A Night of Fright for Boys and Ghouls

Something scary is happening at , and it’s not a pop quiz.

This weekend, the charter school will host the final weekend of its haunted house. The theme, Industrial Accident Dead Zone, was chosen because of the current "industrial-looking" set up of the space (presently under construction) at . 

The construction of the haunted house began during the summer, with set design and construction done with the students, so the end result is quite remarkable.

“This Haunted House is a labor of love,” said Holly Mandia, public relations director. “From conception to opening night, volunteers have been working hard to be sure that this would be a high-quality event. Some of our volunteers have worked with other large and well known haunted houses in our general area. These volunteers include Renaissance Academy school board members, teachers, staff members, parents and students.” 

The high school drama students as well as other student volunteers are zombie actors in the actual haunt. Student groups such as student council have gone into the community to distribute flyers and there are student volunteers helping in the craft and activities areas. But don’t write this haunted attraction off as mere child’s play. Mandia says the haunt is not for the faint of heart.

“In the past, we've had many haunt ‘victims’ not make it past the first room. We have several ‘chicken doors,’ which have been put to good use this year as well,” Mandia said. “It is all fun, though, and most deserters are laughing by the time the chicken door attendant is leading him or her away.”

The school, which has produced the haunted house since 2007, had previously converted the second floor of its Lower School into the haunted house and the event has always been a huge success. This year, since no classroom space is used and they needn’t set up and break down in one night, they are able to be even more elaborate when setting the stage for scaring.

Mandia urges visitors to arrive slightly before 6 p.m., when they will be treated to a "flash mob" performance of Michael Jackson's Thriller. The idea for this dance came from teacher Diana Kelly, who organized the practices for the dancers. It takes about 12 to 15 minutes to tour the Industrial Accident Dead Zone, and the trip is led by a tour guide.  The "house" includes live actors, special effects and intricate sets.

Don’t leave the little ones at home. There is a craft and activities area for the younger visitors. Though the wee ones enjoying the area don’t require a ticket, this is a fundraiser for the Academy’s new campus, and small donations for the small fries craft area are appreciated. This area also includes a Halloween-themed children's movie, face painting, crafts and treats.

There is food available for purchase, such as popcorn (donated by The Movie Tavern in Collegeville), hot dogs, hot chocolate, soft pretzels, apples and baked goods, including delicious cupcakes (donated by Iced by Betsy).  Also available are RA Haunted House tattoos and glow sticks.

All proceeds benefit Renaissance Academy's new campus, which will be located in Franklin Commons.

If You Go:

When: Friday, Oct. 21 and Saturday, Oct. 22; doors open at 6 p.m. and the last ticket will be sold at 9 p.m.

Where: , 400 Franklin Ave., Phoenixville

Cost: Tickets are $10 at the door or you can purchase them in advance for $8 at Renaissance Academy, 40 Pine Crest St. in Phoenixville, between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Friday.