Our Behind-the-Screams Experience at Laurel's House of Horror!
Welcome, brave souls, to Laurel's House of Horror! Nestled in the busy hub of Laurel, Maryland - just a short drive from both Baltimore, MD and Washington, D.C. - this spine-chilling haunted attraction promises an unforgettable experience for thrill-seekers and horror enthusiasts alike. But have you ever wondered what lies beyond the ghouls and gory scenes? Join us as we take you on an exclusive behind-the-scenes journey into the terrifying world of Laurel's House of Horror as they host their Halfway to Halloween event for 2023!
Above: Laurel’s House of Horror features many different scenes and sets, the last of which is a full-sized movie theatre auditorium which still functions with an original projector - albeit with much more terrifying onscreen content these days!
Laurel's House of Horror was born from a shared passion for horror and Halloween by its founders Rich and Charlie Blankenship, who sought to create an immersive haunted house and escape room experience unlike any other. Since its opening, it has garnered a reputation for its top-notch scares, masterful set designs, and a commitment to leaving visitors trembling with fear. As we stepped through the doors of Laurel's House of Horror, we were immediately enveloped in an atmosphere thick with anticipation and trepidation. This movie-theatre-turned-haunted-house was meticulously designed to transport guests into a truly macabre realm. The dimly lit corridors echoed with eerie sounds, and the air carried a haunting scent, setting the stage for a truly terrifying adventure. To be entirely audience, we were ‘jump scared’ by sounds and music alone more than once!
To fully grasp the intricacies of Laurel's House of Horror, we were granted unprecedented access to the backstage areas. The team’s attention to detail was astonishing… every blood-spattered wall, creaking door, and flickering light carefully crafted to elicit a primal fear response. But of course, the true essence of Laurel’s premier Haunt lies within the actors who bring its horrors to life. Witnessing their transformation from day players to full-on monsters, mutants and murderers was an awe-inspiring experience. We observed as they prepared mentally and physically to embody the most sinister characters imaginable. Each actor breathed life into their roles, mastering their characters' mannerisms and preparing to elicit bone-chilling screams from unsuspecting visitors.
Above: One of the many different vignettes that terrified guests are escorted through as they navigate the terrifying labyrinth at Laurel’s House of Horror.
One of the busiest areas of the haunt was the bustling makeup and wardrobe department, which never once boasted an empty chair! Skilled artists like Mandy Gibson and Alejo Casalotti meticulously transformed actors into horrifying creatures, zombies, and other ghastly entities. The adjacent room was adorned with a vast array of masks, prosthetics, and makeup supplies, effectively serving as the birthplace of nightmares. Once all of the ‘scaracters’ were made up, costumed and ready to scare the pants off of customers, they all made their way to the central theatre for what we lovingly referred to as the ‘Laurel Haunt Pep Rally’.
Alejo and team manager Evan Webb laid down the usual safety rules, policies, best practices and guidelines for the staff and then led a rousing chant to get the energy level up. Then, as nightfall descended, we had the privilege of witnessing the haunted attraction’s ‘Halfway to Halloween’ event in full swing. The energy was electrifying as guests ventured through the labyrinth, desperately clutching onto each other in fear. The screams and gasps echoed through the halls, evidence of Laurel's House of Horror's ability to tap into the deepest corners of human terror. And you know we had to take a run at that maze ourselves, of course!
Above: Katie attempts to escape the maniacal laughter of a chainsaw-wielding clown at Laurel's House of Horror!
Laurel's House of Horror is far more than just a haunted house and escape room(s) in an abandoned movie theatre. It is an immersive journey into the realms of fear and the supernatural. Behind the terrifying facade, a team of talented individuals toils tirelessly to create an otherworldly experience that defies expectations. If you dare to test your bravery, visit Laurel's House of Horror during their main season this fall, and embrace the bone-chilling thrill that awaits you around every corner. And if you still need more convincing, check out our behind-the-screams vlog below!
