Don’t Be Afraid to Make an Entrance: A behind-the-scenes look at Two River Theater’s Halloween Balls

Katie Benson knows how to make an entrance...

Or better yet, the Production team at Two River Theater know how to build one for me. For three years TRT has hosted a annual Halloween Ball, giving me the yearly opportunity to design the entrance to the theater.

As the creative mastermind behind these grand entrances, I’ve had the privilege of turning our theater into an otherworldly experience for three unforgettable nights. Here’s a peek behind the curtain at the magic and mayhem involved in bringing these eerie portals to life.

Halloween Ball I: Vaudeville 

Our inaugural Halloween Ball embraced the golden age of vaudeville, albeit with a ghostly twist. Imagine stepping into the past, where the spirits of vaudeville performers still roam the stage. To set the scene, we designed an entrance that was nothing short of show-stopping—a massive vaudeville dummy’s head with a gaping mouth that served as the gateway. As guests approached, the eyes of the dummy seemed to follow them, adding an extra layer of creepiness. 

The production team did a phenomenal job bringing this macabre vision to life. The face is made from sculpted foam, intricately detailed with unsettling features of the character. Each crease and contour added layers of realism and dread. The end result was a chilling masterpiece that left a lasting impression on all who saw it.

Halloween Ball II: CarnEvil 

Following the success of our haunted vaudeville theme, we ran away to the circus for a CarnEvil, an evil carnival that promised thrills and chills. Enter the Fun House, where freakish chaos and demonic darkness claim the lonely, the strange, and the forgotten… This year’s entrance was a twisted take on the classic circus tent. Towering above the entrance was a gigantic, menacing clown with a sinister grin.

The transformation from concept to reality was astounding, thanks to the tireless efforts of our production team who crafted every unsettling detail to perfection. Did you notice the posters on the circus tent?

For more photos of HB2 check out the coverage from our friends at The Red Bank Pulse.

Halloween Ball III: Mad Scientist 

Ready to enter the secret laboratory of the maddest of mad doctors?

For our third Halloween Ball, we delved into the world of mad scientists and their monstrous creations. Inspired by the classic tale of Frankenstein (and the genius that is Young Frankenstein), I designed an entrance that was as mysterious as it was thrilling—a bookcase with a hidden door. 

To see full coverage of HB3, please check out Red Bank Pulse! 

For an exclusive look behind the scenes of TRT's Halloween Ball, be sure to explore my earlier Halloween Ball posts.

For more Halloween crafting projects, check out previous spooky season posts. 

And be sure to check out my craft kits, paper decorations and digital downloads at  #TableSettingIsMyLife on Esty.