EPIC Entertainment Group, a producer of themed entertainment, live events, and immersive environments, has announced that it is expanding its partnership with Hersheypark’s immersive haunt experience, Dark Nights. EPIC is already well-known for its work on The Descent attraction and the Midway of Misery scare zone from last year’s inaugural season, and this year the firm’s scope will encompass production and stage management, technical direction, and talent direction to provide engaging and spooky experiences.
EPIC Entertainment Group looks forward to increasing its contributions to Hersheypark’s Dark Nights and putting its multifaceted skills to work in support of the talented Hersheypark team. EPIC Entertainment Group promises to bring epic frights to Pennsylvania once more.
This expanded scope now covers all five haunted houses and three scare zones, including production, stage management, and talent direction. Additionally, the company will increase its technical direction monitoring and keep supporting the operations of haunted houses and scare zones.
A thrilling fall season
“As we continue to offer our guests more immersive attractions in 2023, we are delighted to have EPIC’s partnership and expertise for our second season of Dark Nights,” says Brewer Lister, managing director of marketing at Hersheypark. “From our all-new Wildcat’s Revenge coaster to Dark Nights now included with your Hersheypark Halloween ticket, this will certainly be a thrilling fall season!”
From 15 September to 29 October, Hersheypark Halloween with Dark Nights will be open more days and hours than ever before, allowing visitors to encounter brand-new scares.
Every Hersheypark Halloween ticket now includes access to all five Dark Nights haunted houses and three Scare Zones with brand-new stories as well as 50 family-friendly attractions and exhilarating coasters, including lights-out rides on the new Wildcat’s Revenge hybrid and other select coasters. During the seasonal event, more than 55 limited-edition drinks, treats, and savoury foods will be served.
“We are honored to work with such incredible partners and especially during our favorite time of the year,” says Charity Hill, partner, EPIC Entertainment Group. “We look forward to helping to deliver enhanced immersive experiences to park guests in our expanded role at Dark Nights this year, and for the opportunity to curate fright-filled experiences that are truly unique.”
Scare experts
During their ten-year tenure as executive producers of The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor, EPIC co-founders Charity Hill and Steve Sheldon gained widespread recognition as leaders in the haunt industry, providing unforgettable experiences as well as high attendance and revenue growth.
Under their leadership, the number of visitors to Dark Harbour increased by more than 294%, and overall income increased by more than 250%, making the event one of the most successful non-theme park haunted attractions in the country. The EPIC partnership made Dark Harbour the most profitable yearly event in The Queen Mary’s 51-year existence as a tourist destination by introducing ground-breaking entertainment, discoverable experiences, and ultra-exclusive VIP packages.
As a multifaceted live production company, EPIC has collaborated with renowned companies like Crayola, Hotel Del Coronado, Hersheypark, and NightGarden, Miami’s hottest holiday light phenomenon. Additionally, EPIC is currently in charge of managing daily operations for the renowned Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, which USA Today ranked as one of the top-rated gardens in the nation.
Earlier this summer, blooloop spoke to Hill and Sheldon to find out more about what makes a successful immersive brand experience.
Top image courtesy of EPIC Entertainment Group
