The spooky season is officially here and all over Essex, Vermont people are preparing for the season. Whether it be creepy costumes, cute costumes, Jack-O-Lanterns, or even just some of the seasonal sweet treats, everyone has their way of having fun at this time of the year! One thing that some of the more mature audiences might enjoy is Nightmare Vermont.
Nightmare Vermont has been scaring Vermonters since 2004. Equipped with stage combat, special effects, and original theatrical works. Every year is something different and truly special. They are committed to supporting local charities and have donated $32,000 to upkeep the Grandstand at the Champlain Valley Exposition.
Sam Zisk, an actor, technician, and core team member has been involved with Nightmare Vermont for five years. He speaks highly of the experience and how welcoming the community is.
“I’ve made lifelong friends here, and it’s the highlight of my year,” Zisk said. “No matter your weirdness, they’ll be gladly accepted and showcased, along with everyone else’s.”
A first-year haunter also speaks in high regard of Nightmare Vermont, stating, “Everything I’ve done has been a lot of fun. They’ve also been accommodating to my crazy schedule which is a bonus.”
Other volunteers, like Natalia Bastante, have felt the change that comes with being involved.
“To say it’s changed my life is an understatement,” Bastante said. “Nightmare, and the lovely people within it, and the skills and lessons to be learned from such a scrappy form of theater are utterly invaluable to me. Horror is such a fun genre to play around in ⎼ yes it’s about fear, but it’s also about engaging with fear in a safe, controlled, and consensual way.”
Nightmare Vermont has something for every level of hauntee or haunter! There are roles where you can jump out at people, technical roles working behind the scenes, special hauntee roles for the thrill seeker, or a Monster Wards for those who wish to only view the story.
Shaunie Farmer is a 5th year volunteer and a 3rd year core team member.
“Nightmare is a fantastical thing that I will forever love,” Farmer said. “I truly believe there is a place for everyone, whether you like scaring or are scared yourself.”
“The opportunity to volunteer with Nightmare Vermont came when I first moved to Vermont and it has been a marvelous and lovely community to be in and grow in,” Farmer said. “Nightmare helps me to build skills and relationships that will carry me forward in life. I used Nightmare this year as a healing community while on mental health leave from work, and I can’t imagine a better group to do this with.”
Nightmare is still looking for volunteers to help out in multiple areas of the shows. The roles range from outdoor actors to extras to front-of-house roles. If you or someone you know is interested, go to https://nightmarevermont.org/ for more information. There’s a place for every type of volunteer no matter the experience level.
“Being with this wonderful group helps me flex all my creative skills – acting, prop making, sound design, and leadership,” Zisk said.
If you’re just interested in going to see the show, the dates are October 17-19 and 24-26. Tickets can be purchased here.
“We build Nightmare every year not just because we love doing it, but because we know other people love what we’re doing,” Bastante said. “I think the slogan from Monsters Inc. sums us up best – we scare because we care.”
