Alumni Needs Support To Rekindle Your Fear of the Dark

Eric Striffler, graduate of Eastport South Manor and an active member of the theatre department is looking to frighten huge crowds once again with the second iteration of Nyctophobia. So what is Nyctophobia you might ask? Nyctophobia Haunted House is a brand new Halloween experience that tests the limits of how long you can last alone in the dark. No animatronics, no chainsaws, no cheap scares, and no friends to hold onto. You're on your own.

Last year one of my dreams came true when I was able to open my own haunted house called Nyctophobia; a one-at-a-time experience that forces you to travel through the dark all by yourself. I funded the entire event myself and decided not to charge admission, so I didn't make any money but it was well worth it to see my dream become a reality. I had faith that I would be able to charge admission in 2011 and turn it into an event that can fund itself year after year. Unfortunately I can't afford to pay for it myself again this year, so I need your help to open Nyctophobia to the public this October!

But Eric needs your help! In order for Nyctophobia to happen again, he needs the financial support of all those interested in seeing this masterpiece come to life again. Eric has created a support page over on Kickstarter where he hopes to raise $25,000 to fund the location, supplies and other expenses associated with running your own haunted house. So far, Eric has raised over $7,000 from the contributions of 250 "backers". Whether it's $1 or much more, every little bit helps. 

In addition to being an amazing experience for Eric, Nyctophobia has seen the involvement of a large number of other alumni members and ESM students including Candice DiLavore, Joe Sergio, AJ Lebenns, Ryan Little, Max Fehr and Eric's sister Jillian. The haunted house even saw the involvement of Mr. Minutillo, who starred in a promotional trailer that was featured in Island 16 cinemas in the weeks leading up to the opening.

Eric also created a video documenting the creation of Nyctophobia.  

More information and donation links can be found here. You can also follow the progress and get more information by visiting their Facebook and Twitter pages. 

Update on Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at 7:11PM by John Burke

Eric's ambitious venture was also highlighted by Newsday. Click here to view the article and show your support!