Live Shots: Behold the horrors of ‘Terror Vault: Fatal Abduction’

What are you afraid of? The dark? Menacing ghouls? Loss of bodily autonomy? Climate change?

Terror Vault: Fatal Abduction at the Old Mint offers all of those and more. In this year’s alien-themed spooky season adventure, guests become “recruits” in the Project Emerald City mission and spend an hour as part of the fully immersive experience (problems to solve, stairs to climb, slides that spirit you away, lots of dark). Starting almost a year ago, Joshua Grannell aka Peaches Christ conceptualized and wrote the plot like a movie he visualized. Grannell, David Flower and a top notch creative team bring Grannell’s vision to life to shock, scare, and delight.

As in previous years, the attention to detail is phenomenal. Multiple sets—offices, future landscapes, laboratories, a professor’s office, “family” home—are all incredibly well designed. (Props to the prop designers, set builders, and decorators Ric Ray, Melanie Shapiro, and Allie Labs.) Lighting by Jason Henricks and soundscapes by Heather Dunham engulf us in the overall experience.

A highlight of the show this year is the time machine crafted by carpenter Brandon Johnson, who also serves as a front of house team member (many Terror Vault folks are involved in more than one aspect of the show).

Cast member Helena Levin loves that Terror Vault “challenges her ability to shift a performance to fit the audience.” Terror Vault actors see a parade of groups each night. With three-minute scenes, a short break and another group, Levin notes that actors need to be able to “read a room” and change a performance based on the audience. Levin finds Terror Vault a unique acting experience she can’t get elsewhere. The same intimacy is true for the audience—we are not just close to the stage, but on the stage. In fact, some VIP members are pulled away from the larger group for “special” instructions.

Folsom Street Fair fans will appreciate a few scenes crafted just for them. Participants of a certain age might recognize a nod to Land of the Lost. Go with strangers and make new friends, or get a group of 10 friends together. Nothing like screams to create a trauma bond!

Before and after your entry time, partake in the FangBang Vampire bar and cabaret which accentuates the tone of the evening with themed cocktails. The Blood Moon Sangria comes in a plasma bag which makes it handy for tucking into your top and sipping throughout the performance. Fun social media photo ops are also available.

The VIP package includes an opt-in glow necklace for added participation, access to a pre and post experience show at Justin Cooter’s Road House. Indulge with caution—dark spaces, stairs, fog machines, and other surprises can be disorienting. Black lights abound, so wear white for maximum effect! —Patty Riek