Sorgatron Media Master Feed - Episodes Tagged with “Scare House”

ScareHouse Podcast 134: Design Manager Nicole & Operations Manager Nino Discuss Spreadsheets & Show Flow

Sorgatron Media — Fri, 08 Feb 2019 14:00:00 -0500

Dudders sits down with her haunt siblings, Design Manager Nicole and Operations Manager Nino, to discuss spreadsheets, show flow documents, misconceptions of working at a haunted house, and more spreadsheets.

Highlights:

Surprisinging your friends with a podcast.
We answer every haunters’ favorite question, “you’re working on things already?”
Spreadsheets are a haunters BFF. Thank you, Google Drive!
Nino and Nicole have very different opinions on color choice in spreadsheets.
Nino and Nicole outline our showflow documents. We adapted something we learned from Universal Studios.
Our show flow documents break down the attractions into room details including the narrative, actions, scenic, tech, sounds, and smell.
Tech talk with Nino.
You can never have enough reference photos. Nicole talks about her favorite kinds of decay.
Our leadership team is kind of like the Avengers with our own special powers and skills.
Are we still using skills we learned in high school? Kinda.
The misconceptions of working at a haunted house from acting to management.
Getting your build body back.
No time for sleeping, laundry, and showers during the build season.
Most times your coworkers don’t know you’re wearing the same pants several days in a room.
Forming sibling-like relationships with your coworkers.
Leaving work blankets and layers at the haunt because it’s so darn cold.

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave feedback. We appreciate it!

Follow the ScareHouse podcast hosts: Scott Simmons (@ScareHouseScott) and Katie “Dudders” (@kdudders)

Visit us www.ScareHouse.com
Watch us Youtube.com/TheScareHouse
Like us https://www.facebook.com/ScareHouse
Follow us https://twitter.com/ScareHousePGH

ScareHouse Podcast 133: 2018 ScareHouse Season Recap with Scott Simmons, Katie “Dudders”, and Nino Balistrieri

Sorgatron Media — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 17:00:00 -0500

Scott, Nino, and Dudders look back on the craziness that was the 2018 ScareHouse season. From creating a zombie themed pop up bar, appearing all over the season, and super fun season, this has been an amazing haunt season!

Highlights:

Bringing the Zombie Den to life in Market Square.
It was a fun and incredibly busy season.
Building the new Pittsburgh Zombies haunt to life and hidden Easter Eggs.
Hot tip 1: Find a graphic designer that enjoys good puns.
The birth of the bike riding zombie and the zombie pickle characters.
Hot tip 2: Get yourself a good leadership team. It will allow you to do more of the things you love.
Nino got to dig into DMX programming this season.
The “peppermint nightmare” at A Creepy Christmas.
ScareHouse’s weird history with Christmas.
How quickly A Creepy Christmas came together.
Adding our humor to A Creepy Christmas.
Bringing back our Krampus props.
Customer and cast reactions to A Creepy Christmas.

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave feedback. We appreciate it!

Follow the ScareHouse podcast hosts: Scott Simmons (@ScareHouseScott) and Katie “Dudders” (@kdudders)

Visit us www.ScareHouse.com
Watch us Youtube.com/TheScareHouse
Like us https://www.facebook.com/ScareHouse
Follow us https://twitter.com/ScareHousePGH

ScareHouse Podcast 132: Molly and Travis from Row House Cinema

Sorgatron Media — Wed, 17 Oct 2018 18:00:00 -0400

Row House Cinema is an independent, single screen theater in Lawrenceville.

The basement houses Bierport, a bar with retro video games.

Row House Cinema began as the dream of Brian Mendelson, enjoying beer at the movies for a fun night out. The remodel took over four and a half years.

How they select movies and themes each week using the opinions of staff and public. There is no real formula.

Creating a balance between different types of movies they show.

Describing the joy of seeing some movies on the big screen.

The fun of watching a bad movie with friends in a theater.

Which movies they thought would sell well, but didn't (hint: a lot of 80's comedies).

Using special events and gimmicks to sell movies.

Process to get rights to show movies. Creating a wish list and having patience.

Witches Week October 12th-18th.

Row House of Horrors Week October 19th-31st.

Combing the genres of of horror and comedy.

How sound and a dark theater really ups the movie experience.

Analog look back: Mystery movie played on a VCR.

Travis' Jack Black story.

Find Row House Cinema online:
Website https://rowhousecinema.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RowHouseCinemaPGH
Twitter https://twitter.com/RowHouseCinema
YouTube https://www.instagram.com/rowhousecinema/

For more information about Sorgatron Media Studios http://www.sidekickmediaservices.com/services/

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave feedback. We appreciate it!

Follow the ScareHouse podcast hosts: Scott Simmons (@ScareHouseScott) and Katie “Dudders” (@kdudders)

Visit us www.ScareHouse.com
Watch us Youtube.com/TheScareHouse
Like us https://www.facebook.com/ScareHouse
Follow us https://twitter.com/ScareHousePGH

ScareHouse Podcast 131: Jordan Patton Talks FaceOff and DeadNecks

Sorgatron Media — Fri, 20 Jul 2018 11:00:00 -0400

Jordan Patton, a competitor from Syfy’s FaceOff, sits down with Scott Simmons and Katie “Dudders” Dudas to discuss FaceOff, his early beginnings at ScareHouse, and DeadNecks.

Jordan discusses his time on FaceOff and what the process is like on the show

How being on the TV show has changed his day to day life

How Jordan got his start in FX and making masks

Jordan’s first experience with ScareHouse

Learning how to make masks at a young age

Discussing Monsterpalooza, special effects convention in Los Angeles

The beginnings and foundation of DeadNecks

Creating original content and internal branding (the battle between art and commerce)

“Elevator Pitch” for DeadNecks

The future DeadNecks cartoon series and Jordan’s love for cartoons

The FX artists that Jordan looks up too

The craziest actor experiences he’s had at ScareHouse

The budget on FaceOff and how freeing it is

Find Jordan Patton online:

Website https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/735402075/deadnecks-original-series/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Deadnecks/
Twitter https://twitter.com/jpattonfx
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrj9bl01UiiOJU8_8I5zIpg/feedc
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jordan_pattonfx/

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave feedback. We appreciate it!

Follow the ScareHouse podcast hosts: Scott Simmons (@ScareHouseScott) and Katie “Dudders” (@kdudders)

Visit us www.ScareHouse.com
Watch us Youtube.com/TheScareHouse
Like us https://www.facebook.com/ScareHouse
Follow us https://twitter.com/ScareHousePGH

ScareHouse Podcast 130: Pittsburgh Movie Behind the Scenes Legend Steve Parys

Sorgatron Media — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 12:00:00 -0400

This episode of the ScareHouse Podcast was recorded at the Sorgatron Media Studio. Can we help with your Podcast? Contact us today!

Creative Director Scott Simmons and Katie "Dudders" chat with Assistant Director and Pittsburgh native Steve Parys. Steve has worked on television shows and movies filmed in Pittsburgh and around the world including Silence of the Lambs, Fear the Walking Dead, and Outsiders. Steve discusses his diverse background and experiences and even shares an incredible story from the set of Silence of the Lambs.

Scott talks about how he met Steve.

How Steve ended up doing almost everything on the set of Silence of the Lambs.

Moth fire in Buffalo Bill’s basement.

Steve discusses what it was like working with George Romero.

Scott’s experience on the set of the remake of Night of the Living Dead.

Explanation of PA’s film tax credit and how it helps the city.

Pittsburgh’s film industry shift in the 1990s.

Stories from some movies set in Pittsburgh.

Steve talks about his work on Fear the Walking Dead tv show.

Steve explains what an assistant director’s job on a movie or TV show.

Scott dishes about the chaos of a ScareHouse shoot and the importance of having a set schedule.

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave feedback. We appreciate it!

Follow the ScareHouse podcast hosts: Scott Simmons (@ScareHouseScott) and Katie “Dudders” (@kdudders)
Visit us www.ScareHouse.com
Watch us Youtube.com/TheScareHouse
Like us https://www.facebook.com/ScareHouse
Follow us https://twitter.com/ScareHousePGH

ScareHouse Podcast 129: Fan Q&A with Scott Simmons and Katie "Dudders"

Sorgatron Media — Fri, 30 Mar 2018 08:00:00 -0400

This episode of the ScareHouse Podcast was recorded at the Sorgatron Media Studio. Can we help with your Podcast? Contact us today!

Before Creative Director Scott Simmons and Director of Sales and Marketing Katie "Dudders" left for Transworld, they recorded a live Q&A podcast where they answered fan questions at Sorgatron Media Studios. Fans submitted questions beforehand on Facebook and live during the recording on Facebook and Instagram.

What's the most fun part of our jobs.

What the team does the rest of the year.

The boring paperwork behind running a haunted house.

How much of our budget is spent on marketing.

Whether our building is really haunted.

Other haunted houses we visited in 2017: Dent School House, Shocktoberfest, 13th Gate, Cutting Edge.

How we decide what haunts we're going build each year.

We can never have enough clowns.

Behind the scenes tour are ideal for customers that want to stop and see the details.

Whether it's harder to scare people now.

What we think is the future of haunted house technology.

What keeps it fresh for us and whether we'll get tired of doing what we're doing.

Sometimes we're terrible at naming characters.

The three smells we used during Valentine's Day in The Basement.

Do we create characters based on actors or cast actors based on characters.

The ages of the youngest and oldest actors at our haunt.

Scott and Dudders favorite haunts and scenes.

Seeking out advice from other haunted houses.

Any hints for The Basement 2018.

Does the return of Pittsburgh Zombies mean more Dudders and Donnie of the Dead videos?

Last time we were scared.

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave feedback. We appreciate it!

ScareHouse Podcast 128: Poison Props Adam Johnston

Sorgatron Media — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 14:00:00 -0400

This episode of the ScareHouse Podcast was recorded at the Sorgatron Media Studio. Can we help with your Podcast? Contact us today!

Poison Props has been creating fast, durable haunt house animatronics for 11 years.

ScareHouse has at least one Poison Props animatronic in each of their haunts.

You must be willing to learn and get feedback from your client to run a successful business.

The importance of scalability.

Adam discusses starting out in a one car garage and his sound design background.

What it's like to prep for a major trade show.

Serendipity and finding your life's passion.

How sound can set the mood and immerse the customers in the experience.

The fun, new things Adam is bringing to Transworld.

Find Adam and Poison Props Online:

Website http://poisonprops.com

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/POISON-PROPS-115866798452165

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/poisonprops

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave feedback. We appreciate it!

Follow the ScareHouse podcast hosts: Scott Simmons (@ScareHouseScott) and Katie “Dudders” (@kdudders)

Visit us www.ScareHouse.com
Watch us Youtube.com/TheScareHouse
Like us https://www.facebook.com/ScareHouse
Follow us https://twitter.com/ScareHousePGH

ScareHouse Podcast 127: Themed Attractions Legend Robbi Lepre

Sorgatron Media — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 08:00:00 -0500

Creative Director Scott Simmons introduces Katie "Dudders" to the amazing and inspiring live entertainment shows and events legend, Robbi Lepre. Robbi talks about her almost 40 years of experience in the industry, learning from other haunted attraction experts at trade shows, celebration Robbiween, and the importance of positive connections. You can support Robbi's wellness fund at https://www.gofundme.com/robbi-lepre-wellness-fund

Robbi discusses her almost 40 years of experience in the live entertainment industry.
The importance of talking to and listening to experts in other fields.
Executing and operating large-scale events like Howl-O-Scream and Christmas Town.
The challenge of working with animals.
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Sometimes Mother Nature is not kind and you have to adjust on the fly.
Scott and Robbi talk about Robbiween, an event which brought the top influencers in the themed attractions industry to celebrate Robbi.
Robbi tells us about her current health challenge.

For more information about Sorgatron Media Studios http://www.sidekickmediaservices.com/services/

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave feedback. We appreciate it!
Follow the ScareHouse podcast hosts: Scott Simmons (@ScareHouseScott) and Katie “Dudders” (@kdudders)
Visit us www.ScareHouse.com
Watch us Youtube.com/TheScareHouse
Like us https://www.facebook.com/ScareHouse
Follow us https://twitter.com/ScareHousePGH

ScareHouse Podcast 126: Basement Managers Tracy and Kevin

Sorgatron Media — Fri, 19 Jan 2018 10:00:00 -0500

Tracy discusses the inspiration behind her character Patti from The Basement 2016.

Why the first character you meet from The Basement is the most important one.

Tracy and Kevin discuss what it was like going from The Basement actors to managers.

The challenge of adjusting on the fly in The Basement last season.

Working with high energy actors or “bunch of potty mouthed five year olds after drinking Mt. Dew”.

The Basement auditions: Who should audition? What is the audition process like?

Tracy and Kevin demonstrate what happens at a The Basement audition.

Planning for this year’s Valentine’s Day in The Basement.

Dudders discusses her trip to HauntCon in New Orleans.

Going outside of the haunt industry for inspiration and knowledge.

Kevin’s offseason life changing event. Former zombies need love, too.

ScareHouse Podcast 125: 2017 ScareHouse Season Recap with Scott Simmons and Katie “Dudders”

Sorgatron Media — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 11:00:00 -0500

The 2017 ScareHouse season was filled with wild moments that included a German television crew, flugtag, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Star Wars. Creative Director Scott Simmons and Katie “Dudders” look back on 2017 and talk about what’s next for ScareHouse in 2018.

Scott and Dudders are joined by Producers Mike and Missy Sorg at Sorgatron Media Studios to discuss the 2017 ScareHouse season

Mike Sorg discusses his first visit to The Basement

Old school marketing can help you stand out from the crowd in a digital world.

Scott describes the evolution of The Basement and possibly a Basement Multiverse

Scott and Dudders talk about being on a German television show, Galileo TV, where they teach their visitors about the importance of smells such as bore urine in a haunted house

This isn’t the first time they’ve been on an international television. They were on Brazilian show Programa Pânico in 2015

How that “Pittsburgh Steelers Get Scared” video came to be

The importance of your espace room having a story.

Moving on from The Summoning to The Sunset Lodge

The joy of hiding Easter eggs in the haunt

Dudders reminiscences about the Red Bull Flugtag event and the only flight of the ScareCraft

What it’s like to be in a parade with a crowd yelling “BUNNY!”

Partnering with Burgatory for the ScareHouse Shake which benefits Make Room for Kids, an initiative of the Mario Lemieux Foundation

Star Wars Night: Working with the Starkiller Garrison, Garrison Carida, Microsoft, and the Mario Lemieux Foundation to benefit Make Room for Kids

Never getting to 100% done because we’re always pushing ourselves to the next level.

Being named Pittsburgh’s Best Haunted Attraction three years in a row by City Paper Readers

Dave the Clown, he’s all over the internet and awesome

What happens after the season ends

Plus-ing and tweaking the experience throughout the season

Getting scared by “safe” props in the haunt

Never getting to 100% done because we’re always pushing ourselves to the next level.

What to expect from ScareHouse in 2018

ScareHouse Weekly: Polished perfection to honest reality

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave feedback. We appreciate it!

Follow the ScareHouse podcast hosts: Scott Simmons (@ScareHouseScott) and Katie “Dudders” (@kdudders)

Visit us www.ScareHouse.com
Watch us Youtube.com/TheScareHouse
Like us https://www.facebook.com/ScareHouse
Follow us https://twitter.com/ScareHousePGH

ScareHouse Podcast 124: Kip Polley Pale Night Productions Returns

Sorgatron Media — Thu, 28 Sep 2017 10:00:00 -0400

A few weeks before opening night, Creative Director Scott Simmons and Katie “Dudders” traveled to Beechview to Sorgatron Media Studios to record a long distance podcast with Kip Polley from Pale Night Productions. Kip was visiting the Southern Illinois Fair with one of his zombie puppets. They chatted with Kip about kids love of zombies, designing haunted attractions and escape rooms for guests of all ages, and being one of the leading innovators in the haunted attraction industry.

Pale Night Productions started 13 years ago and provides props for haunted houses and theme parks. They also design turnkey haunted houses and escape rooms.

Incorporating zombies into your marketing.

Old school marketing can help you stand out from the crowd in a digital world.

ScareHouse zombie Donnie may or may not be from the Pale Night Productions family.

Why kids love zombies.

Designing haunted houses and attractions that are fun for guests of all ages.

Discussing the future of escape rooms.

The importance of your espace room having a story.

Trying to keep up with all the new haunt technology.

Looking beyond the haunted attraction industry for inspiration.

Never getting to 100% done because we’re always pushing ourselves to the next level.

Find Kip and Pale Night Productions Online:
Episode 41 ScareHouse Podcast https://scarehouse.fireside.fm/41
Website http://www.palenightproductions.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/palenight
Twitter https://twitter.com/PaleNight_Kip
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/kpolley
Ravens Curse http://ravenscurse.com

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave feedback. We appreciate it!

Follow the ScareHouse podcast hosts: Scott Simmons (@ScareHouseScott) and Katie “Dudders” (@kdudders)

Visit us www.ScareHouse.com
Watch us Youtube.com/TheScareHouse
Like us https://www.facebook.com/ScareHouse
Follow us https://twitter.com/ScareHousePGH

ScareHouse Podcast 122: Top Horror Movie Picks with Sean Collier

Sorgatron Media — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 19:00:00 -0400

Creative Director Scott Simmons and Katie “Dudders” head down to The Basement with Sean Collier to talk about their favorite horror movies. Sean’s passion for movies is evident when he appears on the radio, the comedy stage, his podcast, and when he writes his column for Pittsburgh Magazine. Sean, Katie, and Scott end the podcast with a discussion about their lists of top horror movies.

The struggle to get Pittsburghers to leave the house and shake up their routines.
The joy of going to a movie without overly researching or dissecting it.
Scott and Sean see movies as an escape, while Katie worries they will be a timesuck.
Why Scott has to give the design team movie homework.
Our expectations were lower in the 90s.
Scott’s weird ability to remember minor details of movies, but forget what he ate for lunch the day before.
Scott, Sean, and Katie count down their top horror movies and how their lists are constantly changing.
Remarkably, Sean Collier hasn’t seen every movie ever made.
The pros and cons of showing the monster at the end of the movie.
Blair Witch Project’s influence on the horror genre.

Find Sean Collier Online:

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/seancollierpgh/
Twitter https://twitter.com/seancollierpgh
Podcast You Can’t Handle the Truth http://handlethetruthpodcast.com
Pittsburgh Magazine Column Popcorn for Dinner http://www.pittsburghmagazine.com/Best-of-the-Burgh-Blogs/Sean-Colliers-Popcorn-for-Dinner/

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave feedback. We appreciate it!

Follow the ScareHouse podcast hosts: Scott Simmons (@ScareHouseScott) and Katie “Dudders” (@kdudders)

Visit us www.ScareHouse.com
Watch us Youtube.com/TheScareHouse
Like us https://www.facebook.com/ScareHouse
Follow us https://twitter.com/ScareHousePGH

ScareHouse Podcast 121: The Dent Schoolhouse with Bud and Aryn

Sorgatron Media — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 11:00:00 -0400

Creative Director Scott Simmons and Katie “Dudders” traveled to Cincinnati, Ohio to visit Bud Stross and Aryn Fox from The Dent Schoolhouse. They chat about the legend of The Dent Schoolhouse, how they got their start in the haunted attraction industry, and the many hats they wear in and out of the haunt.

The podcast team travels to Cincinnati, Ohio, to visit The Dent Schoolhouse.
Aryn Fox is the makeup manager and Bud Stross is the co-owner along with his dad Chuck and friend Josh Wells.
Bud and Josh began their friendship over a puke barrel and started out as yard haunters.
Why “The Haunted House” is a bad name for a haunted house.
No one gets into the haunted house industry for the spreadsheets.
Aryn got her start as a haunter as a photographer at Midwest Haunters Convention.
How Aryn and Bud’s relationship began in The Dungeon in Baton Rouge.
What it’s like working with your significant other.
Marketing and content creation is on your mind year round.
How a Wolfe Brothers book inspired Aryn’s career in bodypainting.
Aryn talks about here experience on Skin Wars Season 2.
The good and bad of being on national haunted house lists.
Management roles at a haunted house constantly evolve as the business grows.
The importance of surrounding yourself with a great team.
Grunging is a great workout.
The challenge of delivering an incredible experience for both first time customers and repeat visitors.
The value of reviews, even the bad ones.
New at The Dent Schoolhouse this season: Catacombs, clowns, and PTA Fun Festival.

For more information about The Dent Schoolhouse:

Website http://frightsite.com
Like their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/thedentschoolhouse/
Follow them on Twitter https://twitter.com/DentSchoolhouse
Like them on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thedentschoolhouse/
Subscribe to their YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/user/TheDentSchoolhouse

For more information about Aryn Fox:

Find her on Skin Wars Season 2 on Netflix https://www.netflix.com/title/80109536
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/arynfoxart/
Beauty of Art Tattoos https://www.boatattoos.com

Also visit https://www.beautyandmonsters.com

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave feedback. We appreciate it!

Follow the ScareHouse podcast hosts: Scott Simmons (@ScareHouseScott) and Katie “Dudders” (@kdudders)

Visit us www.ScareHouse.com
Watch us Youtube.com/TheScareHouse
Like us https://www.facebook.com/ScareHouse
Follow us https://twitter.com/ScareHousePGH

ScareHouse Podcast 120: ScareHouse Actor 001 - Tracy Campbell

Sorgatron Media — Fri, 14 Jul 2017 11:00:00 -0400

Creative Director Scott Simmons and Katie “Dudders” chat with veteran actress Tracy Campbell. They discuss Scott and Tracy’s shared television news history, what it’s like to have your face all over ScareHouse marketing, and how props, hair, and music create great ScareHouse videos.

Tracy has been part of ScareHouse since 2007.
Tracy met Scott when they both worked at WPXI Channel 11 News.
ScareHouse isn’t the first haunted building that they have worked in.
WPXI’s (formerly WIIC) original building was home to Chiller Thriller and studio wrestling.
Tracy talks about the promo spot she appeared in that lived on long after she left the company.
Preparing for Y2K at the news studio.
How MySpace brought Tracy into the ScareHouse family as a goopey ghoul.
ScareHouse was one of the first companies in the area to shoot in HD.
Tracy discusses all the characters she has played since she started at ScareHouse including title character Delirium.
Creating her character Patti, last year’s The Basement rule giver and greeter, using her own personal experience.
Dudders and Tracy talk about working Turn Out the Lights in Pittsburgh Zombies and the creepy things that happened.
How Scott first confirmed that the building was haunted.
Last year was the second year that Tracy’s face appeared in all of marketing materials.
They discuss the unusual directions given and music choices for our shoots.
Dudders and Tracy talk about the New Kids on the Block concert they recently attended.
Creating content that sometimes doesn’t resonate with our audience, but amuses our team.
How props, hair, and music create great ScareHouse videos.
Tracy and Dudders reveal their favorite member of the New Kids on the Block.

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave feedback. We appreciate it!

Follow the ScareHouse podcast hosts: Scott Simmons (@ScareHouseScott) and Katie “Dudders” (@kdudders)

Visit us www.ScareHouse.com
Watch us Youtube.com/TheScareHouse
Like us https://www.facebook.com/ScareHouse
Follow us https://twitter.com/ScareHousePGH

ScareHouse Podcast 119: Nick Paradise, Kennywood’s Director of Public Relations and Social Media

Sorgatron Media — Sat, 08 Jul 2017 10:00:00 -0400

Creative Director Scott Simmons and Katie “Dudders” head to Kennywood to chat with their Director of Public Relations and Social Media, Nick Paradise. They discuss year round marketing of seasonal businesses, innovating while remembering your roots, the value of engaged fan base, and Pittsburghers’ unique bond with Kennywood Park.

Operating a seasonal business now requires year round marketing.
Kennywood is adding a new daytime Halloween attraction, Happy Hauntings.
Running a business is like running a household, you may want to add a big addition, but you still have to pay the bills.
Amusement parks are known as much for their food as their rides.
Kennywood was founded in 1898, the park officially opened in 1899.
Balancing nostalgia with the contemporary in a theme park.
Innovating while remembering your roots.
The value of an engaged fan base.
Pittsburghers feel a unique bond with Kennywood which is both a blessing and a curse.
Kennywood has one of last running Noah’s Ark fun house in the world. Nick talks about it’s renovation and bringing back the squishy tongue.
Nick and Dudders appreciate their super fans on social media.
New things at Kennywood this summer: Lego Movie 4D (highly recommended by Nick, Scott, and Dudders), VR on Sky Rocket, and Potato Patch poutine.
Offseason: Happy Hauntings daytime Halloween events, Fright Night, and Holiday Lights running till New Years Eve.

Learn more about Kennywood Park:

Like them on Facebook
Find them on Instagram
Follow them on
Twitter

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave feedback. We appreciate it!

Follow the ScareHouse podcast hosts: Scott Simmons (@ScareHouseScott) and Katie “Dudders” (@kdudders)

Visit us www.ScareHouse.com
Watch us Youtube.com/TheScareHouse
Like us https://www.facebook.com/ScareHouse
Follow us https://twitter.com/ScareHousePGH

ScareHouse Podcast 118: Members of 501st Garrison Carida Star Wars Troop

Sorgatron Media — Fri, 23 Jun 2017 00:00:00 -0400

Creative Director Scott Simmons and Katie “Dudders” geek out with Tim Gregg, Dan Beltz, and Greg Ochaba, members of the 501st Garrison Carida over everything Star Wars. They talk about the 501st charity missions, what drew them to the group, their first Star Wars experience, and why Scott never saw the original Star Wars (New Hope) movie in theaters.

501st is a worldwide costuming organization composed of over 15,000 members, all volunteer
Focus on charity and community work
Began in 1997 with the re-release of original trilogy in theaters
Rebel Legion is a similar, smaller nonprofit with over 4,500 members worldwide
Is it more fun to play the good guy or bad guy?
Realizing the comic potential of Storm Troopers
Lucas Films embracing the 501st and their work
Guidelines, criteria, and review process for costumes
Their first exposure to Star Wars
Why Tim, Dan, and Greg joined the 501st
A young Scott avoided seeing Star Wars in the theater because he was afraid of Chewbacca
Being a Star Wars fan and nerd in the 1980s in West PA was tough
Personal experiences that resonate with the members including granting a Make a Wish child’s wish, dancing with “Weird Al” Yankovic, and handing out toys at Children’s Hospital
The best way to become a member of the 501st
How to tell Storm Troopers apart

For more information about the 501st Garrison Carida and Rebel Legion:

501st Garrison Carida (serving Pennsylvania and Delaware):

Website http://501stgarrisoncarida.org
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/501stgarrisoncarida
Twitter https://twitter.com/GarrisonCarida
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/501stgarrisoncarida/

Ghost Base Rebel Legion:

Website http://ghostbaserl.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GhostBaseRL
Twitter https://twitter.com/GhostBaseRL
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ghostbaserl/

Upcoming 501st Appearances

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave feedback. We appreciate it!

Follow the ScareHouse podcast hosts: Scott Simmons (@ScareHouseScott) and Katie “Dudders” (@kdudders)

Visit us www.ScareHouse.com
Watch us Youtube.com/TheScareHouse
Like us https://www.facebook.com/ScareHouse
Follow us https://twitter.com/ScareHousePGH

ScareHouse Podcast 117: Allen and Shannon Hopps

Sorgatron Media — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 14:00:00 -0400

Allen Hopps is the "Forrest Gump of the Haunted Attraction Industry" having contributed to several of America's iconic haunted attractions over the last 20 years. Days after high school graduation he drove a moped from Baltimore to Orlando to perform as an actor in a haunted house, and he's never regretted it for a moment since. Allen and his wife Shannon join ScareHouse Creative Director Scott Simmons and ScareHouse actress Jennifer Dallas for an inspiring and entertaining look back at the early days of the haunted attraction industry and a look forward to the new era of highly themed and immersive experiences.

The mythology and creative design that drives the DARK HOUR team to produce entirely new productions all year round.
Becoming addicted to haunted houses at 10 years and how a magazine changed his life
Why "Terror on Church Street" in Orlando was one of the most influential haunted attractions ever
Allen's marriage is a result of a gargoyle suit and a thousand mile leap of faith. This is a story you will not forget.
Texas is a hotbed for horror and haunted houses
The challenges and rewards of leading a cast of actors into "battle" every night of your season
Why low-tech scares are increasingly effective within high-tech haunted attractions
Skills you need to be a good haunted house actor
Why Allen is so generous with his knowledge, experiences, and secrets via seminars, videos, and online content

For more information about Allen Hopps and Dark Hour:

Allen Hopps Facebook https://www.facebook.com/allen.hopps
Stiltbeast Studios DIY Videos https://www.youtube.com/user/StiltbeastStudios
Website http://darkhourhauntedhouse.com
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/darkhourhauntedhouse
Twitter https://twitter.com/DarkHourHaunt
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DarkHourHaunt/
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/DarkHourPlano
Stilbeast Studios and Haunt Dawgs https://www.facebook.com/Stiltbeast-Studios-and-Haunt-Dawgs-274259909253076/

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Follow the ScareHouse podcast hosts: Scott Simmons (@ScareHouseScott) and Katie “Dudders” (@kdudders)

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ScareHouse Podcast 116: Throwback to Jerry from Creepy Collection at 2015 Midwest Haunters Convention

Sorgatron Media — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 08:00:00 -0400

Throwing it back to the 2015 Midwest Haunters Convention. Our former Director of Operations Crystal caught up with Jerry Dalessandro from Creepy Collection on the show floor.

Looking for zombies? Clowns? Demon dolls? We got a guy.
Brooklyn born artist, entrepreneur, and hustler (compliment) Jerry Dalessandro joins ScareHouse Director of Operations Crystal Rupp to talk about Creepy Collection.
Recorded at the Midwest Haunters Convention 2015.
Creepy Collection's ever growing army of zombies, dolls, demons, clowns, and other nightmare props fill the halls of ScareHouse and other haunted attractions all over the world.
Their work has also have been in the horror movies Sibling and The Hole and On The Lot (reality show By Steven Spielberg.

For more information about Creepy Collection:
Website http://creepycollection.com
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/creepycollection
Twitter https://twitter.com/CreepyProps
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/creepycollectioncom-144301045582779

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Follow the ScareHouse podcast hosts: Scott Simmons (@ScareHouseScott) and Katie “Dudders” (@kdudders)

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Watch us Youtube.com/TheScareHouse
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ScareHouse Podcast 115: Zombie Army, Naked and Scared, and Pushing Haunted House Boundaries

Sorgatron Media — Mon, 29 May 2017 09:00:00 -0400

Scott Simmons and Kate "Dudders" Dudas join fellow haunters, hustlers, and provocateurs John Laflamboy (Zombie Army Productions) and Pat Konopelski (Shocktoberfest) for an extended conversation about modern haunted attractions.

John shares the birth and legacy of Chicago's Zombie Army and their much beloved Party Bus
The true story behind the world famous "Naked and Scared" challenge at Shocktoberfest
The controversy within our industry about "extreme haunted houses"
How a theater kid working at a fundraiser found a full time career as a professional haunter
The secrets of growing a brand that celebrates your culture and your people
The importance and thrills of producing original video content all year long
Pat looks back at more than 25 years with Shocktoberfest and how he still finds inspiration from his fellow haunters
The most important element of any successful haunted attraction
The challenges of meeting ever-changing expectations of modern haunt audiences
How the Zombie Army creates the "Appearance of Chaos"
The importance of sharing ideas and creating a community with fellow haunters
Why the haunted attraction industry has retained a remarkable safety record
The continued evolution and boundary pushing nature of haunted attractions
Why Haunted Attractions fulfill our primal needs for the Rite of Passage
John and Pat share remarkable stories about haunted house experiences involving fathers and their children

For more information about:

John LaFlamboy and Zombie Army Productions visit http://www.zombiearmyproductions.com/
Statesville Haunted Prison visit http://www.statesvillehauntedprison.com/
Hellsgate Haunted House visit http://www.hellsgate.com/
Pat Konopelski and Shocktoberfest visit http://shocktoberfest.com/
What Happens in ScareHouse Basement? https://youtu.be/6Sc7Yrtuxjo

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Follow the ScareHouse podcast hosts: Scott Simmons (@ScareHouseScott) and Katie “Dudders” (@kdudders)

Visit us www.ScareHouse.com
Watch us Youtube.com/TheScareHouse
Like us https://www.facebook.com/ScareHouse
Follow us https://twitter.com/ScareHousePGH

ScareHouse Podcast 114: Glenn and Ursula from Submersive Productions

Sorgatron Media — Mon, 22 May 2017 12:00:00 -0400

Creative Director Scott Simmons travels to Baltimore to catch up with former ScareHouse audio masters Glenn Ricci and Ursula Marcum from Submersive Productions to talk about immersive theater.

Scott and Glenn first worked together in sixth grade on a friend’s basement haunt then again at the Cloverleaf YMCA and ScareHouse
How Sleep No More and Then She Fell inspired The Basement and Submersive Productions
The struggle to define what immersive theater is and isn’t
How the audience is crucial to the immersive theater experience
Glenn’s trip to London to experience The Drowned Man
Glenn and Ursula talk about taking their experiences and unique skill sets to create their own immersive theater shows
How your space can influence the story you are telling
Submersive Productions strives to combine intimacy, free-roaming, and exploratory elements in their shows
Glenn and Ursula describe their first two shows The Mesmeric Revelations! of Edgar Allan Poe and H.T. Darling’s Incredible Musaeum Presents the New Galapagos Astonishing Acquisitions From the Perisphere
The time and labor behind creation of props that must look authentic
How their version of immersive theater is like four dimensional chess
Integrating puppetry into immersive theater and haunted houses
All space has something to say and all humans are storytellers
Fun ScareHouse fact: The eerie chanting you heard in Forsaken and The Summoning was actually Ursula! Glenn manipulated her voice to create some of the creepiest voices heard in ScareHouse.

For more information about Submersive Productions visit http://www.submersiveproductions.com

Check out Submersive Productions Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/submersiveproductions/

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave feedback. We appreciate it!

Follow the ScareHouse podcast hosts: Scott Simmons (@ScareHouseScott) and Katie “Dudders” (@kdudders)

Visit us www.ScareHouse.com

Watch us Youtube.com/TheScareHouse

Like us https://www.facebook.com/ScareHouse

ScareHouse Podcast 113: 3 Rivers Comicon With Todd and Jon from New Dimension Comics

Sorgatron Media — Mon, 15 May 2017 10:00:00 -0400

Creative Director Scott Simmons catches up with Todd McDevitt and Jon Engel from New Dimensions Comics at Rock Bottom to chat about the comic book industry, pushing your ventures, and 3 Rivers Comicon.

Scott asks Jon and Todd when and how they first got into comic books
Jon talks about how Magic the Gathering was the gateway to comic book collecting and his current job
Todd has been collecting comic books for 31 years and has over two million comic books
Jon and Todd discuss how the comic book industry has changed
Movies have changed comic books and comic books have changed movies
Comic books offer comic book movie lovers background stories and spinoffs
Comic book movies don’t always follow the comic books and comic book stores can help bridge the gap
Want to get (back) into comic books? Each New Dimension Comics location has a recommended reading rack to help you get started
Difficulty of picking what to carry in the stores
Late 1950s horror comic books were regulated by the government
As content creators age, their industries are becoming adult
Todd talks about being an entrepreneur and trying to see how far he can push each venture
Info about 3 Rivers Comicon: Special guests, tons of artists and vendors, gaming, and comic book authentication
Supporting the comic book community and looking at their stores as clubhouses that are judgement free zones
What is an alpha nerd

3 Rivers Comicon, the convention that is putting the Comic Book back into Comicon, is May 20th-21st at Century III Mall. All ages are welcome. With 100+ creators and vendors, 3 Rivers Comicon offers tons of fun for all the nerds in the Burgh.

For more information and purchase tickets visit http://3riverscomicon.com

Check out their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/3riverscomicon/

Are you a comic book fan? Check out one of New Dimension Comics six locations!

For more info visit http://ndcomics.com

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Follow the ScareHouse podcast hosts: Scott Simmons (@ScareHouseScott) and Katie “Dudders” (@kdudders)

Visit us - www.ScareHouse.com

Watch us - Youtube.com/TheScareHouse

Like us - https://www.facebook.com/ScareHouse

ScareHouse Podcast 112: Macabre Noir, Aaron Doctor Morose, and The Mad Muse Lori Howsare Discuss Wearing Your Weird on the Outside and Atrocity Exhibition IX

Sorgatron Media — Sun, 07 May 2017 22:00:00 -0400

The award winning Atrocity Exhibition’s ninth performance will take you to hell. Katie “Dudders” caught up with Macabre Noir, Aaron Doctor Morose, and Lori Howsare “The Mad Muse” at Atrocity’s command center, aka Macabre’s living room. They talk about the creative process, theater theory, and Atrocity Exhibition IX: Inferno.

Lori credits her theater education and experience for her ability to be such a successful stage manager
Macabre and Aaron Doctor Morose discuss how the Atrocity Exhibition grew and matured with each new member that joined the family
Through increased expectations from the audience and crew, the performance gets bigger and better every year
Using technology to keep yourself on track
Why “no pants and fire everywhere” would be an excellent tagline for Atrocity
The creative process and how it’s enjoyable torture as opposed to pointy stick torture
Lori discusses turning people back onto literature with her Literary Brothel, where you leave reality, enter a sacred space, and hear good stories
Realizing that your own true story is a good story
How theater helps promote empathy
What is weird to you is someone else’s normal
Lori explains how Atrocity is an example of theatre of cruelty, an academic theory of theatre. Cruelty is not violence; it is the ability to use visions that you’re not usually subjected to reach into the repressed, dark area of the human mind. It is an assault on the senses that heightens your emotions.
Wearing your weird on the outside
How Atrocity Exhibition creates a space for everyone
35 minute mark begins the conversation about Atrocity Exhibition IX: Inferno
The importance of putting together artists that genuinely love their craft and trust each other to make something exciting
Shout out to Zeke’s Coffee for creating the Atrocious Paradiso brew and providing coffee and snacks for the Atrocity Exhibition crew
They appreciate everyone that donates to the Kickstarter. It helps the show grow every year

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Follow the ScareHouse podcast hosts: Scott Simmons (@ScareHouseScott) and Katie “Dudders” (@kdudders)

Visit us - www.ScareHouse.com

Watch us - Youtube.com/TheScareHouse

Like us - https://www.facebook.com/ScareHouse

ScareHouse Podcast 111: Over Caffeinated Chat with Rob Johnston About Social Media, Adapting, and Being Genuine with Your Audience

Sorgatron Media — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 10:00:00 -0400

Scott Simmons and Katie “Dudders” hang out on a loading dock in Pittsburgh’s Strip District with Rob Johnston to talk about social media and the importance of being genuine with your audience.

Highlights:

Rob, former ScareHouse Podcast host, reminisces about his favorite ScareHouse Podcast episodes
Discussing the rise and fall of Vine
Why Vine was such a great fit for Rob’s creative vision and how enjoyed the challenge
Using old school techniques and humor to engage with today’s audience
Rob’s one Vine that went horribly wrong
Having to let things go in order to grow
Rob talks about his most elaborate Vines and the clean up involved
The importance of using customer data and analyzing engagement in haunt building and social media content creation
Being relatable to your audience
Rob talks about his coffee dumping Vine that turned into a gif sensation
Trying to protect the content you’ve created in a social media world
Why the top 20 content creators of Vine were responsible for its downfall
What’s next for social media platforms
ScareHouse and Rob’s big payoffs for taking a chance and changing to anticipate where their audiences are going
Scott discusses The Simpsons and how they “got it” all those years ago
The importance of being honest and genuine with your audience

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Follow the ScareHouse podcast hosts: Scott Simmons (@ScareHouseScott) and Katie “Dudders” (@kdudders)

Visit us - www.ScareHouse.com

Watch us - Youtube.com/TheScareHouse

Like us - https://www.facebook.com/ScareHouse

ScareHouse Podcast 110: Exploring the Pittsburgh Burlesque Scene with Boom Boom Bridgette, Moon, & Thea Biss

Sorgatron Media — Fri, 21 Apr 2017 11:00:00 -0400

Katie “Dudders” sits down with Pittsburgh Burlesque performers and members of the ScareHouse family, Boom Boom Bridgette, Moon, and Thea Biss. The ladies discuss Pittsburgh’s current burlesque scene, what attracted them to performing, and how burlesque is all about loving yourself and your body.

Highlights:

A discussion about the various styles of burlesque
Creating a stage name
Why it’s dangerous to kick off your shoes during a performance
Moon tells us about the time she drop kicked a Serta sheep into the audience
Burlesque is for every body
How people are like cheesecake and why you should try more than one piece
Using what makes you different and unique to make you a better performer
Importance of seeking out supportive people. If you haven’t found them yet, keep looking. They’re out there.

Boom Boom Bridgette is the seasoned veteran who has been performing since 2011. She is also a producer, Founder of Pin Up Perfection Productions, and owner of Boom Boom Bang Photography. She was the Master of Tassels 2014 and 2016 and International Master of Tassels first runner up 2016.

Moon’s love of the raver scene inspired her to develop her hula-hooping skills. She is also a dancer, contortionist, and fire eater. She was crowned 2016 Pittsburgh Pride Femme Fatale.

Thea Biss, the kitten of the group, is incredibly upbeat, eager learner, and avid burlesque researcher. Her background is in acting and spoken word poetry. Supportive women such as Bridgette inspired her to take the stage.

For more information about Boom Boom Bridgette, Moon, and Thea Biss’ upcoming shows visit:

May 5 - Revenge of the 5th - Glitter Box Theater

May 19 - Newbies and Bewbies - Hambones

May 26 - 2017 Cupcake Pageant - Hambones

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave feedback. We appreciate it!

Follow the ScareHouse podcast hosts: Scott Simmons (@ScareHouseScott) and Katie “Dudders” (@kdudders)

Visit us - www.ScareHouse.com

Watch us - Youtube.com/TheScareHouse

Like us - https://www.facebook.com/ScareHouse