Actor Training, Consulting, and Growth for your Haunt with Rabid Badger Haunt Consulting

RFR Casket Crew’s Rabid Badger is a voice staple to RFR. In addition to being one of the legendary RFR Casket Crew, Badger also runs a successful Haunt Consulting business called RABID BADGER HAUNT CONSULTING.

“Drew Badger and Rabid Badger Haunt Consulting are committed to making your haunted attraction reach its full potential. Whether it’s training actors at some of the nation’s top haunts, laying down voice tracks for your radio and TV commercials, or helping design your new haunt from scratch, let us work with you to ensure you and your actors scare the pants off your customers.”

Now in addition to the consulting he also runs a variety of Actor Training Seminars like those you had seen the the Midwest Haunters Convention in his BOO CAMP seminars. These classes were packed and jamed with Actors and Owners wanted to grow in their technique, style and most of all make their haunt better in character development.

Badger has also worked on a variety of Commercial Spots and offers voice over work with Spooky Voices. So if you are looking to grow your team, crew, actors and haunt, just consult with Rabid Badger Haunt Consulting.

To find out more visit: www.RabidBadger.biz – Tell him you listen to him on Rotting Flesh Radio and you never know what he may drum up in conversation.

CHECK OUT BADGER AT THE 2011 MIDWEST HAUNTERS CONVENTION:

Scarehouse Haunted House Getting you VIP Access for 2011 Season

Recently the ScareHouse Haunted House wrapped up their scare camp with special guest of honor Doug Bradley. It was a huge success and the Scarehouse continues to push the limits in marketing, branding and most of all scaring with their haunted attraction. From having celebrities, to the Ghost Hunters as frequent guests to being featured on television all over, they keep amping it up.

Now as a Haunter, Halloween Enthusiast, or Fright Freak you need to journey and venture to the Scarehouse Attraction this season and right now they have a variety of ways to save if you plan on busing you and all your freaky freak friends to the event as well.

VIP Group Options Let You Get Scared in Style:

The ScareHouse offers special VIP packages for large groups and corporate events. Get access to the exclusive Scare Lounge, RIP Admission straight to the head of the line, Zombie Makeovers for your guests and much more.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE ON VIP PACKAGES

Save up to $3 per Ticket and Get Front of Line Access:

If you have a group of 20 or more people you can save as much as $3 per ticket AND proceed directly to the Express line with this special offer.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE ON GROUP RATES

Don’t miss this chance for your group to experience The ScareHouse: named as one of America’s Scariest Halloween Attractions by Travel Channel, Forbes, AOL, and Haunted Attraction Magazine.

The ScareHouse – “Pittsburgh’s Ultimate Haunted House” – is located just minutes from downtown Pittsburgh in Etna and is open select nights from September 23 though October 30.

CLICK HERE FOR A SCAREHOUSE VIDEO

When Should a Scare-Actor Start Scaring??

by: RFR Casket Crew’s Unknown Scare Actor

How old should a person be when they start scaring? This is a very subjective question.   A lot depends of the child and the parent.

My personal opinion is that a parent should allow this to develop, if the child shows an affinity for haunting.  I probably started scaring people around the age of 7.  The funny thing was, I couldn’t watch a horror movie without having nightmares. However, I had no problem with dressing like a monster, using make up  or masks to sneak up on people, especially my mother, and giving them a fright.

Of course, all of this may very well be contingent on the parents disposition.  Parents that are haunters are probably more inclined to teach and help their children, to the point of having them involved in some way, such as a home haunt.  I don’t feel that haunting should be forced on the child at all, but they can be encouraged.  At what age this should happen, I couldn’t say, it will vary from child to child, but I can tell you this….. I have a 15 year old junior Scare-Actor in training.

Until next time Deadites…Sit Back, Relax and Rot Away…

Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary Gets 2 New Haunts for 2011

Fall is right around the corner, and there are big plans for the upcoming season of Terror Behind the Walls. Rotting Flesh Radio has had the pleasure of attending this event a variety of times and also getting a private behind the scenes tour. (Note the photo taken by RFR from the top of the towers).

As one of the haunt in the industry that continually gets recognition from the Travel Channel, a variety of press, Haunted Attraction Magazine and more, they always are keeping it fresh, scary and fun!

Now for 2011 and the upcoming season they have done it again.

Release: To celebrate 20 years of Terror Behind the Walls, they are launching TWO brand new, state-of-the-art attractions – The Gauntlet and Break Out!

THE GAUNLET
The experience begins with a disorienting maze, as you are ushered through numerous distractions and startles. This massive outdoor puzzle is full of surprises at every turn. As you try to find your own way out, you’ll find unexpected obstacles, objects, and very unfriendly creatures blocking your way to freedom.

BREAK OUT!Just when you think you have found freedom, you find yourself in the middle of a prison break! Inmates surround you using every way imaginable to escape, including barrels, ropes, tunnels, ladders, and crates. You must keep an eye out at every corner, as an inmate may even be using YOU to aid in their attempt to gain freedom.

So get ready haunters, enthusiasts and halloween buffs for an all-new season at Terror Behind The Walls.

www.TerrorBehindTheWalls.com

2011 EASTERN STATE PENN INFORMATION
For 2011, Terror Behind the Walls will run select evenings from September 23rd through November 5th. A full schedule is available on their main website.

Individual tickets go on sale September 20th. If you have a group of 20 or more, you can reserve tickets now by contacting Rosie Lidard at: rl@EasternState.org or (215) 236-5111 x10.

“After Dark VIP Tours” are back by popular demand! Take an hour-long, guided flashlight walking tour of the penitentiary, be escorted to the front of the lines to enter Terror Behind the Walls, and take home a souvenir photo and LED flashlight. These tours are limited to 20 people and are available every night of Terror Behind the Walls. If you have a group of 20, reserve your “After Dark VIP Tour” now by contacting Rosie once again.

Individual VIP tickets will be available beginning September 20th.

An Midwest Haunters Convention Poem by: The Unknown Scare-Actor

by: RFR Casket Crew’s Unknown Scare-Actor

Twas the night before MHC and all through the haunt, not a monster was stirring, no patrons to taunt.

The hotel was decked out, lots of scary stuff to buy masks and props, intestines and eyes.

The vendors were selling, the classes were taught, the animatronics were on demo, the scare tools go “pop” the haunt ball starts, see costumes with zest, as we vote to crown a new “Miss Scary Midwest“, See body art exquisite, dancing and drink, as the evening goes on, no once sleeps a wink,

Sunday is here, the show floor is loud, as pots of coffee are passed through the crowd

As vendors sell out and the show winds down

The last guy out the door is a sad-faced, evil clown

As Barry and Kathy and Kelly bid us good bye

Everyone says goes to Midwest-now I know why.

Southern Haunts: The All-New Interactive Haunt Directory

With the haunt season right around the corner, you have to start thinking about listing your event. in the end, what good is a haunted attraction if you aren’t able to scare anyone?

Many directories out there list your haunt for free and it is a good way to gain awareness of your event. There are also region specific directories as well like Haunted Wisconsin, Haunted Illinois, Haunted R.I., and also many general directories such as HauntedHouse.com. These directories, are useful and helpful in many patrons finding events close to them, and also get reviews from other customers who attended your event.

Now let’s bring directories into a new era, fast forward to 2011 and I think we have the Winner in Southern Haunts.

Southern Haunts is a feature rich haunted house directory for the Southern U.S. region. Our focus is to spotlight haunts in the Southern states and deliver Haunt Industry News. The website is designed for web 2.0 & the next generation of devices such as smart phones and tablets. And as the haunt industry and the internet are evolving, shouldn’t your marketing do the same?

Now What Makes Southern Haunts Different
Free basic listing.

Featured listing highlights:
Magazine style layout with hi-res image of your haunt

Stream live video from inside your haunt to your listing

Links to all of your online social network profiles (facebook, twitter, youtube, flicker, etc)

Your latest youtube video embedded on your listing

Sell tickets to your attraction directly from your listing

Driving directions to your haunt via google maps

All of your contact info easily available to your customers

Syndicated feature article about your haunt to our partners

Now looking at this Deadites, I have to say Rotting Flesh Radio has seen its share of Haunted Attraction over the last five years and it looks like Southern Haunts is going to set the trend and template for future directories to follow.

For more information about their region specific locations and how to get listed visit: www.SouthernHaunts.com

Haunt Fear? Horror Fear? Fear Itself?

by: RFR Casket Crew Unknown Scare Actor

Greetings Deadites.

Have we really become so jaded?  I was sitting here this morning, deep within the recesses of my own dark, twisted mind, and it struck me.   Our society has become numb to a lot of this related to horror, whether they are fictional or real.  Think about it.  40 or so years ago, the movie “Psycho” was considered shocking.  How many of you have watched this movie? 

While the premise can still be considered a bit disturbing, there is really nothing scary about it at all, compared to the genre as we know it now, but I digress.  I am comparing apples to oranges. The level of gore in a horror movie has increased to the point that the most gruesome of mutilations is actually cheered by the audience. As a horror fan myself, I must admit that whenever I see a new and unique way to “dispose” of someone in  horror film, I am intrigued.  The funny thing is, none of these movies scare me.  As of late, only 2 movies I have watched have made the hair on the back of my neck stand up, and neither one of them had any visible gore.

Anyway, the “conditioned” attitude of the horror fan, has given us haunters a daunting task, create an environment that is frightening and believable.  Most haunted attractions achieve this, and scare-actors keep the fear alive. These are just a bit of my musings, in my quest for the “perfect scare”

By the way, if you think you know what 2 movies scared me, drop me a line at: unknownscareactor@rfrpodcast.com, and I’ll give you a shout out on an upcoming “Haunt Fears” segment.

Everyone………..is afraid of something

Continuing Education in Health and Safety for the Haunt Industry

by: RFR Casket Crew Jigsaw Jim

Continuing on with our health and safety theme for the haunt industry, first and foremost it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that ALL of your staff take a First Aid/CPR course through your local Red Cross Chapter and have a current card in their possession. This will probably help lower your insurance costs and give you peace of mind. The minimum that should be taken is Adult CPR with First Aid. The course lasts about 7 hrs and cost around $80. It is money well spent. If you have a “family” attraction then I would recommend an Adult, Child & Infant CPR with First Aid. This course runs around 8 ½ hrs and costs around $80. Again, this is money well spent.  Red Cross teaches classes on an on-going basis and you could probably get a break on the cost if you have a large enough group. Red Cross’s website is: http://www.redcross.org

There are also private providers that are licensed to teach and can be found in the phone book and on the web. If you have any difficulty finding a provider please feel free to contact me and I will put you in touch with someone who is close to your location.

I will be teaching a Health and Safety course for the Haunt Industry at upcoming conventions. Details will be posted soon on the Rotting Flesh Radio website throughout the year to help you expand your Health Haunt Safety and for dates of my classes.

Howl-O-Scream 2010 Takes Sweet Revenge on Devoted Fans

NOTE:To hear last seasons guests on Rotting Flesh Radio, the Howl-O-Scream Event Click Here and Download to Listen

Release:
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay officially kicks off its 11th season of gut-wrenching scares with MORE haunted houses than ever before, ALL-NEW scare zones, Alone – a revolutionary idea in how guests experience haunted attractions – and live concerts each night of the event by the rock stars of horror – Sylvie and her killer band, My X.

For 18 select nights in September and October, Howl-O-Scream 2010 will rock your world with seductive surprises and scares. The devious creatures that infest more haunted houses than ever before, all-new scare zones, thrilling shows and even the streets themselves will have guests watching their backs, and bone-chilling roller coasters keep the screams coming all night long.

Howl-O-Scream is a separate ticketed event, and general admission is $74.95. Savings are available on advance ticket purchases. The event runs every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night beginning Sept. 30. Dates include: Sept. 30-Oct. 2, Oct. 7-9, 14-16, 21-23, 28-30 and Oct. 31. Freaky Preview puts guests in the front row a week early on Sept. 24-25 for discounted rates as low as $29.95 for general admission and $24.95 for Passport members. Operating hours are 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. during Freaky Preview and on Thursday nights and Halloween night. Friday and Saturday hours are 7:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Howl-O-Scream 2010 has more haunted houses than ever before, designed to amp up your deepest, darkest fears…

NEW! Alone… (A personal experience in horror) – The deranged Master Alexander Daedalus opened Minotaur Storage to house his vast collection of “cultural” remains. But now his sinister obsession with hoarding has expanded to stockpiling people. Escape this lunatic’s labyrinth or you will become part of his collection. Can you make it out ALONE?

NEW! MyX: Revenge Rocks – MyX is the hottest underground band in town, and its devoted fans are dying to meet Sylvie and her killer group. After sneaking backstage and discovering the disturbing truth behind the cruel lyrics, the quest to “get in with the band” quickly changes to a life-or-death race to get out.

Some of the most demented houses ever are back by popular demand with some horrible new twists. These returning favorites are sure to terrorize first-time visitors and die-hard fans alike:

Nightshade Toy Factory: Son of Nightshade

Delta Epsilon Delta: Extreme Rush (DEDer)

Deconstruction: The Doctor Is Out of Control

Death Row Vengeance: No Escape

Taste of Blood: A Different Vein

Trapped in the Walls: Ghostchasers

At Howl-O-Scream, even the sidewalks aren’t safe from the things that go bump in the night. Five ALL NEW scare zones and bands of roaming hordes will keep guests watching their backs as they explore 335 acres of fright:

NEW! Xtreme Fanatics – My X’s most devoted and deranged followers call themselves X-treme FANatics. They unite to share their obsessive dedication in hopes of finding new converts and erect a shrine to their beloved Sylvie and her killer band. They will stop at nothing to prove they are the ultimate fans!

NEW! Road Trip – Free-wheeling college students set out on a road trip to see their favorite band, MyX. But when their van breaks down on a deserted road, the stranded students soon discover that the forest surrounding them is filled with half-man, half-beast creatures with a taste for human blood.

NEW! Crazed Love – The bleeding hearts of jilted lovers unite through their stories of heartbreak. From the bride left at the altar to the woman who has been cheated on one too many times, these depressed devotees will go to any length to un-break their hearts and claim revenge. Happy Together doesn’t happen here.

NEW! Spiders and Snakes – A meteor crashed to earth, creating a glowing beacon that lures all things creepy and crawly. Snakes slither and spiders sneak in swarms larger than your nightmares can imagine. Shivers will crawl up and down your spine when you traverse this path infested with some of the most feared creatures on earth.

NEW! Light of Doom – Try to collect your senses as specters of light and shadow blur the line between this world and the next. Here, you will be challenged to wander through a maze of illumination and fog. Eerie apparitions confound and confuse as they try to trick unsuspecting guests “into the light.”

After braving bone-chilling coasters in the dark such as SheiKra, Montu, Gwazi and Kumba, you can catch your breath at these twisted live shows:

NEW! MyX Live – The killer band, My X, will rock all 18 nights of Howl-O-Scream with performances at 10:30 p.m. and midnight every night on the Gwazi Plaza stage.

NEW! Blood Relations – Ready for a bloody good time? In the great hall of Blood Manor, the will of the recently deceased Lady Betty Blood is read for her surviving relatives. This sinister musical is packed with sadistic humor and a family of relatives with more than just skeletons in their closets. Performing nightly at the Desert Grill.

Fiends – Is there a doctor in the house? These captivating creatures of the night will infect you with dance fever and keep your pulse pounding with their deranged dance party. But when Dr. Freakenstein’s naughty nurses start operating, the diagnosis is always “code pink.” Performing nightly at the Stanleyville Theater.

Club X – Grab your entourage and head to the transformed Marrakesh Theater to party like a rock star at Howl-O Scream’s exclusive 21+ dance club. This adults-only nighttime playground keeps the energy pumping all night long with non-stop music, premium signature cocktails, drink specials and exclusive appearances by Howl-O-Scream’s most terrifying stars.

Howl-O-Scream Shop of Horrors – Remember your evening of evil with the perfect Howl-O-Scream souvenir, including Sylvie’s signature jewelry, exclusive MyX concert tees and other Halloween-themed gifts. Then, smile through the pain and snap the perfect party pic with the ΔΕΔ girls at an exclusive photo op that’s not for the faint of heart.

Howl-O-Scream is a separate ticketed night event. No costumes are allowed. For guest information, visit MyXRocks.com or call 1-888-800-5447.

Howl-O-Scream is intended for a mature audience. This year’s event contains intense adult content such as violence, gore and blood.

www.HowlOScream.com

The Rocky Mountain Terror Troupe and Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers Foundation Team Up

So many haunt troupe’s and Haunted Houses get involved with charities ad organizations. And one of those is the Rocky Mountain Terror.

Rocky Mountain Terror has made local history by creating Colorado ’s very first professional haunted house actor troupe. The Rocky Mountain Terror Actor Troupe will be acting at the City of the Dead Haunted House, at the Mile High Marketplace, for 20 nights this season.

Come out and meet Captain Carnage and the rest of the RMT crew at Denver ’s largest and most intense haunted house. Rocky Mountain Terror will be donating a portion of the proceeds from their time at City of the Dead to the Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers Foundation. For more info, please visit: www.RockyMountainTerror.com

Rocky Mountain Terror will also be opening Trick or Terror Haunted House as a Home Haunt this year in Highland Ranch, Co. We will be open October 29th through October 31st. Donations to the Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers Foundation, will be accepted and appreciated. For more info, please visit www.RockyMountainTerror.com. And, for more information about the Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers Foundation, please visit www.rmccf.org