This fall, while COVID-19 has led to the cancellation of many popular haunts and the scaling back or outright mothballing of most spooky seasonal events around the Central Florida area, the Halloween spirit has persevered in a swamp in Kissimmee.
Starting this fall Scream n’ Stream brings to life two events— a socially-distanced horror drive-through production, as well as a family friendly candy-fueled trick or treat experience. Organizers set out to save spooky season in a region best known for its popular theme park events, help find work for many whose livelihoods are tied to them, and help the community at large by raising funds for Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Participants will be free to experience the fictional terror that lurks on the grounds of the Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures, safely isolated in their own personal vehicles from the real life horrors we’ve sought to escape these last seven months.
We spoke to Production Manager and Frequent Worrier, Chris Louis, about A Night at the Die In, Drive Boo Trick R Treat, and his approach to bringing the spooky during terrifying times.
No Proscenium (NP): Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?
Chris Louis (CL): While studying hospitality in Orlando, I was selected to be a part of the production management team for Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights. I served as stage manager at HHN (and other events) for 4 years and got my BS in Hospitality Management from UCF. After Universal, I was a Director at PSAV, doing audio-visual work for Disney events. Some years later, I started my own audio-visual company.
NP: Tell us about Scream n’ Stream.
CL: Scream n’ Steam is a socially-distanced Halloween event happening select nights from Sept 25-Oct 31. There are two drive-thru Experiences, plus other socially-distanced experiences, like the Fog Queen meet n’ greet.
NP: What inspired you to start Scream n’ Stream?
CL: I love Central Florida, and I love Halloween. I hate what’s happened to both as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. I wanted there to be an experience where we could have as much of the traditional Halloween event experience with whatever modifications were needed to keep our participants and our team safe.
NP: How are you adapting the haunt experience in the age of social distancing?
CL: We knew up front that we couldn’t have a traditional haunted house where performers interact with you in tight claustrophobic spaces. We’ve moved the entire experience outdoors, and we’re keeping guests in their cars. Performers will act out the entire experience along the side of the road while guests observe from their vehicles. All of our precautions help keep both performers and participants safe from respiratory transmission.
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NP: Given the unique format, do you feel anything is lost in translating the experience to the drive through format? And what do you think is gained.
CL: Of course, the intimacy is lost. That’s a natural side effect of the Coronavirus pandemic, and it’s understandably not possible or desirable to be in tight enclosed spaces together now. But it allowed us to get creative and draft an experience that leans into the format, revolving around an “abandoned drive-in movie.” The circumstances allowed us to create an environment within the claustrophobic environment of a car that immerses you and really feels like you’re really a part of the experience.
NP: Tell us about the venue and how it’s incorporated into the experience.
CL: The show is mounted in this beautiful, unused campground and RV park. It has 1.25 miles of road, and the electricity/water every 100 feet. It’s also covered in large, old, moss-covered trees. It’s a beautifully creepy spot to do a drive-thru Halloween event like this.
NP: What has the response to experience been so far?
CL: We’ve been doing “Freak Peeks,” while we’re under construction. Thrill Geek told us that the “attention to detail is amazing.” Everyone has really loved the concept and story, and they’re all excited to see the finished product.
NP: Portions of your proceeds are going to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Tell us about that organization and why you chose to support them.
CL: It was important to us that we give back to the Central Florida community, which has given so much to us and has been hit especially hard by the public health and economic crisis. One in 6 Central Floridians struggle with hunger, and the crises have only exacerbated these problems, so Second Harvest was a natural place to give back.
NP: Who is the ideal participant for your experience and what do you hope visitors will take away from the experience?
CL: Families of all ages will love the Trick or Treat Drive. We’re recommending our nighttime scary haunt, Night at the Die-In, for anyone who loves being scared, ages 13 and up, though there is no formal restriction. Parental discretion is advised. We hope visitors feels like they got as close to Halloween as they reasonably could while staying safe.
NP: Is there anything else you’d like readers to know?
CL: It was really important to us that we help get Central Floridian entertainment and hospitality professionals back to work. With the exception of three scenic interns and one show writer intern, all of our contractors (performers, operators, coordinators, artists, carpenters, and AV techs) are in paid positions here with us.
Scream n’ Stream runs select dates from September 25 — October 31, 2020 in Kissimmee, FL. Tickets are $32–110.
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