We asked her how she works.
I studied Special Effects at the Art Institute.
What apps, software, or tools cant you live without?
I use Google Docs for everything.
Project plans, scheduling, budget and hours tracking, shopping lists, etc.
They have made sourcing SO MUCH EASIER!
UPS probably has no idea how much weird stuff theyve delivered to my door.
Whats your workspace setup like?
No two days give me the same view.
I also have a home office and workshop space that get much use during our creative phase.
How does your work vary over the course of a year?
People always ask me, what do you do for the rest of the year?
with no idea of just how much work it takes to create new attractions every year.
We completely revise and renovate about 10,000 square feet of our attraction every year.
Whats your best time-saving shortcut or life hack?
I know its antiquated but Im a total pen and paper kind of girl.
Im all about the post-its.
I can put them exactly where I need to see them, and they come in so many colors!
Whats your favorite to-do list manager?
I keep everything Google based.
Very little is as satisfying to me as crossing off to-dos.
What everyday thing are you better at than everyone else?
Its quite amusing for everyone involved.
What do you listen to while you work?
We keep a big Bluetooth speaker in the common area and we take turns choosing the music.
Also show tunes!Hamilton,Les Mis,Phantom,In the Heights…
The list goes on.
But I usually give a shot to save that for when Im working alone.
What are you currently reading, or whats something youd recommend?
The Night Circusis a current favorite and was actually a huge influencer for one of our attractions this year.
As well asThe Devil in the White City.
Im mostly into fantasy or books about monsters.
Well assume the obvious Harry Potter, LOTR, Rice and King.
But Phillip Pullman, Tamora Pierce and Laurel K. Hamilton are definitely high on my would recommend list.
How do you recharge?
What do you do when you want to forget about work?
Scary movies, obviously!
We give a shot to watch a different one nearly every night.
Im actually watchingSilence of the Lambsas I write this!
We love to travel when we have the time, which is often tricky.
I also have a very needy Jack Russel named Wesley.
He knows very many tricks but only does them when HE decides it absolutely necessary.
He is also a master of disguise.
Whats your favorite side project?
I love to make things.
Im always working on something, whether its a handmade gift or an art project.
Whats your sleep routine like?
Are you a night owl or early riser?
I have a real hard time shutting it down at the end of the day.
And therefore mornings can be pretty rough.
And a very tolerant boyfriend.
Most of my team works the same way.
We keep soft start times during build season because of this.
And nothing ever happens before coffee.
Fill in the blank: Id love to see _________ answer these same questions.
[Ghost Huntersinvestigator] Amy Bruni
Whats the best advice youve ever received?
If the answer is not Hell Yes then it has to be No.
You have to be, if you value your sanity.
Is there anything else youd like to add that might be interesting to readers and fans?
There are still so many misconceptions about modern haunted attractions like ScareHouse.
I think many people think its just kids in rubber masks hiding behind black plastic.
But theres often a tremendous amount of work and creativity on display in your local haunted house.
These haunts arent just for kids.
Theyre for anyone who wants a good old-fashioned scare on Halloween!
This interview has been lightly edited for clarity.
Have someone you want to see featured, or questions you think we should ask?
