New Orleans has long welcomed a thriving haunt culture; with fans flocking to haunted attractions to shriek and flee from a chorus of chainsaw creeps and cackling freaks year after year. These ghouls in grease paint and fake blood who populate your local haunted house are your friendly neighborhood haunt actors, some of the most ardent devotees of Halloween. Reanimated for a mere two months out of every year at most, the haunter is a curious creature drawn to the stench of fog juice who gets their kicks stalking darkened hallways, lying in wait for any poor, unsuspecting passerby.
Essentially, my kind of people.
Some of the most prolific purveyors of these macabre theatrics are the fine fiends at NEW ORLEANS NIGHTMARE; self-described as ‘New Orleans’ Ultimate Halloween Event’ for good reason. Tucked away in a quiet corner of the city, far from the prying eyes of polite society, this New Orleans institution plies its trade by providing a symphony of shrieks on select nights throughout September and October. And they take great pride in their work, ever searching for innovative ways to stalk and terrorize an eager clientele.
Spencer Constant has been treading the creaky boards of NEW ORLEANS NIGHTMARE for years and now brings his expertise to a fresh crop of ghouls to populate the haunt. With the 2024 season soon to be exhumed, Constant is excited to tease some tricks, and even a few treats, that this historic haunt has in store for those willing to brave the horror.
Can you describe the history of NEW ORLEANS NIGHTMARE and its roots within the city?
NEW ORLEANS NIGHTMARE lives in the carcass of the legendary ‘House of Shock’. The original attraction was founded by a group of horror-loving enthusiasts, including the frontman of Pantera, Phil Anselmo. The attraction grew so popular that the location had to change a few times to accommodate the fast-growing fan base. Although a big percentage of the attraction has changed since the last year of ‘Shock’ in 2017, true fans can still find original rooms deep inside the attraction from ‘House of Shock’.
When did you start at the haunt? What roles have you played over the years?
I have been with NEW ORLEANS NIGHTMARE since day one. In my first year with the attraction, I was the assistant performance manager. In year two, I took over the performance team. In the years prior, I acted at two other haunted attractions before I found my home here. You may also spot me in some of our promo videos or cameos at other haunted attractions in our company, Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group.
What special flavor do you try to bring each year to the haunt?
I always enjoyed tech growing up. I love to bring new-age technology combined with classic haunted house gags. Each year, you can expect new scares, scenes, and projections that bring this place to life.
What can guests expect to find new and exciting this season?
We have been super busy this off-season! There was a major change to 90 percent of our outdoor portion of the haunted house with a brand new ending. There is also a second secret bar hidden inside the haunted house this year. Look out for those ticket upgrades to get you secret access to both bars inside the attraction.
What is your best experience at the haunt over the years?
You cannot beat the feeling when you get those scares that leave people running out of their shoes. But for me, watching my haunt family grow is an even greater feeling. Every year brings new actors applying and joining our team. The best experience every year is watching my performance staff get their very first scares in the haunted house. I am still creeping within the walls, but reliving my first days scaring through my family is a feeling unlike any other.
Featuring several add-ons besides the haunted house including two 5-minute escape rooms, Phobia (a Dark Room Escape), two secret bars inside the house, a full bar outside, and a stocked merchandise booth, there is nowhere better to get your haunt on than NEW ORLEANS NIGHTMARE.
NEW ORLEANS NIGHTMARE is opening for its 2024 season on Friday, September 13th, and Saturday, September 21st before expanding to regular nights beginning September 27. Learn more and get your tickets now at neworleansnightmare.com.
See y’all in the moonlight!
