THE HOUSE THAT IS BIGGER THAN ITS SELF
The 2023 season is the first full season I have been with the Duluth Haunted Ship. I have lead a team of artists, builders, and technicians to complete the largest refurbishment the Haunted Ship has ever seen. This included taking out half of our haunt, then rebuilding it with a brand new story, areas, rooms, and designs.
IT ALL STARTED WITH A STORY
"On October 5th, 1896, the children in the mansion were going about their normal lives. While dusting the shelves of the library, one of the children pushed too hard on a shelf, revealing a secret entrance. This entrance is to the basement, where they were sternly told by the Guardians not to go into. They were always told that there is great evil down there. Being curious children, they decided to investigate. Everyone gathered around and they started their adventure into the unknown, only knowing about a possible evil. After winding their way through the storage room, they discovered a room of seemingly endless arches. While trekking through the arches the children came across something dark, and evil. Everyone ran not knowing what it was, scared for their lives. They made it back to the library where they found the Guardians. The children told the Guardians what they saw, and at that point the Guardians knew exactly what it was. The children were then told that this entity is the spirit of a child named Elizabeth who used to live in the mansion. Elizabeth was kept and murdered in the archways, where her soul still resides with unfinished business. As soon as the Guardians finished the story, a storm emerged out of nowhere. The rain sounded as if it was attacking the roof. Wind could be heard rushing around the house. Thunder was felt shaking the floor. That’s when a tree crashed onto the roof, the mansion felt as if it had came alive. The grandfather clock stopped ticking. At that moment everyone in the house vanished into thin air, leaving their souls stuck in the house. These very souls still haunt the mansion to this day, thinking they are still alive. No one has been able to find the mansion, as it has seemingly disappeared."
THE PARLOR AND LIBRARY
The first area of the mansion is the Parlor which leads into the Library. It is here that setting, tone, and aesthetic is set for the rest of the area.
BLUE SKY
At first, we were given an unlimited budget to present our best proposals for what the parlor should look like. Since this is the first room you will see in the mansion, I wanted to make sure the Parlor creates an overwhelming sensation that makes you realize that you are inside a mansion. This here is a 3D rendering creating in sketch that conveys the idea of what I would like to do.
Original 3D rendering of the Parlor, done in SketchUp
After receiving the budget, it was clear that we would have to downscale the size and amount of materials that would be going into the parlor. With this in mind, I designed the room to be tall, reaching up to 15 feet at the tallest point, making you feel small. The cupola that I designed creates that added height without needing to take up the extra space, as well as a great spot for potential lighting effects.
Quick concept sketch of the new Parlor, done with graphite
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Original concept for the cupola of the Parlor
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CONSTRUCTION
While overseeing the construction process, I managed artists, carpenters, materials, scope, and budget. I personally completed the scenic painting and aging, lighting, audio, and in house designed props.
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PROPS
Props play a key role in selling the story of an attraction. I collected props that are similar or from the setting that our story takes place in. Budget was a big factor into what props we could get, so I had to get creative. I spent a lot of time scouring online marketplaces, local flea markets, thrift stores, and garage sales to find the perfect props. Since a lot of the props looks as if they were fresh out of the factory, I had to add faux finishes and lots of aging.
When I first saw this, I knew I needed it for the Library. This prop originally had a brand new bronze look to it when I brought it back to our shop, so I added multiple layers of aging to get it down to the aged look I envisioned. After, I added a faux patina finish.
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One of many candle sticks, this was a find I was able to acquire at a local thrift store. They were already substantially aged, but I went ahead and added a stain wash in order to bring it an appropriate age for our setting. After, I added a faux patina finish .
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This statue I found at was found at a local thrift store. When I brought it back to the shop, I coated it with a flat white, then added a faux marble finish. Once that dried, I aged it with multiple layers of stain washes. Since this prop will be seen in low light, I exaggerated some of the colors in order to be seen in the set.
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I was able to source the entire collection of the North Western Reporter series for free. This hard covered book visually fit my creative vision of the library flawlessly. Once acquired, I experimented with different aging techniques. After I found a technique that worked best for the material, I directed my team with the aging process of the books.
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THE FINISHED PRODUCTFinally as we are approaching the opening day, we are putting the finishing touches on the haunt. The parlor isn't fully complete yet, but here are some images of the room.
The finished cupola
The exit into the basement area from the Library
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The finished Library
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REVIEWS
Here are a few reviews after our first few days of being open. These reviews each specifically pertain to a project I had a direct impact on.
A section of the ship resembling a haunted mansion is apt to compare favorably to the tepidly received live-action film based on Disney's iconic attraction. The detail work is particularly impressive in a library where, despite the abundance of reading material, you may not wish to linger. In addition to enthusiastic ghouls and questionable smells, this year's Haunted Ship boasts particularly impressive sound design. Within the ship's hold, the air is thick with portentous music, the screams of your fellow guests, and a veritable symphony of slavering from the attraction's well-trained cast. - Duluth News Tribune’s Jay Gabler
The full article from the Duluth News Tribune - https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/lifestyle/arts-and-entertainment/2023s-haunted-ship-has-a-pilothouse-murder-scene-a-sinking-submarine-and-a-library-of-dread