UTEP’s Department of Theater and Dance, in collaboration with theater students from Stephen F. Austin High School hosted “Shakespeare’s Asylum,” a theatrical haunted house that runs until Nov. 1.  

The show acts as a traditional haunted house employing an entertaining twist of theatrical aspects.  

The event combines several works of the English dramatist William Shakespeare mashed together in one performance, while keeping the audience moving throughout the haunted house to experience fear and laughter in the same night.  

“We wanted to create a haunted house, but a theatrical haunted house, something that was more than just ‘Boo!’” said Jay Stratton, UTEP theater assistant professor.  

Actors from both UTEP and Austin High School performed in the production, also providing both sets of actors the chance to network.  

For many of the high school students, this was their first time working in a production like this. 

“I would gladly do it again. It was a great opportunity to work with college students … When I’m performing, I feel as if I have all the power in the world,” said Alicia Chiu, Austin student and actress in the production.  

This unique collaboration and script took more than six months to plan and has been impressing both Shakespeare and haunted house fans.  

“It was a fantastic use of the Shakespeare text, the way that they made it, turning comedy shows into horror, and they connect the stories of Macbeth to Hamlet to Twelfth Night. It just mixes so well,” said audience member and UTEP senior Larissa Reyes Arzate. 

The show starts outside of the steps of the high school and takes the attendees through the tour inside the school. 

“I believe (the audience) enjoyed it very much. …. I heard vocal reactions throughout the show, which has been happening each show. That means we’re doing something right,” said haunted house actor Joseph Fernandez, a UTEP student.  

Shakespeare’s Asylum will continue throughout the rest of the month of October with the last show at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1. 

Gallery • 10 Photos

Daniel Rey Perez

Austin HS actress gazes at the passing audience at the Shakespeare's Asylum show.

Daniel Rey Perez may be reached at [email protected]