For the previous five years, the LACHSA theatre department has hosted a large fundraising effort during October where they create an immersive Halloween experience with themes, a story, and a cast of characters played by students at the school. The event brings in thousands of dollars for the department and is always a huge success.

In 2025, the school determined that the event could no longer be held on campus. Rather than let the tradition end, a determined group of parents, students, and volunteers came together to preserve both the spirit of the event and its mission of supporting the theatre program they loved. Thanks to the generous support of a student's family, the production found a new home at a private residence in Glendale, California. Through months of hard work and an incredible volunteer effort, Halls of Horror continued its legacy in a brand-new setting.

The production team transformed the property into the eerie streets of Victorian London, constructing and dressing elaborate sets inspired by the world of Jack the Ripper. Reviving a script written by a beloved LACHSA theatre teacher, the team recreated a chilling immersive experience where audience members became part of the story. Bringing the production to life was a talented cast of students eager to terrify—and entertain—every guest who walked through the experience.

Typically at LACHSA, first year students cannot audition for the school’s season shows. Halls of Horror is a student led production, therefore this rule is thrown out the window and promising young first years are often given the chance to show off their acting skills. Likewise, second through fourth year students are very fond of this event and are also excited to perform. Providing an early in the year opportunity for students of all grade levels to cooperate and collaborate, Halls of Horror is a very special event for students to take charge of and really immerse themselves in a fun acting experience.

When looking for student leaders for this event, Belle, newly finding a passion for directing and looking to expand her scope of projects, was more than excited to take on this challenge of directing new, and veteran, actors in an immersive theater experience that audiences of all ages would enjoy. Co-directing with her fellow classmate, Sevilla Merritt, under their direction, guests were transported through the fog-filled streets of Victorian London, following a suspenseful murder mystery as they searched for a notorious killer lurking around every corner.

For Belle, Halls of Horror was more than a Halloween attraction—it was an opportunity to develop as a leader, collaborate with an incredible group of artists, and help preserve a meaningful LACHSA tradition. The production demonstrated what is possible when a community comes together with creativity, determination, and a shared love of theatre. Even in a new location, Halls of Horror remained what it has always been: an unforgettable immersive experience and a powerful reminder of the passion and resilience of the LACHSA theatre family. This fundraiser brought in over $6,000 over 3 nights.