Plano, Texas -- While some are cozying up to their pumpkin spice lattes, fuzzy blankets, and cinnamon scented candles, one unique crew of DFW creatives are working overtime on another kind of fall delight.
The haunted house business has a long and fascinating history that reveals something unique about human nature. At the turning of the seasons, the itch for a good fright calls to many of us.
Perhaps it is the gray misty air of autumn or the way the wind seems to speak in haunting howls. Whatever your reason may be, the urge to push the boundaries of what we are willing to experience is a consistent movement in American Halloween culture. The curiosity of discovering what we feel when faced with the unfaceable can be irresistible. Haunted Houses all over the world attempt to answer that question for us, but often leave us with an empty pocket and a bad memory.
Yet, it is that very curiosity in human nature that has allowed “Dark Hour”, one of DFW’s most popular Haunted Houses, to grow far beyond the average spooky season entertainment. This immersive haunt is not like the carnival haunted house ride we grew up knowing.
Located in Plano, TX, Dark Hour was conceptualized in 2013 at the hands of a home haunt enthusiast; Lucy Moore. Allen Hopps was hired as one of the three creative directors at the time, and ten years later he purchased the haunted attraction with his wife Shannon Hopps.
The motivated duo added their production and education company, Stiltbeast Studios to the establishment. In the wake of the collaboration, Dark Hour grew strong enough to boast state-of-the art production levels.
Dark Hour offers year round seasonal events to watch out for, such as Friday the 13th, Christmas, Valentine's, and St. Patrick's day. Additionally, many education events are hosted by the organization, including but not limited to: stiltwalking, mask making, costuming, and airbrushing.
Co-owner Shannon Hopps says there are tangible reasons why their production has become so successful, reaching the ranks among DFW's most beloved houses of horror.
“The dark attraction industry has not always been seen in a positive light,” she noted. “We are striving for a higher caliber of experience at Dark Hour. We want our guests to come out of Dark Hour being amazed, dazzled, entertained and enthralled. Not necessarily traumatized. That is not the goal. We want them to see the effort that goes into making it an upscale experience through our clean establishment, friendly and professional staff and organization.”
More than cheap thrills, Dark Hour embodies an upscale experience that only becomes possible at the hands of passionate artists and visionaries. Hopps and their twelve full-time employees work year round on the design, providing different storylines and characters each Halloween. Leaning more on “dark fantasy than the standard Texas chainsaw redneck theme” Hopps stated they are constantly creating through prop building, artistic education, and off season events. Their talented team includes builders, artists, costume designers, media (photo/video) and make-up artists.
Building over 80% of their immersive experience with their own hands, Hopps describes the haunt as a “super-sensory environment that is both thrilling and terrifying.”
Each year, actors have the choice to submit their own character designs in tandem with the theme and storyline. Those taking up that option are given a unique and flexible outlet to express their own artistic talents. The haunt otherwise will cast actors as a variety of bone-chilling characters based on criteria like how big they are, how fast they move, and experience.
As well as raising the bar for theatrical performance, Dark Hour has an extremely high standard for safety and professionalism. Though the fright will be real, the threats are not!
“Haunted attractions have earned a reputation for being dangerous or built in a haphazard fashion,” the couple remarked. “Dark Hour is safety focused for both our guests and actors. We want them to see the effort that goes into making it an upscale experience through our clean establishment, friendly and professional staff.”
When questioned about the most rewarding experience, the couple had to express gratitude for their ability to employ some of their “haunters” year round. Some of their employed actors have been performing for the establishment for nearly a decade.
One long-standing employee, 45-year-old Stephen Shuman of Dallas TX, can attest to how invaluable that impact has been on his life. Stephen joined the crew as an actor in 2017 and has returned every Halloween since. For him, haunting with Dark Hour has been more than just a paycheck or commitment. For Stephan and many others like him, Dark Hour has become a safe place for pent up energy and community with like-minded individuals.
“Haunting offers me an opportunity to be as loud and energetic as I can be,” Stephen explained. “As a tall man, I find that virtually everywhere I am whether it be work, a bar, a social setting - they are all asking me to lower my voice and tone down my personality. So, I constantly feel the need to adjust myself on a daily basis just to be accepted in normal situations. At Dark Hour, I can be as loud and energetic as I want. It works like therapy for me.”
The freedom to be as loud as you like might sound especially enticing to many of us, but Stephen goes a step further to say his full days in character at the haunt serve as a much needed break from the rigid confinements of ordinary life.
“The freedom of not having human concerns for six to seven hours at a time is immense," he says. "It is therapy that is also fun and packed with heart-healthy cardio.”
Haunting with Dark Hour offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to connect with a rare community of people.
“It has certainly been a community for me that has transcended the boundaries of the haunt,” Stephen added. “I tend to create bonds with other actors that I have worked really busy nights with, and develop something like the sync that happens with musicians in a band.”
Proving itself professionally, theatrically, and communally, it is no wonder that Dark Hour is on track for growth. Allen and Shannon Hopps have plans for interactive classes, lectures, cocktail events, and their North American Cryptid Museum is opening this fall. They expressed they're always hiring individuals of all genders and ages to come work at their events, with openings from actors to front-of-house staff. Anyone intrigued in getting involved in their once-in-a-lifetime production might just have plenty of opportunity. With their buzzing and building success, Halloween and horror lovers won't want to miss an announcement from Dark Hour!
Opening night for Dark Hour is September 19, with the season running until the beginning of November. The indoors walk-through haunt lasts 20-30 minutes, depending on how terrified you become! Those who are feeling particularly brave this year can even purchase a VIP experience that includes exclusive scare stations and two fast-passed admissions through the haunt. FAQ’s are highlighted for newcomers on their website, as well as tickets, directions, and application forms.
The owners encourage attendees to prepare not only to face their deepest fears, but to be enchanted by a unique storyline, theming, beautiful sets, and top level actors.
“Then,” they continued, “Enjoy our hospitality in our beautiful, clean and air-conditioned facility!”
So, if adrenaline and enchantment sounds like the break from reality you're looking for, don't wait to buy a ticket. Space and days are limited. Bring along a friend for support, pack some water, and get out to Dark Hour this year to experience a one-of-a-kind night of fancy fright!
