Scaring Up Support For The Gateway

One of the scariest haunted houses in the nation doubles as this season's biggest fundraising event for The Gateway in Bellport, helping this nonprofit keep professional-quality theater alive on Long Island.

And, for those who want to go behind the scenes and have VIP access to The Gateway’s Haunted Playhouse, Executive Director Paul Allan suggested the Haunted Masquerade on Friday, Oct. 9, for which early-bird discounts are available through Sept. 18. "We started it last year, and it was a big success," he said.

This VIP party offers food, beverages and a costume contest, but he noted, “You can come in street clothes and still have a good time.”

Now in its 17th season, the Haunted Playhouse combines professional actors with students from The Gateway’s theater school to promote learning amidst the screams. “This year we added a second attraction,” Allan said. “It’s a 3D funhouse, so you put on your 3D glasses and go through a 3D maze with clowns and a lot of surprises.”

Adding to the event’s accolades is the venue’s recent designation by The Scare Factor as one of the top haunted houses in the tri-state area. On weekend nights, according to Allan, it draws as many as 2,000 visitors.

“Even though it’s a fundraiser for us, we put it together on such a scale that we compete with major haunts throughout the country,” Allan said.

The Haunted Playhouse, featuring the brand-new Oracle’s Curse, will run Sept. 25 through Nov. 1. For those who want to avoid the chills,

The Gateway is also debuting a Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament Fundraiser on Thursday, Sept. 18, at Painters’ Restaurant in Brookhaven. Cocktails begin at 6 p.m. and game action at 7 p.m.

For more info on any of these events, see The Performing Arts Center of Suffolk County website: GatewaysHauntedPlayhouse.com