Culture

Stuart’s Presents First-Ever Fright Night Oct. 30

Posted on: Tuesday, October 27, 2015

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Stuart’s Opera House in Nelsonville is presenting a special evening of Halloween activities with its first-ever Fright Night on Final Friday, Oct. 30 at 6 p.m.

In addition to a new art opening from Athens artist Emily Beveridge, Stuart’s has a full evening of free spooky and scary events planned. A Halloween party kicks off at 6 p.m. with face painting, mask making, bobbing for apples and tarot card readings from Horus Moonshine.

At 6:30 p.m. Ken Bowald will lead a guided walk to the historic Fort Street Cemetery with ghost stories and more. From 7-9 p.m., the Stuart’s stage will be taken over by a Costume Contest, complete with several categories, judges and big cash prizes (details below), followed by an hour of ghost stories in the Opera House at 9 p.m.

And then to finish the night off right Stuart’s is hosting a free screening of the classic thriller The Shining at 10 p.m.

The Costume Contest has three categories: 12 and under (7 p.m.), 13-17 (7:30 p.m.) and 18 and over (8 p.m.). Registration begins for all categories at 5:30 p.m. in the Stuart’s Opera House lobby at 52 Public Square.

Prizes for the 18 and over category are $200 for first, $100 for second and $50 for third. Prizes for the 13-17 category are $40 for first, $20 for second and $10 for third. Prizes for the 12 and under category are $15 for first, $10 for second and $5 for third. Costumes must be do-it-yourself and handmade (no store-bought costumes), with no nudity, no offensive cultural appropriations and no dangerous or potentially dangerous weapons.

The “celebrity” judges include retired Ohio University professor and costume expert Dr. Sky Cone, Athens man-about-town DJ Barticus and Nelsonville’s own Bill L’Heuereux. Costumes will be judged upon authenticity, creativity and commitment to character (if applicable). Space is limited so those interested are asked to arrive at 5:30 p.m. to register.

This event takes place during Nelsonville’s Final Fridays on the Square, a monthly art event featuring exhibit openings, visual art, vendors, food and more. More information on the Stuart’s Opera House Fright Night is available at stuartsoperahouse.org.

FRIGHT NIGHT SCHEDULE (all events are free)



6 p.m. – Halloween Party (bobbing for apples, face painting, mask making, tarot card readings from Horus Moonshine) plus Apple Cider for the kids and Rum & Cider for the adults

6:30 p.m. – Cemetery Walk (guided walk with Ken Bowald to historic Fort Street Cemetery, complete with ghost stories)


7-9 p.m. – Costume Contest (with prize money and judging)

9 p.m. – Ghost Stories in Stuart’s Opera House, told by the Stuart’s staff



10 p.m. – The Shining (film screening)