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Dear Readers,
With Halloween right around the corner, SevenVenues is kicking off the festivities with a theatre-themed, interactive Halloween booklet! We’ve rounded up some spooky games, yummy recipes, do-it-yourself Halloween costumes and legendary ghost stories so you and your family can make this October 31 even more special. No matter how you choose to celebrate this year, the SevenVenues Halloween booklet is guaranteed to get you into the spirit.
While we are eager for events to return soon, we hope these activities remind you of how much the theatre has to offer. We will keep you updated on our reopening plans as soon as we know more.
Until then, please enjoy this activity booklet. We wish you a very Happy Halloween!
Sincerely,
The SevenVenues Marketing Team
TABLE OF CONTENTS 03 ghost stories 07 DIY BROADWAY HALLOWEEN COSTuMES 18 yummy treats 21 halloween traditions 25 Games and activities 3
Halloween wouldn’t be complete without a good, old-fashioned ghost story. We’ve collected some of the best stories about haunted theatres from around the world for your enjoyment. From haunted dressing rooms to prankster ghosts, there is a story for everyone. Read them aloud with your friends, or alone... if you dare!
Wells Theatre Norfolk, VA (est. 1913) When people think of Norfolk, Virginia, visions of Navy sailors usually come to mind, but no one would have expected to find a local mariner roaming the halls of the historic Wells Theatre decades after his death. Rumor has it that ever since losing his life working backstage, a sailor by the name of Ned has been known to haunt the halls. Since the Wells Theatre was originally rigged like a ship, Ned was hired as a fly man as he could operate pulley systems. eH was responsible for setting up scenery by raising and lowering suspended sets during performances. Since his passing, actors and stagehands have often heard a man whistling at odd hours and have seen sandbags move on their own. Those who claim to have seen Ned say he has large arms and always dons a newsboy hat.
To learn more about Ned and the Wells Theatre, visit vastage.org. 4 The Belasco Theatre New York, NY (est. 1907) Another one of Broadway’s famous ghosts makes his home at the Belasco Theatre in New York City, which makes perfect sense as it is believed to be the spirit of onetime owner, Broadway impresa- rio David Belasco. Once known as the Bishop of Broadway for his habit of wearing a priestly cas- sock, Belasco has been frequently sighted in the balcony during rehearsals wearing the same garb. He has even been known to interact with the actors after the show.
To learn more about David Belasco and the Belasco Theatre, visit Curbed New York.
The Richard Rodgers Theatre New York, NY (est. 1925) Currently home to Broadway’s smash hit, Hamilton, the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York City is a Broadway favorite, even for ghosts. There have been multiple sightings over the years of redheaded ghosts, simply referred to as the Redheads. Experiences include restroom stall doors opening on their own, strange sounds in dressing rooms and items spontaneously falling off shelves. Actress Blanca Camacho even noted reappearing red lipstick smudges in the ladies’ room that have been removed but inevitably return. Was it the work of the Red- heads or something else?
To learn more about the Redheads and the Richard Rogers Theatre, visit LightsUpOnStage.com. Bangor Opera House Bangor, ME (est. 1920) If you’re a fan of Stephen King’s hit novel IT, then you may know that the town of Derry is based on Bangor, Maine. In addition to being the backdrop for the fictional clown Pennywise, it is also home to the ornate 19th century Bangor Opera House, which has its own chilling history. In 1914, a fire that started in a boiler just under the wooden floor of the auditorium near the front of the building destroyed the venue, and took the lives of two local firemen. After six years, the Bangor Opera House reopened and it eventually evolved into the Penobscot Theater, which stands to this day. Upon the venue’s reopening, a mysterious dark figure was frequently sighted in a storage area, the same area where the former balcony was located. It is rumored to be the ghost of one of the fallen firemen.
To learn more about this ghost and the Bangor Opera House, visit WABI.tv. The Springer Opera House Columbia, GA (est. 1871) In the 1800s, Edwin Booth was a well-known celebrity in Columbus, Georgia, as well as a regular on the Springer Opera House stage. Edwin also happened to be the brother of John Wilkes Booth, the man who assassinated Abraham Lincoln. Shortly after Edwin’s passing, several staff and crew members spotted a ghost with a wiry beard and rumpled tweed suit. This ghost would make his presence known by playing tricks with the wardrobe and set pieces. Many believe this supernatural presence to be that of Edwin Booth attempting to relive his glory days on the stage.
To learn more about Edwin Booth and the Springer Opera House, visit ExploreSouthernHistory.com.
New Amsterdam Theatre New York, NY (est. 1903) While The Walt Disney Company may own the New Amsterdam Theatre in New York City, they The Palais Garnier share the space with the most active ghost on Paris, FR (est. 1861) Broadway - a former Ziegfeld Follies chorus girl named Olive Thomas. The New Amsterdam In the late 1800s, the Palais Garnier Opera House in Paris, Theatre was home to the celebrated Ziegfeld France was home to a series of inexplicable events. Follies, and where Olive spent most of her time. Rumors quickly spread of a ghost seen roaming the After her untimely death in 1920, Olive has been halls, however, these stories were dismissed as superstitions. seen wearing a white sash and carrying a pill It wasn’t until a deadly accident in 1896 involving a fallen chandelier did staff and patrons begin to believe the bottle. Not one to shy away from attention, Olive rumors. In 1910, an author by the name of Gaston Leroux is known to play practical jokes on actors and was inspired by these events and wrote the novel The crews, including sneaking up on overnight secu- Phantom of the Opera, which was later adapted into a rity guards and knocking over objects blockbuster musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber. during meetings.
To learn more about the origins of the Phantom and The To learn more about Olive Thomas and the New Palais Garnier Opera House, visit DailyTelegraph.com. Amsterdam Theatre, visit Playbill.com. 66 Theatre Royal Drury Lane London, England (est. 1812) While many performers welcome the traditional good luck wish of “break a leg”, the actors at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London, England claim the appearance of a ghost known as The Man in Gray has brought them the best fortune. Regarded by ghost hunters and fans of the supernatural to be the world’s most haunted theatre, the Man in Gray is equally regarded as The Theatre Royal Drury Lane’s most famous ghost. Performers and stagehands say you will recognize the Man in Gray by his riding boots, powdered wig and tricorn hat.
To learn more about the Man in Gray and Theatre Royal Drury Lane, visit the Dark Tales blog.
Saint James Theatre Wellington, NZ (est. 1928) The St. James Theatre in Wellington, New Zealand is famous for its rich history of showing silent films, however, Yuri, a Russian acrobat who supposedly perished during a performance at the St. James, has garnered almost as much fame for his paranormal activities. Stagehands say Yuri is best known for his practical jokes, specifically for turning the lights back on after the theatre has been locked up for the night. Yuri has also been credited with saving the life of a theatre projectionist on two occasions.
To learn more about Yuri and the St. James Theatre, visit HauntedAuckland.com.
Adelphi Theatre London, England (rebuilt 1930) The Adelphi Theatre in London, England boasts a blue plaque by the stage door honoring the late William Terriss, an actor who met his ill-timed end outside the theatre in 1897. Since the time of his death, an apparition of a tall and distinguished- looking man who resembles William has been seen roving the halls. Performers claim to have even heard him knocking on their dressing room doors.
To learn more about William Terriss and the Adelphi Theatre, visit HuntingdonDramaClub.org.uk. 7
We’ve curated a selection of do-it-yourself, Broadway inspired Halloween costumes that are inexpensive, creative, fun and made from many items you already own. So whether you plan in advance or wait until the last minute, the next few pages are full of costume inspiration! 88 99 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Celebrate Halloween with these easy, crowd-pleasing recipes. No tricks, no hassle – just delicious treats!
Banana Ghosts and Clementine Pumpkins Courtesy of Ms Fussy Eater
INGREDIENTS • 4 clementines • 4 small pieces of celery • 4 bananas • 8 chocolate chips
INSTRUCTIONS 1. Peel the clementine’s but leave them whole. Stick the piece of celery into the middle. 2. Peel the bananas and cut them in half. Push the chocolate chips into the bananas to make eyes. 3. Serve immediately. 19 Mummy Dogs Courtesy of Homemade Interest
INGREDIENTS • 6 hot dogs • 1 package crescent roll dough • Candy eyes • Ketchup or mustard, if desired
INSTRUCTIONS 1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. 2. Open your crescent roll package and unroll the dough. Press on the perforations to seal them together. 3. Cut the dough into 1/4 inch strips. 4. Wrap the pieces of dough around each hot dog creating bandages by stretching the dough slightly and letting it overlap and criss-cross. You don’t completely cover the hot dog, leave gaps so it looks like a mummy peeking out from its bandages. 5. Place each wrapped hot dog on a baking sheet and then bake for 10-12 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and hot dogs are warmed through. 6. Remove from the oven and place a small dot of ketchup or mustard on the back of your candy eyes and add 2 to each mummy dog.
Monster Mouths Courtesy of The Leaf
INGREDIENTS • 1 medium apple, sliced 1/4 inch thick and set in pairs • 2 tbsp. peanut butter • 4 tbsp. of any type of nut (almond, macadamia, cashew, etc)
INSTRUCTIONS 1. Put about a 1/2 teaspoon or so of peanut butter on one side of each apple slice. 2. Put a row of the nuts across one apple slice. 3. Top with remaining apple slice, peanut butter side down, to make smiling mouth. 4. Repeat with the other slices. 20
INGREDIENTS • 9 cups Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Cereal • 9 tbsp. Butter (We use Salted, Sweet Cream Butter) • 9 cups Mini Marshmallows • Green, black, and purple food coloring • Candy eyes
INSTRUCTIONS You will need to make three batches of Rice Krispie Treat mixture - one for each of the three Monster Eye colors - Green, Black and Purple.
Directions for a single batch of Monster Eyeballs
1. Melt 3 tbsp. Butter in a medium pan. 2. Add 3 cups of Mini Marshmallows and stir until the marshmallows are completely melted. 3. Take the pan off the heat. 4. Add food coloring and mix. Monster 5. Add 3 cups of Rice Krispie Cereal and mix until they are completely covered with the marshmallow mixture. 6. Allow the Rice Krispie Mixture to cool slightly. 7. Roll small handfuls of mixture into a ball. 8. Allow Rice Krispie Bites to cool. Eyeballs 9. Repeat for the other two Monster Eye colors. Courtesy of Two Sisters Crafting 21
Halloween is rooted in ancient religious festivals and traditions, and is one of the world’s oldest holidays. Many countries that celebrate Halloween, and the Christian holy days following October 31, still embrace customs that honor their ancestors and deceased loved ones. In other parts of the globe, the more secular traditions of costume parties and trick-or-treating are gaining in popularity. Read on to learn more about Halloween traditions from around the world!
Dia De Los Muertos: Mexico Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a national holiday that occurs every November 1-2 in Mexico. This two-day festival celebrates and pays homage to deceased family members. Although trick-or-treating is becoming more popular, Dia de los Muertos is not the same as Halloween and differs in its roots and traditions. Towns host parades and parties, and participants wear costumes, bright colorful makeup and make offerings to loved ones who have passed away. Treats such as pan de muertos (bread of the dead) and calaveras de azucar (sugar skulls) can be be found throughout the country during this festive period. While this holiday is primarily identified with Mexico, Dia de los Muertos is celebrated throughout Latin America. 22
Chuseok: Korea While Halloween in the traditional sense is not celebrated in Korea, Chuseok (which translates to “Autumn Eve”) is a major harvest festival and a three- day national holiday. Throughout the day, Koreans visit the former residences of their ancestors and host feasts featuring traditional Korean dishes. They also visit the tombs of their forefathers to weed and clean the surrounding areas as a sign of respect. Some rituals of Chuseok are similar to those of Halloween, however, many of the traditions can also be compared to the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States.
Songpyeon, a Korean Samhain: Ireland & Scotland food traditionally eaten Ireland and Scotland celebrate Halloween during Chuseok. with bonfires, games and traditional foods like barmbrack, an Irish fruitcake that contains coins, buttons and rings for fortune-telling. If you pull a ring from the cake, it signifies marriage, while coins predict wealth in the upcoming year.
The Hungry Ghost Festival: China From mid-August to mid-September, the people of Hong Kong and China celebrate the Hungry Ghost Festival, also known as the Chinese Halloween. In several parts of East Asia, people believe that spirits become restless around this time of year and begin to roam the world. Families prepare food offerings of meat, fruits and sweets for their ancestors to use in the afterlife, and to appease the evil spirits walking among them. They believe these offerings will prevent the spirits from becoming hungry or angry. Other rituals include burning joss paper (ghost money) to ensure the spirit of the deceased has good things in the afterlife. 23
Tutti Morti: Italy In Italy, October 31 is known as All Hallows’ Eve - the evening preceding the Christian holy days of All Saints’ Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2). On the Italian island of Sardinia, this period is a religious affair where people remember late loved ones by carving pumpkins. The locals call them “Concas de Mortu,” which means “heads of the dead.”
Balloons: Australia Australia is relatively new to celebrating Halloween, only starting in the last decade or so. In addition to costume parties and other more Western traditions, on the night of Halloween, Australian households tie balloons to their mailboxes, front porches, and fence posts to signal that they have candy available and are ready for trick-or-treaters.
Dracula Celebrations: Romania People from around the world flock to celebrate Halloween at Bran Castle, a modern-day tourist attraction in Transylvania, which is often referred to as Dracula’s castle. Bram Stoker’s fictional character of Dracula is named after Vlad III, better known as Vlad the Impaler, who was the Prince of Wallachia, the southern region of what is now modern-day Romania. While Bran Castle was never the residence of Vlad III, visitors can’t get enough of the myth, intrigue and magic this national monument and landmark offers. 24
Trick-or-Treating: United States Early American colonists and mid-19th century immigrants escaping the Irish Potato Famine helped popularize Halloween in the United States. By continuing their Celtic traditions of honoring the deceased on All Souls’ Day with sweets, bonfires and masquerades, Halloween rituals and customs eventually evolved into what we now know as trick-or-treating. The holiday continues to grow in popularity
and, according to Forbes, Halloween spending in the United States in 2019 was forecasted to reach $8.8 billion making October 31 one of the most lucrative holidays for retailers.
Sources: MentalFloss.com Amp.BusinesssInsider.com BusinessInsider.com Wikipedia.org Todamateria.com Vamped.org 25
From hidden bats to silly rhymes, we have Halloween games covered in these next few pages. Play them alone or with a friend, and don’t be afraid to be creative!
My Best Friend Is A Ghost
This might sound ______, but my ______(ADJECTIVE) (ADJECTIVE)
friend is a ghost. We met in ______grade at school while (NUMBER)
they were ______the ______. (VERB ENDING IN “ING”) (ROOM AT SCHOOL)
Their name is ______and they were ______(PROPER NOUN) (NUMBER)
years old when they died. No one can ______(VERB)
my friend but me. They have ______hair and (COLOR)
are ______, and their clothes are (ADVERB) (ADJECTIVE)
______. Having an invisible friend is ______, (ADJECTIVE) (ADJECTIVE)
but they always win at ______and seek. (VERB) via WooJr.com
Click the “Download” link below for a printable version of this booklet. 26 Click the “Download” link below for a printable version of this booklet. Night of the Dancing Dead
Did you know there’s going to be a ______at the ______(NOUN) (ADJECTIVE)
School for Zombies? There will be a DJ ______(VERB ENDING IN “ING”) (ADJECTIVE)
songs to ______to. Popular zombie dances include The ______(VERB) (BODY PART)
______and The ______. The school gym is decorated with (VERB) (VERB)
______and ______heads. In (ADJECTIVE) (BODY PARTS; PLURAL) (COLOR) (ANIMAL) between songs, there are treats like ______(COLOR) (BEVERAGE)
and ______. (ADJECTIVE) (BODY PARTS; PLURAL) via WooJr.com
The Haunted House on My Street
There is a house on my ______that (NOUN) is ______haunted. It’s the old (ADVERB) ______place that’s been ______(LAST NAME) (ADJECTIVE) for ______years. I can tell the house is (NUMBER) ______because there are ______(ADJECTIVE) (PLURAL NOUN) and ______( outside, and (ADJECTIVE) (PLURAL NOUN) it smells like old ______. I heard that a (FOOD) kid named ______inside (FIRST NAME) (VERB -ED) and never ______back out. My friends (VERB -ED) and I are ______to ______past (EMOTION) (VERB) the house because it’s so ______. (ADJECTIVE) via WooJr.com 27 Click the “Download” link below for a printable version of this booklet. We hope you enjoyed this activity book. For all the latest show infomation, please visit SevenVenues.com or follow us on social - we can’t wait to see you again soon!
Click the “Download” link below for a printable version of this booklet.