York College’s Haunted House Returns to Beard Hall for Its Sixth Frightening Year
It’s that time of year again! A time when screams echo through the halls of Beard Hall and York College students line up for a good scare.
The Division of Student Life and Success is bringing the Haunted House back on Friday, October 30, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., for what has become one of campus’s favorite fall traditions.
What started six years ago has grown into a full-scale production that fills two floors of Beard Hall. Each year, dozens of students help design, build, and act in the Haunted House, transforming the building into a chilling maze of creative horror.
“Every year, the energy and creativity that the students bring to this event just blows me away,” said Lora Snyder, Administrative Assistant for Student Activities and Orientation, who has been involved since the event's inception. “We start brainstorming months in advance, and watching the transformation of Beard Hall from an empty building into a total nightmare realm is easily one of my favorite parts of the job.”
Students can design “haunted” rooms all on their own. The Division of Student Life and Success donates boxes and packaging supplies for students to use when they design and decorate their space.
More students have volunteered this year than ever before, drawing inspiration from horror movies, urban legends, and pop culture to craft individual scare zones. Past years have featured everything from a haunted Wizard of Oz to Five Nights at Freddy’s. Bringing those concepts to life requires thoughtful effort; history major Roger Orlandini ‘28 noted that while the room planning process was manageable, the main challenge was figuring out how to translate an idea on paper into reality.
“We give everyone the freedom to run with their fun ideas,” Snyder added. “The dedication is incredible. People spend weeks crafting props, working on special effects makeup, and rehearsing their scares. Our main goal is simple: make sure everyone walks out with their heart pounding.”
Now, after all the planning and setup, student creators are eager to see their hard work pay off on event night.
For Orlandini, returning to participate this year was an easy decision after taking part in last year's event.
“I am looking forward to seeing the whole thing complete and to see people enjoy their experience,” Orlandini said.
The Haunted House is open exclusively to York College students, alongside brave faculty and staff members. It has earned such a reputation that it is now highlighted during New Spartan Days and Orientation as one of the hallmark events of the fall semester.
To honor the hard work behind the scenes, awards are presented for categories including Best Costume, Best Room, Best Actor, and Best Actress, each featuring custom-engraved trophies.
“The competition for the trophies gets pretty intense in the best way possible,” Snyder said. “It’s a fantastic way to celebrate all the craft, passion, and late nights that go into making this night a success for the entire campus.”
Whether you’re ready to test your courage or support your peers’ creative talents, this year’s event promises another unforgettable night of thrills.
Fright Fest events will be on Main Campus, near the old tennis courts on Saturday, October 31, from 6-10 p.m.
Haunted House Event Details:
- Date: Friday, October 30
- Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
- Location: Beard Hall (First and Second Floors)
- Who’s Invited: YCP students, faculty, and staff
