Our story begins, as so many often do, on a dark and stormy night…

The house on the street is haunted. Ghosts hide in crevices, nooks and crannies, biding their time - but are they really as scary as they seem?

Join techno-trouble makers Counterpilot in Scaredy House - a new interactive haunting for young people aged 8-12 and their grown-ups. In this theatrical experiment, we will illuminate our fears, explore anxiety up close, and befriend the ghosts that haunt us every day.

It’s time to flip the haunted house upside down, shed light in our own dim corners, and work together as we muddle our way through this existential twist on a classic tale. You’ve never heard a ghost story quite like this one…

“If you love Wednesday Addams, or A Series of Unfortunate Events, you might just have the kind of twisted instincts that we do. In which case, we don’t just want to make a show for you. We want you to be part of that show...”

- COUNTERPILOT

Artist Talk

Want to know more about the work from the artists? Join us for a free post-show artist talk when you purchase a ticket to the Thursday 27 June 6:30pm performance. The Artist Talk will run for approximately 45 minutes.

Kids Workshop

Step into the magic of Scaredy House and unlock the secrets of theatre magic! Counterpilot will be holding after-show workshops for kids who love to get creative on Saturday 22 and 29 June, 2:30pm. Bookings required.

Important Information & FAQs

Please note: the usual seating bank style seating you may be used to in a theatre will not be used for this performance. The majority of the seating for this show is on large cushions on the floor of the theatre - similar to what you might find in an actual blanket fort. There will be some chairs in the room, and our front of house team will be able to supply additional chairs if needed.

Is this a haunted house?
No – Scaredy House is a theatrical work where a performer will share a story, interact with us, and instruct the audience in interactive elements. There are no performers with roles designed to scare the audience, and the work takes place in one space within the theatre, which is designed to be cosy, not frightening.

What is the space like?
For Scaredy House, the New Benner Theatre is being transformed into an enormous blanket fort, with carpets and cushions on the floor. Guests are invited to sit on cushions around stations which will be used for parts of the experience. For anyone who is unable to sit on the ground or would prefer not to, there is an accessible station with greater height. For any grown-ups who would prefer to watch rather than play along on the floor, there are a few select seats available at the back of the space.

Are there jumpscares?
No, there are no jumpscares from actors, performers, or other physical elements that are specifically designed to scare the audience by hiding or lunging out at the audience. The closest elements the show will come to a jumpscare are the inclusion of occasional loud noises (for example, a thunderclap) that is auditory only.

Are parents & guardians involved?
Yes! Adults are welcome and encouraged to sit on cushions around stations along with their young people during the performance. It is not compulsory, however we would love you to get involved and share the experience.

Is this suitable for my older/younger child?
The work is recommended for ages 8-12, there are no restrictions on ages older than this recommendation. We advise this work is not suitable for children 5 or under, due to the themes and necessary interactive elements of the performance.

We recommend each guardian read the show warnings and important information before bringing their young person to the performance to make an informed choice on if it will be suited for them – every child is different, and we welcome any young person who will enjoy the work.

How will this show explore anxiety?
Scaredy House is an exploration of the ghosts we make while growing up. Some of our fears aren’t just about monsters or heights - we’re afraid of being embarrassed, of not making friends, and of what others think of us. Social anxiety is indirectly referenced by the performer in the work, who will also encourage the audience to contribute their own fears (or ‘ghosts’) to the story. The experience seeks to reassure its audience that fears and anxieties are necessary parts of being alive, and there are ways we can learn to manage them!

For more details on these questions, or to ask one of your own, please contact Metro Arts.

Accessibility Note

Metro Arts' New Benner Theatre is wheelchair accessible. For tickets for patrons in a wheelchair, with accessibility needs and/or Companion Card holders, please call Metro Arts on 07 3002 7100 Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm to enquire or make your booking. Please be aware there are limited number of wheelchair spaces available per show.

COVID-19 Precautions

We take the safety of our patrons, staff and artists seriously. Metro Arts will continue to follow the latest Qld Government's COVID-19 advice and requirements to keep our patrons, staff and artists safe. Please review our Terms and Conditions, in addition to Ferve's Terms and Conditions prior to purchasing tickets.

While masks are currently not mandated, they are still encouraged where socially distancing is not possible. Complimentary face masks are available at the Box Office. Find out more. If you are unwell, please refrain from attending events at Metro Arts and contact us at your earliest convenience.

If you have any questions, please contact Metro Arts.

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