[Stingy Jack]

I've worked in a couple of community haunted houses in the past, and they are LOADS of fun! Here's some ideas that have worked for us before.

1. Rent a Hearse: I don't know if you have the budget for this, but this was THE TOP attraction at any of our haunted houses. People all over town were talking about it. The trail actually went THROUGH the Hearse, and people were creeped out by that alone. But what made it great was the open coffin in the back, with the corpse laid out. People were so paranoid and terrified that the corpse would pop out at them while they were in the Hearse (tight space, nowhere to really run). It was a true hit.

2. Black lighting: This is easy, and produces some cheap thrills. Lead a group of people into a room or hallway that appears normal under regular white light, then switch the lighting to black light when everyone is in. Have the walls decorated with really creepy images and warnings that only show up under the black light. Instant change of atmosphere, and people like to look at how their friends' lips are purple. (shrugs)

3. Claustrophobia: You'll be surprised how many people get really uncomfortable under tight conditions ... even if they say they aren't claustrophobic. The fear is increased immensely by the fact that they are in a haunted house! Try to have plenty of single-file hallways, tiny rooms, and places where groups actually have to get on hands and knees and crawl. Of course, you HAVE to have all sorts of beasties reaching out for them through the walls.

4. Dying group member: This is always fun, and really messes with people. Have an actor ready to go through the house with every group. This actor will appear to be a paying customer, just like everyone else. Of course, at some point in the house, one of your haunts will grab your actor and drag him screaming from the group. If you have any severed limbs as props, they can be put to good use here. The actor is dragged behind the scenes, and the sounds of the horrible murder assult the "surviving" members. Have your killer come back, weilding a bloody arm or leg, looking to pick out his next victim. Nobody will think they're safe after this!

EVerything else I can think of is just standard haunted house stuff, and I'll probably be wasting my breath with it here.