Creepshow: The History of Fear

If you are still looking for something to do for Halloween, dare I suggest, an option drenched in both antiquity and blood?

“Creep show is unique amongst haunted houses in that you will travel through a history of what frightened people when,” said Gwen Perkins, the curator of Creepshow.

Creepshow is conveniently located at the Washington History Museum just across the street. You won’t have to venture far for your first All Hallows’ Eve scare, unless you’re the type to jaywalk in a sticky Batman mask, humorously obscuring your peripherals. At which point, you’re a walking accident.

“There is a bit of a historical sense to it, although some things are universally frightening,” said Perkins.

The haunted house takes a historical time line approach in lieu of the traditional haunted house, and who better to tell it than the Washington History Museum.

The haunted house’s aesthetic can be attributed to the special effects artist, Marcel Banks and a handful of volunteers working under his creative vision. He also worked on the last Chronicles of Riddick movie.

You may actually recognize Marcel, a Tacoma native, from the reality show on SyFy called, “Face Off.”

“It’s kind of like ‘Survivor’ for special effects,” said Perkins.

“It’s been really interesting watching him come in here and take really simple materials and transform them magically into… well actually into something quite disturbing,” said Perkins, chuckling whilst staring at one of Banks’ grotesque masterpieces.

All proceeds go to the museum’s field trip program, which services about 20,000 kids a year. Bring in a “good” progress report to MAT 103 to receive a free ticket. While this is the first year the museum has hosted a haunted house, depending on how well it does, this could certainly be a recurring event for years to come.

Creep Show will be available from October 25, 26, 27 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets are $7 for UWT students.

For more info, Creepshowtacoma.com