Face Your Fears: A Haunting Interview!
By Noah Wullkotte
Today we interview Matt Holbrook who is one of the masterminds behind the Springfield, Ohio haunt Face Your Fears Hotel of Terror. You’ll learn some interesting things about this spooky haunt.
Have you experienced anything paranormal while working at the haunt?
On several occasions while working at the haunt late at night, numerous people have heard someone whistling a tune even while being the only one in the haunt. A few people have also had something brush their ear or the back of their neck only to turn around and find no one there.
What makes Face Your Fears so different from other haunts in the area?
I think what makes us different is that we’re located in a four story structure built in 1858. It’s not some warehouse. So you get a more realistic experience at our attraction from both inside and out.
What would you say is the most popular scene at the haunt?
It would be easy to say that the 40ft Spinning Tunnel or elevator is the scariest. But if you’re looking for the biggest scare it probably comes out of the basement. Although I think one of our new scenes this season will make a run for that honor.
When do you guys start working on the haunt to get it ready for the Halloween season?
It would probably be easier to say when we don’t work on the haunt. We really only take November through February off. Although things really pick up after Transworld and MHC a little.
Do you do any research to make the haunt resemble an old hotel?
We are always looking up old photos and trying to buy or build things from that time period.
What are some new things people can expect for the 2015 season?
For 2015 Face Your Fears will feature six all new scenes, a redesigned outdoor experience, and even more actors.
Face Your Fears has one of the most beautiful facades we’ve seen at a haunt. What goes into making it so spooky?
We’ve spent a lot of time this off-season adding even more detail to areas already rich with it. This is in an attempt to fully immerse our customers in the experience. It’s the second you turn off the road and make that half mile drive back to the haunt. You don’t hear any cars and you don’t see any buildings. You’re ours now.
From there we make a conscious effort to try to use real reclaimed materials. Where others might use vacuform panels, We use real aged lumber, concrete and plaster. From there it’s all sound and lighting.
What’s the number one thing you would change about the haunt?
The one draw back to using a building like ours is that you’re kind of stuck with rooms that are a certain size. You can’t really build onto the haunt itself without moving outside which is what we’ve done.
What is your most cherished memory of Halloween?
I’d have to say that all the Halloween seasons since we’ve done the haunt. It’s been a great way to get the family together and meet lots of new people.
Tell us a little about the staff that makes Face Your Fears Possible.
The staff all the way from the owner Fred Messaros and the actors to the build crew make it successful. It’s a family business and I think that’s a big part of it.
We would like to thank Matt Holbrook for taking the time to answer our questions. You can get info such as dates, times, price and more at www.faceyourfearshaunt.com.