Halloween is coming up and if you’re looking for a thrill, the Forest Roberts Theatre and The First Nighters club are presenting another year of the “Haunted Theatre.” Like previous years, the Forest Roberts Theatre transforms into a Haunted House.

From Thursday, Oct. 30 through Saturday, Nov. 1, the theater offers two different versions. Located on the Forest Roberts Theatre homepage; 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 1 the family friendly version is rated PG, as parent supervision is required for kids seven and under.

From 8 p.m. to 11 p.m, Thursday, Oct. 30 through Saturday, Nov. 1, the PG-13 version is held.
The twist, you ask? This year, the “Haunted Theatre” has switched the setting up according to senior theater major and “Haunted Theater” stage manager, James Porras ll.

“In the past, we had a lot of themed rooms. We wanted to cut down on those for more jump scares in the maze. The maze has gotten a lot smaller, more intimate and a little more scary in my opinion,” Porras said. “I wanted to be more involved behind the scenes this year and scare people through overall vision, not just what’s in front.” Senior theater major and Haunt- ed Theater stage manager Abby Schneck said through the Haunted Theatre expansion, having more levels, materials and technicalities makes the experience more interesting, thrilling and life-like.

“This year we have a lot more people. We have expanded and have involved more community members, high school students and the youth theater. We have many actors who aren’t afraid to get into the role with the gore,” Schneck said. “It is a show where no matter who you are, you will enjoy it in some way, shape or form. A lot more is going on this year.”
While fear may be anticipated, a code-word is engraved to relieve the scare.
“If someone gets too scared, they can shout ‘macaroni’ and we will immediately stop that room, grab them and get them outside the theater,” Porras said.
This year’s Haunted Theatre is not Martyn Martello’s first round. According to Martello, he originated the event.
“Six years ago, we started the idea from scratch. Every year we build on the event and it continues to grow more and more,” Martello said.
“Last year we had between 1,000 to 1,500 [attendees]. Absolutely come, it is a great time. The Haunted Theatre is a great value for the dollar. NMU students can get through for only $5. That is nothing for a 20 minute scare. That is nothing.”

Tickets will be available at the door, as pre-sale tickets will not be available. The rates are $5 for children and NMU students, $10 for adults and $15 per family during the family-friendly times.
“It is an amazing time, an amazing experience. People will wait hours to go on a scary amusement park but for this one, you get 15 minutes of fun for your wait, versus the two seconds on a ride and it’s done,” Porras said.

Money from the event goes to the First Nighters Club.
Check out the Haunted Theatre’s event on Facebook or the Haunted Theatre on NMU’s, Forest Roberts Theatre website at www.nmu.edu/forestrobertstheatre/ for more information.