On a darkening, chilly October night, your guide instructs you to hold on tightly to the rope as you traverse the trail ahead. Your heart pounds loudly as another volunteer smirks and wishes you a cheeky “good luck.” You duck into the first tent, submitting yourself to the scares that lie ahead. You glance back at the other worried walkers in your group, unaware of the horrors that lie ahead on the haunted trail.
Nightmare on Stone Street, formerly known as Nightmare on Clove Road, is in its third year of operation as a Center for Student Involvement product after two years located on the trail behind Hawks’ Crossing. Forced to relocate after fallen trees blocked the path used in past years creating a safety issue, the Center for Student Involvement (CSI) was forced to adapt to its new circumstances. Instead of a haunted hiking trail on Clove Road, it utilized the path behind Stone Hall, resulting in a short but sweet thrill-packed experience.
A line for Nightmare on Stone Street wraps around Richardson Hall. Rob Ferguson | The Montclarion
CSI volunteers for a photo before the grand opening on Nightmare on Stone Street. Jordan Reed | The Montclarion
Sophomore business administration major Ava Reed is a second-year scare actor with Nightmare on Clove Road/Stone Street. Jordan Reed | The Montclarion
Ava Reed, a sophomore business administration major, is in her second year as a scare actor for CSI as a part of Nightmare on Stone Street.
“You pick it up very fast,” Reed explained. “Be loud, get in their face, and they’re scared… [my favorite part] is when they fall because that means I scared them well.”
Within every scare actor is a fundamental love of horror and the feeling of being scared, Reed explained.
“I’m loud, so that’s how I knew I’d be good,” Reed said. “I like being scared and I like the thrill of horror, so I’m able to give that opportunity to others.”
Three costumed friends pose for a photo at Nightmare on Stone Street. Jordan Reed | The Montclarion
An animatronic skeleton and other decorations adorn the entrance to the haunted trail walk. Jordan Reed | The Montclarion
Tents of fortune readers line the street at Nightmare on Stone Street. Jordan Reed | The Montclarion
