MARQUETTE, Mich.—For the first time, Northern Michigan University’s Forest Roberts Theatre is being converted into a Haunted Theatre for the public to enjoy for Halloween.

The full technical resources of the facility—from lighting to props to costumes—are being used in this effort to create “the largest and most terrifyingly fun Halloween experience in the area,” according to Marty Martello of the First Nighters Club. Nearly 100 NMU students and Marquette community members are also involved in the project.

The Haunted Theatre runs Oct. 28-31. A family-friendly version is scheduled from 6-8 each night. Brave souls should plan on attending from 9:30 to midnight Wednesday and Thursday or from 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. The guided tours will start in the lobby. Tickets will be sold at the door; only cash payments will be accepted. There is a family rate of $15 for the early performances. The later shows cost $12 for the general public and $10 for NMU students.  

 “I’ve always wanted to create a complete haunted house,” said Marty Martello, who is directing the effort on behalf of the First Nighters Club. “I’ve been created small scale haunted houses at my home for years, but am delighted to have this opportunity to scare the living daylights out of the community as a whole. The First Nighters Board needed a new fundraiser to replace Scrooge this year and we thought that this would be a great way to utilize our greatest assets: the theater itself and the NMU community. I’ve been amazed at the things that we are able to do in this theater. I think that everyone who ventures through our Haunted Theatre will have a great time.”

For more information, contact the Forest Roberts Theatre box office at 227-2082.