Seminar Speaker Bios
Scott Bibus, FrightpropsMastering the Art of Scare: Programming and Using Prop Controllers
Scott has been working in the haunt industry for 20 years, beginning as a sculptor and mold maker and gradually learning about more technological subjects like pneumatics, controllers and more. As a person who started with no technical knowledge, Scott is passionate about educating others and sharing the know-how he has absorbed over the past two decades.
Stevie Calabrase, Realm of Terror and 60 to Escape
FX/Haunt Makeup 101: Essentials for Terrifying Transformations
Stevie Calabrese is a Chicago-based special effects makeup artist with a decade of experience creating nightmare-fueling looks for haunted attractions, live events, and television. A featured contestant on Season 9 of Syfy’s Face Off, Stevie became known for her imaginative creature work and technical precision. She serves as Makeup Department Manager at The Realm of Terror Haunted House, applying her expertise in creature design and horror effects to captivate audiences. Stevie also co-owns 60 to Escape with her husband, where she designs custom puzzles and props to create immersive escape room experiences.
Franco Grisi, Skullkrane
Reviving the Frights: Electrical and Mechanical Fixes for Animatronic Props
Franco is the owner and operator of Skullkrane, the leading developer and producer of aftermarket seasonal animatronic parts and repair kits. With the slogan “Bring your Halloween back to life!”, Skullkrane has been helping customers find the parts they need to restore their animatronics since 2017. With a postsecondary degree in Automotive Technology as well as GM Electric Vehicle certifications, Franco brings to the table an unrivaled suite of knowledge when it comes to diagnosing and servicing mechanisms and electronics found in as large as an EV or to as small as an animatronic. Franco has been servicing animatronics since the age of 9, documenting his work by starting a YouTube channel, Skullkrane Entertainment, that to date has over seven thousand subscribers. A proud member of the Chicago Haunt Builders, Franco is eager to share his expertise with those who join him in becoming the next animatronic technician of tomorrow.
Allen Hopps, Dark Hour Haunted House/Stiltbeast Studios
Haunt Like a Pro: 21 Tips to Transform Your Home Haunt into a Halloween Masterpiece
Scream School: Elevating Haunted House Performances to New Horrors
With 38 years of professional haunting experience, Allen Hopps is a driving force in the haunted attraction industry. As the Creative Director of Dark Hour Haunted House in Plano, Texas—one of the most high-end, story-driven haunts in the country—Allen leads a team known for innovation, intensity, and theatrical flair. He also runs Stiltbeast Studios, a production company and YouTube channel (150K+ subscribers) that’s become a go-to resource for haunters worldwide. Allen is more than a haunt builder—he’s a haunt educator. His high-energy teaching style, real-world experience, and practical techniques have helped thousands of haunters level up their designs, performances, and overall guest experience. Whether you’re decorating your driveway or managing a mega haunt, his tips deliver results. Come ready to take notes, get inspired, and push your haunting to the next level.
Boston Petit, Outerworlds
Beyond the Shadows: Mastering Immersive Haunt Design for the Ultimate Fright
Boston has been a themed attraction nomad since they joined the industry in 2016. With a distinct focus in technical systems and lighting design, they are pioneering a new wave of immersion through tech. Boston currently operates as an independent contractor traveling the country always looking to gather more skills and sharpen old ones. From creative construction, to action packed light shows; They create larger than life experiences with a core focus on world building and immersion.
Teddy Summers, Outerworlds/Dark Hour Haunted House
Building Worlds with Brushstrokes and Spray Bottles: Scenic Finishing Essentials
Teddy is a Visual and Scenic Designer / Artist hailing from the mid south. They have been fortunate enough to place fingerprints on many themed attractions across the country, including Dark Hour Haunted House / Escape, Sea World, Busch Gardens, Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights, and many more. Teddy is now traversing the country with a mission to advance the industry of themed attractions. Their goal is to infuse every attraction with a captivating, theme park quality experience that leaves a lasting impression.
Ryan Visingard, Woods of Terror
From Shadows to Spotlight: An Artist’s Journey Through the Haunted House Industry
Ryan has 34 years in entertainment and the Haunted attractions industry.
Brian Warner, Evilusions
Using Life Casting to Build Chilling Props
Brian Warner is the owner of Evilusions; an entertainment manufacturing company located in North East Ohio. Since 2005 he, as Evilusions has been building haunted attractions, sets, props, animatronics, and escape rooms. Brian does mold making, life casting, CAD designs and drawings, machining and metal fabrication, as well as CNC manufacturing.
Alex Woday, HellsGate Haunted House/Zombie Army Productions
Bringing Your Haunted House Icon to Life: Character Creation & Queue Line Entertainment
Alex is a leading actor at Zombie Army Productions in Lockport, IL. Starting at Statesville Haunted Prison in 2016 until it closed its gates in 2021, Alex created a persona otherwise known as “Sharky”, and through hard work, passion, and drive, has created a unique experience and name for herself in the haunted attraction community. She is one of the many entertainers/line actors, but also helps manage and maintain the front of house when needed, becoming the Assistant Front of House Manager at Statesville, presently still helping when needed at HellsGate.
