York College’s Haunted House Returns to Beard Hall for Its Fifth Frightening Year
It’s that time of year again—when screams echo through the halls of Beard Hall and York College students line up for a good scare.
The Division of Student Life and Success, along with a spirited group of students, is bringing the Haunted House back on Saturday, October 25, for what has quickly become one of campus’s most anticipated fall traditions.
What started five years ago as a simple idea from a “Coffee with a Cop” conversation between Campus Safety and Student Activities has grown into a full-scale production that fills two floors of the long-closed Beard Hall. Each year, dozens of students help design, build, and act in the Haunted House—transforming the abandoned dorm into a chilling maze of creative horror.
“We actually start thinking of ideas for the next year almost as soon as the current one ends,” said Lora Snyder, Administrative Assistant for Student Activities and Orientation, who has been involved since the beginning. “Planning can take months. I start making props and decorations over the summer using recycled materials, and we encourage students to do the same. It’s amazing to see what they come up with.”
One of those inventive students is Emerson Erb, a horror artist, costume designer, and prop maker who has won Best Costume in past years. For her, the Haunted House is the ultimate creative outlet.
“I love the haunted house because it combines all my passions and hobbies,” Erb said. “It’s been the greatest outlet for my ideas.”
Erb spends months crafting her elaborate looks, often drawing inspiration from folklore or horror media.
“Planning my room and costume usually starts with finding a piece of folklore or media as inspiration for my character,” she explained. “I flesh out the design, make a costume schematic, and research how to make all the parts with the least expensive materials possible. After that, it’s the long process of fabrication, which usually takes a few months between my job and classes.”
This year, she’s keeping the details under wraps—but hinted that her new creation will be deeply unsettling.
“I keep my costume both anonymous and a surprise,” she said. “But what I will tell you is that there will be no absence of the uncanny valley and teeth.”
While there’s no single theme, students take inspiration from favorite movies, shows, and creepy stories. Past years have featured everything from a haunted Wizard of Oz to Five Nights at Freddy’s. The only rule? “The goal is to scare the crap out of everyone,” Snyder joked.
The Haunted House is open exclusively to York College students (and the occasional brave staff member). It’s become such a hit that it’s now mentioned during New Spartan Days and Orientation as one of the campus’s standout traditions.
And for those who put their all into the fright fest, there’s a reward waiting: trophies for Best Costume, Best Room, Best Actor, and Best Actress; each custom-engraved with each winner’s name.
“The students got so into it that last year we even had to add more trophies,” Snyder said. “This year, I’m doing something totally new for them.”
Erb encourages every student to get involved, whether it’s building, acting, or just braving the scares.
“Students should take part in the Haunted House for the very simple reason that it is extremely fun,” she said. “There are many roles to fill, so most folks will be able to find something that interests them. At the very least, facing your fears and showing up to support all of us who worked on it makes us feel appreciated for the work we’ve done.”
Whether you’re ready to scream or just want to see your classmates’ creative side, this year’s Haunted House promises to be another unforgettable night in Beard Hall.
Date: Saturday, October 25
Location: Beard Hall (first and second floors)
Who’s invited: YCP students (and fearless faculty and staff!)
Dare to enter… if you can handle it.
