Halloween attraction offers thrills of a different kind

FOLLANSBEE -- The creative forces behind Striplight Community Theatre and Stage and Steel Productions have teamed to offer Khymira Delirium Theater, a new Halloween attraction that incorporates new technology into the thrills.

Located within the Bluewave Center (formerly Follansbee Middle School), it is open from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. each Friday and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. each Saturday in October.

Amy Balog of Striplight Community Theatre and Ruth Comley and Sam Kiser of Stage and Steel Productions know local spookhouses have been popular attractions for many teens as well as some adults and they appreciate them, too.

But the trio said they wanted to offer something that could be enjoyed by pre-teen youth and their parents while still offering many thrills.

They also don't rule out the possibility that others may enjoy the attraction's assorted interactive activities, which involve virtual reality, video games, role playing and of course theater.

The team recently revealed within the building's former school auditorium (since filled in so it is one flat surface) they have created several Places of Delirium, or "PODs," in which visitors may enter and encounter chills through virtual reality and stereophonic and three-dimensional sound effects, solve logic puzzles as a team, have their photo taken in front of a green screen video effect and play video games designed by the crew.

There also will be video presentations featuring local actors as ghosts, back from the dead to share their ghastly tales; Halloween themed karaoke, a slasher film trivia contest and an opportunity for role playing.

Comley said the activities have been devised with youth 10 and up in mind, but parents are the best judges of the types of thrills their children can handle, and parents should not bring children who require direct supervision.

"We were thinking it would be nice to offer something for kids who are done with trick or treating but not able to drive to the local haunted houses," she said.

The cost is $12 for students and senior citizens and $15 for adults.

Each two-hour session will be limited to 75 visitors to help ensure visitors have adequate time to enjoy the various stations. Reservations aren't required but may be made through www.stageandsteel.com.

It's not the first time the groups have collaborated. The swordplay skills of the crew behind Stage and Steel have been incorporated in various plays presented in Weirton by the Striplight Community Theatre.

And the Khymira Delirium Theater is a fundraiser to support their latest joint endeavor: renovation of the former Follansbee Eagles Lodge on Main Street as a center for entertainment and youth-centered creative programs.

The three look forward to offering dinner theater, an arcade and youth programs involving stagecraft and role playing there.

"We have so many plans once we get that building ready," said Balog, who added the groups welcome volunteers with experience in building trades.

Comley, who is an associate professor at the Pittsburgh Art Institute, said they also offer great learning opportunities for students interested in theater and related fields.

For now, the two groups are enjoying the space available at the Bluewave Center and have made plans for a Christmas murder mystery event while offering space there for themed birthday parties.