BEHIND THE SCENES OF SCREAMS: What It Is, Why We Do It, and How You Can Help

Recognized by Travel Pulse Magazine as Montana’s top haunted house destination in 2022, Whitehall’s Screams Come True Haunted House is actively prepping for its sixth season. This year, the haunt – held at the Whitehall Community Center (13 N Division) and presented by Whitehall non-profit Gold Junction Presents – will run three weekends (October 17-19, 24-26, and 31).

The haunted house capitalizes on all things scary, all things that creep into your nightmares, and relies on true scares and not just gore (though there is quite a bit of fake blood). From clowns to dolls, butchers to vampires, and the dark and haunting, Screams Come True has something for everyone. Past years have incorporated an outdoor hay maze, onsite photo booth, several escape rooms, and more; the layout is never the same, and the room themes are ever-changing.

“When I started this whole chaos six years ago, it was because I needed a creative outlet. I love Halloween. I love theatre. I love scaring people. And thus, Screams was born. But it’s now much bigger than that, and I want people to understand why we do what we do,” said founder Liz Pullman.

Screams operates under an LLC which, after donating a portion of the proceeds to the Whitehall Community Center (operated by the Whitehall Veterans and American Legion) for the generous use of their building, then donates the remainder of the profits to Gold Junction Presents (GJP). GJP strives to bring art and cultural events to the Whitehall area, with a key mission to restore and save the historic Star Theatre in the heart of Whitehall. The Scream’s cast of 40+ scarers range in age from 6 to 86 and are all volunteers – this is an event put on for the community, with all the profits returned to the community via GJP activities and the Star Theatre revival.

“As the WHS drama teacher and coordinator of community theatre for Gold Junction Presents, this is our biggest production - and it's with the whole community of volunteers.”

Truly a sight to behold, whether in the dark of the night during a guided tour or when the lights are on, and no one is scared, Screams prides itself on the level of detail and ambiance each room embraces. The haunt takes over a month to build, utilizing volunteers of all ages and skill sets. It is the largest theatrical set most individuals will ever participate in. Volunteers can be there from start to finish – from anchoring the first wall and designing a room to creating their character with costumes and stage makeup, learning lighting and sound, and so much more.

“I invite anyone who has any issues with it to come see the level of detail and love that goes into this, with the lights on, of course! There are no upside crosses or disrespect. This is theatre and community and teaching kids how to use tools. This is a place where the adults talk to the kids like they are adults - with respect and encouragement - all while working to save one of our town’s largest assets - the Star Theatre.”

How can you help? Get your ticket today at http://www.screamscometruemt.com. It is highly recommended that you pre-purchase your tickets to avoid the long lines that sometimes exceed two hours for at-the-door sales. Secure your spot and make sure you’re part of the Whitehall buzz in October AND join the efforts to revitalize the Star!!