Feargazm

Feargazm is downtown’s answer to the Soap Factory’s Haunted Basement. Held at the Gay 90’s (enter on 4^th st), they have sectioned off some rooms and created a haunted house. They tickets are staggered by time so you can grab a drink while you wait your turn. In the interest of full disclosure, I received free tickets on thier opening night, although they are usually $ 25.
Like the Soap Factory, it’s 18+, you sign a waiver, and the actors can, and do, touch you. They space you about 5 minutes apart from other groups, tell you the safe word (Mexico) and send you in. The scary parts were pretty solid. They didn’t have the distinct themes that you can find in the Soap Factory, and it wasn’t quite so artistic, but that in no way prevents them from delivering a solid performance. Granted, it was opening night, but the actors were clearly having fun with it, and the more fun they were having, the more fun you were having.
Our group was deliberatly seperated, and I was the first one out. My experience lasted approximately 12 minutes. While this does seem a little short, I know they advertised about 20 minutes, so hopefully they can make some adjustments with a little practice.
You walk out to a (different) bar making it ideal to grab a drink and discuss your experience with your friends.
The obvious con to this place is the somewhat steep price of $ 25, and if you’re considering dollar for dollar, the Soap Factory is the way to go. That being said, there are other considerations that might tempt you.
1. Since you end in the Gay 90’s, the ticket price essentially elliminates the $ 5 cover for the bar if you want to stick around
2. If you are 21+ you get an opening shot after you’ve signed your waiver
3. Regardless of how you spend you’re night before/​after, you’re downtown, so it would be really easy to craft a fun evening around your haunted house experience.
In conclusion, if you’re a fan of haunted houses, then this one is a decent addition to the choices already out there. Hopefully the actors will remain as enthusastic throughout the season (though there is no reason to believe that they won’t) and will continue to deliver a fun experience.
For more information they have a facebook page —