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Return to the 13th Door - The Last Time

It was almost over a year ago that I first stepped into what I consider the greatest Haunted House in Portland. The people behind the 13th Door took their job of scaring their attendees so seriously, I never once felt like my entrance fee was misplaced. Without a doubt, the 20 minutes I spent wandering from one shadowy scare to another was the best time I'd had being frightened in a good long time. As such, I could not wait to talk to Raymond Latocki, co-founder of Haunting Productions as to what he and the 13th Door crew had planned for the 2006 season. My heart became saddened when I learned that after the 2006 season, the 13th Door would close its doors forever; at least at their current location. I had a chance to sit-down with Raymond. We discussed all things horrific and what fans can expect from the 13th Door this year.

As I pulled up to the parking lot, the familiar 13th Door Hearse greeted me...

Raymond pulled up to greet me in his beat-up Jeep; never in a million years would I think I was shaking the hand of a man who took extreme pleasure in scaring the beejebees out of people. Well, that is not entirely true. My conversations with Raymond revealed him a person who enjoyed entertaining people and giving folks their monies worth. Just so happens that he makes his money... Scaring the beejebees out of people!

With little hesitation, Raymond let me through the volunteer entrance of the abandoned theater. Although he claims this was simply easier than going around to the offices, I think he wished to put me on edge before we started talking. (Which worked, mind you, as the place was completely dark and I felt myself trying desperately to stay within arms reach of Raymond). Within minutes, we were ascending the stairs into the room that acted as both office and prep room for the 13th Door. Part accounting office, part theatre greenroom and part abattoir, the backroom of this haunted house was everything one would expect from a business that makes its money frightening people. As soon as we sat down, I had to ask him the question that had me most concerned:

Aaron: So, is this year it for the 13th Door Do I need to get all my scares in this year?

Raymond: The short answer is yes. Well, at least for this incarnation of the 13th Door. Washington Square has decided to tear the building down to make room for a new, well, I don't know, a new something.

Aaron: TGIApplebees

Raymond: Yes, something like that. So yes, this is the last year for the 13th Door in Washington Square. As for the haunting in general, well, we are currently looking for a new facility we can use as location as well as start our new concept, Glowing Greens.

Aaron: The new indoor miniature golf course I read about on your site?

Raymond: Yup, it is taking off all over the East Coast and Mid-West. We plan on being the biggest in the Northwest. But, as for the haunting business. Well, my family and I simply love the haunting business and it has been very good to us. I can say that when the 13th Door returns, it will be like nothing that has been before... (Raymond did tell me the plans. However, I've been sworn to secrecy and pretty sure had a hex cast on me as well that prevents me from talking. Plus, I just wouldn't want to ruin the surprise - AD).

Aaron: Okay, so if this is it, are you guys simply throwing caution to the wind?

Raymond: Heh, well, the attraction, as it has always been, is completely safe. But, if you mean are we going to hold back this year? Oh, hell no. We rate the 13th Door at PG-13 and this year we really mean it. This is it. We are going to give you your monies worth. If you don't leave this year’s event completely terrified, then there is something wrong with you. Now, if you have very small kids, I would first suggest you not bring them, we are an intense event. However, if you still insist on bringing your 8-year-old, we will go a little easier on you... But, not by much.

Aaron: Although most kids can take this stuff, even the more intense moments.

Raymond: Oh sure, I see the video games they play and the movies they watch. It’s funny; most of the younger attendees really get into the spirit. They love to be scared because, more so than adults, they seem to understand this is all make believe and don't get all wrapped up in "is this good for the children" crap we hear about all the time. True story, I get more phone calls from parents who call me after attending the attraction complaining that I FRIGHTENED their kids!

Aaron: And the problem is...?

Raymond: Exactly! I tell them, "look, your kids paid to be entertained and scared... Did you go online; did you read about this site, did you read the dozens of reviews we received that all said the same thing?" Each and every time that tell me, "Well, no."

Aaron: What do you say?

Raymond: Nothing. I don't really need to from then on. They tend to give up. The greatest part? Those kids usually come back with their parents the same year.

Aaron: Excellent. Speaking of family, pretty much all of your family is involved in the 13th Door. Correct?

Raymond: Absolutely, we all have fun doing this... Although, this is the first year Haunting Productions are able to pay them. Normally, they just do it because dad tells them to! My daughter is the head of the make-up department and she has a full time crew working for her. Now, the make-up people do not get paid, but, they do receive some excellent hands on training.

Aaron: I bet. For those who have never been (and shame on you), none of the make-up effects at the 13th Door can be bought at any Spooksville or Halloween supply shop.

Raymond: Nope, my daughter is a professionally trained effects make-up artist and the people she is teaching have top-notch talent.

Aaron: Which brings me another question: With this being the final year at this location, did you put more money into the facility, meaning and did you hire more actors that are professional?

Raymond: You bet we did, although, we probably would have anyway. We have become more and more successful with each season. But yes, making this the final year in the haunted theater did give us cause to pull out all the stops. We have a lot more effects scattered throughout the event and put technology to even greater use. As far as paid actors go, not really. We tried to hire some, but, we found the schedules dictated by a haunted house made it difficult to hire actors for every night. I think you will find that to be the case with most haunted house attractions. You may get a handful of paid "talent", but, most come from extremely dedicated volunteers. (Raymond also went all to tell me about a new effect. However, I do not wish to spoil anything for fans. Let me just state, William Castle would be proud - AD).

Aaron: Most of whom I remember from last year had a freakish amount of energy. I will never forget the guy who, literally, swung from one hospital bed to another.

Raymond: Yeah, we actually told him to tone it down this year. don't get me wrong, his energy was incredible, but, as I said before. We are a safe environment and don't want to take the risk. However, you are correct. The volunteers we get to work as "active" haunters is extremely impressive. Interestingly, the actors who give the greatest scares are often the most skittish. As they know, what scares them and so, they channel that into their characters.

Aaron: Are you in a strong competition with the other haunting attractions in the area, or, do you all realize you are in the same boat together?

Raymond: Well, there is only so much money to go around, but for the most part, we tend to stick together. In fact, tonight I have a crew from Scream at the Beach coming in for a tour...

Aaron: You just gonna’ pounce on them?

Raymond: Oh, hell yes, there will be no mercy with that crew! We try to stay in contact with each other, mainly to make sure no one copies the other person’s concept.

Aaron: Speaking of which, this is another year where the concept of the 13th Door is a lab / Asylum gone bad.

Raymond: Yes and no. Yes, the location is the same. However, we like to think that this year is simply a continuation of the story. See that is where I believe our event is different from all the others. Yes, we are trying to scare you. However, I think we can accomplish our task better if we help you to become involved with the story. So yeah, people who came last year are going to recognize some elements, but, they will also notice that things have gotten worse. Whereas the really F’d up stuff happened in the final 70% of the event last year, this year, we hit you about half-way through. And, during the entire trip through our house, you will see where things have gone horribly wrong. For those who remember the "experiment room" from last year... Well, it has increased in size, happens about the middle this time, and...and... Well, let’s just say that things went very bad.

Aaron: Damn, I can't even imagine. I remember going though last year and hearing some friends, many of whom would consider themselves rather stalwart, asking me "please tell me this is over soon." And, it wasn't from boredom.

Raymond: I love hearing that! I like to follow some groups and stick to the shadows. There is nothing better then hearing someone say repeatedly. "Okay, after this turn, this has got to be over...ARGH! Okay, after THIS turn it will all be over!" Only to have a prop or actor make them jump. Also, I want to ad, before we continue. That while the house it littered with twists and turns, we are ADA compliant... I'll be honest, it won't be easy for someone in a chair to get through, but, it is possible.

Aaron: Does the theater itself add to the event.

Raymond: Oh sure. I am, by nature, a skeptical person. However, I'd be lying if I said that strange things happen in this building for no reason. The old Washington Square Theater has long been considered haunted by locals and we even have the Pacific Paranormal Research Socitey conduct tours during the day in October. Many a night I've heard our motion sensor devices go off for no reason at all. So, I am still not fully convinced, but, I know many people who are... That and the family dog still will only go into the offices.

Aaron: Any special events you want to talk about?

Raymond: We have the birthday night, I can't remember the night now, but check our website. If your birthday is in October, you gain entrance for free that night. October 13th is Armed Forces night. Anyone active in or supported by the military gets in at half-price. On Saturday October 14 we are having the Hearse Rally with the Rain City Hearse Club, which is always an insanely good time. Oh, also, to those who attended early in the season, we switch the event around a bit after October 13. While it isn't 100% new, we do just enough to throw loyal attendees off. Finally, on our final night on October 31, we will give away all the lanyard passes to the final 2,000 attendees and possibly a CD of all our custom mixed music and effects.

(It should be noted that during this entire interview, Raymond was playing their custom soundtrack in the background. The best way to describe it would be a hellish trip through a Warner Bros. cartoon gone horribly wrong. This means, of course, that I want a copy).

Aaron: Last question. What would you say to those who think the $15.00 price tag for one event is a bit steep?

Raymond: Well, I would ask them to think about how quickly they go through each of the "mini-houses" the other haunters in the area showcase. There is nothing wrong with style of haunting. However, I would rather mix a few themes into one massive haunt event. Yes, we cost as much as some of the events that feature 2 or 3 houses. However, we only have one line to enter and it takes, on average, 15 - 20 minutes to finish going through the 13th Door... That is assuming you get out at all!

Aaron: Raymond, thank you again. I had a fantastic time last year as did all my friends. I for one cannot wait to pass through the blood-spattered halls one last time!

Raymond: Anytime.

The 13th Door is located in Washington Square Mall Old (Regal) Haunted Theater

Right Dead Next to Bank of America - 503.730.4579 - Call for times or check their website at: www.haunting productions.com