A haunted attraction may operate for only part of the year, but the work behind it never really stops.
Corey Stephens and Matt Berg of Abandoned Haunted House Complex know that better than most. In this episode of Beyond the Limelight, they trace their paths from early haunted houses and home-built effects to a large-scale Wisconsin destination designed around detail, story, and relentless reinvention.
Both entered the industry when professional haunted attractions looked very different. Early shows often relied on black walls, basic fog, simple animatronics, and the energy of local volunteers. Corey gained experience around attractions including Mars and Burial Chamber. Matt’s interest began with family Halloween projects and a high school haunt before he worked his way into set building and design.
Their paths eventually converged around a bigger idea. Opening Abandoned Haunted House Complex required more than adding another attraction to the market. It meant leaving familiar careers, taking financial risk, finding the right property, and committing to build the experience properly rather than opening a half-finished show.
That commitment can be seen in the details. The team wants guests to feel as though they are moving through an adventure, not a series of unrelated dark rooms. Sets change in height, texture, scale, and environment. Lighting, haze, snow, air effects, scenery, and actors work together to communicate where the guest is and what might happen next.
Story is especially important. A strong transition helps visitors understand why they are entering the next scene. An actor can turn a visual effect into a moment of interaction. A laser tunnel or atmospheric cue becomes more memorable when it belongs to the world rather than existing only as a trick.
The operation behind those scenes is just as demanding. Actors must be hired and trained. Every effect has to be ready before opening night. Foggers need fluid, technical systems need testing, and the team has to anticipate how thousands of guests will move through the property.
Planning happens years in advance. Corey and Matt keep a multiyear list of changes, then continue adding ideas while the current season is running. The attraction is calmest only after every opening-night detail has been addressed. Once the season ends, the next cycle begins.
That long view helps the team adapt when circumstances change. Timed ticketing, health measures, and altered operations may begin as a response to a specific challenge, but every change becomes a chance to evaluate what improves the guest and employee experience.
Abandoned Haunted House Complex is built on a simple principle: never treat the audience’s attention as guaranteed. Earn it through preparation, originality, and care.
The scare lasts a moment. The systems, storytelling, and teamwork behind it take all year.
Watch the Episode:
Learn more about Abandoned Haunted House: https://abandonedhauntedhouse.com/
