgh's Ultimate Haunted House, has been ranked as one of “America’s Scariest Halloween Attractions” by Travel Channel and featured in multiple online and print publications including USA TODAY, Forbes, AOL News, Yahoo, Funworld, and Money mag

This week, we're hanging out with three long-time members of the "ScareHouse Family" of artists, designers, and performers. Aaron Parkus, Allison Edwards, and Nicole Danielle Conniff have designed, built, and detailed our sets and effects, created and performed original characters in both videos and within the haunted attraction, and have participated in all kinds of weird and bizarre projects for us... some of which may or may not involve cats, dancing, and funny wigs. Join us for a fun and sorta tipsy talk about special FX, filmmaking, movies, motivation, influences, and the appeal of murderous mermaids in this week's episode of the ScareHouse Podcast! ScareHouse, Pittsburgh's Ultimate Haunted House, has been ranked as one of “America’s Scariest Halloween Attractions” by Travel Channel and featured in multiple online and print publications including USA TODAY, Forbes, AOL News, Yahoo, Funworld, and Money magazine. Subscribe today for new episodes of our ScareHouse podcast. Help us reach new listeners when y

Get ready to be inspired. Pittsburgh seamstress and ScareHouse consultant, Jen Rocket, operates from her sewing studio in Highland Park, east of Downtown Pittsburgh. Jen is a 4th generation seamstress who began sewing at the age of 5. Jen graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and continued her studies at Los Angeles Trade Tech for fashion technical design.  Jen has designed and sewn everything from cosplay outfits to wedding dresses, including designing for dancers on the show ‘Dance Moms’. Find Jen at jenrocket.com. Rachellynn Schoen is a photographer and graphic designer based in Pittsburgh. Rachellynn works with ScareHouse doing everything from photography, designing social media campaigns and graphic design (she also does an amazing job of making Margee look good). Rachellynn talks about her Endangered Design project and how she is making a name for herself in the city and beyond. Find Rachellynn at pittsburghdesigner.com. ScareHouse, Pittsburgh's Ultimate Haunted House, has been ranked as one of

Meet Kiara Hawk. As the Syria Shriners 2013 Poster Child, Kiara has seen her fair share of hardships due to the spina bifida and other health issues that she’s had to deal with her whole life. This past Thanksgiving, hardships befell her family again as a tragic car accident claimed the life of her mom and her mother’s boyfriend. Kiara miraculously survived, but has had to undergo tremendous proceeds to help her heal. Join us for a day of fun to help ease the financial burden the past few months have had on her family. Address: Syria Shrine 1877 Shriners Way Cheswick, PA 15024 Date: Feb. 22nd, 2014 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Crafts, Spaghetti Dinner, Shopping Vendors, Kids Fun Area 6 p.m. - 11 p.m. Bands and Cash Bar Bands Include: The Josh and Gab Show Nameless in August The Hawkeyes Bastard Bearded Irishmen To find out more, get involved, donate and share please visit: https://www.youcaring.com/other/kiara-s-spring-fling-/123716 ScareHouse, Pittsburgh's Ultimate Haunted House, has been ranked as one of “America’s Sc

Matt Gondek is a Pittsburgh freelance illustrator and artist. He has worked with a diverse set of clients—from Hot Topic and the Vans Warped Tour to the NBA. Matt also works with ScareHouse and was heavily involved in painting and design in Creepo Christmas in 3D. Join us to learn how Matt has perfected the “Artist Hustle” and went from working in a call center to winning “Best Local Artist” from Pittsburgh Magazine in 2011 and supporting himself full time doing what he loves. You can find Matt at mattgondek.com and follow him on twitter @mattgondek. ScareHouse, Pittsburgh's Ultimate Haunted House, has been ranked as one of “America’s Scariest Halloween Attractions” by Travel Channel and featured in multiple online and print publications including USA TODAY, Forbes, AOL News, Yahoo, Funworld, and Money magazine. Subscribe today for new episodes of our ScareHouse podcast. Help us reach new listeners when you leave positive reviews and feedback on iTunes. THANK YOU for your support! Like ScareHouse on Facebook.

Scott Harbaugh, meteorologist for Severe Weather Team 11 and PCNC joins us to talk all things weather, social media, and fear. Scott grew up in Pittsburgh and is an alumnus of North Allegheny so if anyone knows how Pittsburghers respond to weather crises, it’s him. Scott is also a social media guru, with nearly 15,000 followers on twitter. We ask what it’s like to be on the receiving end of thousands of tweets, calls, and comments about everything from school closings to major weather events. Scott also gives us a sneak peak on what to expect with his upcoming streaming broadcast with Rob Johnston occurring daily during the Winter Olympics. Follow @WPXIScott on twitter and subscribe to the ScareHouse podcast day for new episodes every Wednesday. ScareHouse, Pittsburgh's Ultimate Haunted House, has been ranked as one of “America’s Scariest Halloween Attractions” by Travel Channel and featured in multiple online and print publications including USA TODAY, Forbes, AOL News, Yahoo, Funworld, and Money magazine. S

For the first episode of 2014, the ScareHouse podcast team reveals how each of them became involved with the "ScareHouse Empire," shares secrets and stories from a year filled success, and looks ahead to a new year of exciting adventures! Rob Johnston, Laura Kelly, Margee Kerr, and Scott Simmons drop some names (Guillermo del Toro! Grumpy Cat!) and some knowledge about social media superstardom, book deals, and the haunted house business... but also share personal stories beyond the usual "shop talk." We're looking back at the best and worst of 2013, and looking ahead to 2014 in the latest episode of our FREE ScareHouse podcast. Subscribe today for new episodes every Wednesday! And help us reach new listeners when you subscribe or leave positive feedback and reviews on iTunes. ScareHouse, Pittsburgh's Ultimate Haunted House, has been ranked as one of “America’s Scariest Halloween Attractions” by Travel Channel and featured in multiple online and print publications including USA TODAY, Forbes, AOL News, Yahoo,

Want to get started in the haunted house business? Looking for low-cost yet high-impact ways to improve your haunt? Want to learn how you can grow your haunted attraction into a full-year business? This week's podcast features a Q & A with haunted house experts Cydney Neil, Mike Krausert, and ScareHouse Creative Director Scott Simmons (recorded earlier this year at the West Coast Haunters Convention.) Cydney Neil is the Producer and Creative Director of the legendary Rocky Point Haunted House, one of the most iconic and successful haunted attractions in history. Under her direction Rocky Point went from 100 guests and $500 in income to nearly 70,000 and over $1,500,000 in their final season—while also influencing and inspiring legions of haunted attraction designers. Apart from these successes, Cydney maintains that her greatest achievement and what she is most proud of is the youth program she created that changed the lives of thousands of “misfit” kids she will always consider her own. Mike Krausert, Direct

What is THE BASEMENT at ScareHouse? Here's how boingboing.net described it: "The most spectacular attraction this year was the newly-opened, adults-only Basement, where individual visitors receive the singular attentions of a range of nightmarish crazies and supernatural creeps. It was intense and physical: those opting for the experience must sign an agreement acknowledging they will be verbally abused, sniffed, dirtied, groped, pushed and dragged through near pitch-darkness." This extended episode of our ScareHouse podcast explores the design, casting, production, and reaction to our new, intense, and "adults only" immersive attraction with the creative team and several cast members. What's with the handcuffs? How far did we really go? And can you really declare BDSM gear as a business expense? ScareHouse, Pittsburgh's Ultimate Haunted House, has been ranked as one of “America’s Scariest Halloween Attractions” by Travel Channel and featured in multiple online and print publications including USA TODAY, Forb

Annnnnnd we're back! After an unexpected hiatus, the ScareHouse Podcast team returns for a fast-paced look back at an amazing season for Pittsburgh's Ultimate Haunted House. Rob Johnston, Laura Kelly, Margee Kerr, and Scott Simmons talk about our appearance on Good Morning America, the visit from Guillermo del Toro and Mike Dougherty, the Basement, a new book deal, and so much more! ScareHouse, Pittsburgh's Ultimate Haunted House, has been ranked as one of “America’s Scariest Halloween Attractions” by Travel Channel and featured in multiple online and print publications including USA TODAY, Forbes, AOL News, Yahoo, Funworld, and Money magazine. Subscribe today for new episodes of our ScareHouse podcast. Help us reach new listeners when you leave positive reviews and feedback on iTunes. THANK YOU for your support! Like ScareHouse on Facebook.Follow ScareHouse on Twitter.Watch ScareHouse on YouTube. Special Guest: Rob Johnston.

Annnnd we're back! Sorry about the brief hiatus, but we hope to have new episodes of our podcast back online every week. This week: a short sneak peek at this year's promo shoot! The same creative team who creates our sets, effects, and characters are also heavily involved in the production and promotion of all multimedia content and advertising used online, on air, and in print. We talk about the production process, our use of transmedia storytelling, social media content, digital storytelling, and also offer a few sneaks at the new characters and attractions you'll see at ScareHouse this year. ScareHouse, Pittsburgh's Ultimate Haunted House, has been ranked as one of “America’s Scariest Halloween Attractions” by Travel Channel and featured in multiple online and print publications including USA TODAY, Forbes, AOL News, Yahoo, Funworld, and Money magazine. Subscribe today for new episodes of our ScareHouse podcast. Help us reach new listeners when you leave positive reviews and feedback on iTunes. THANK YOU

Jerry Gergely is a highly regarded special effects artist who has worked on classic genre tv shows such as Buffy The Vampire Slayer, X-Files, Babylon Five - and is the technical director for Tom Savini's Special Make-Up Effects Program. Jerry joins former students and ScareHouse Design Managers Christopher and Dejah Gilgour along with co-hosts Margee and "ScareHouse Scott" for a look back at the making of the original DAWN OF THE DEAD, the early days of Optic Nerve Studios, and the explosive growth of the special effects program at the Douglas School of Education. This program of study equips graduate for careers with theater companies, cosmetic companies, department stores, television studios, film and photographers studios, special effects labs, architectural restoration firms, amusement parks, entertainment design and fabrication companies, costume companies, computer special effects firms, display design firms, museums, science centers, and prosthetic sculpting and mold making studios. Visit www.dec.edu/t