Terror Vault's latest haunt at the San Francisco Mint has a killer in a grinning white mask, a ghost town full of bad ideas, and, as it turns out, a very thrifty approach to dressing the part. This week, a Chronicle video feature documented a first-person '80s horror makeover at the Mint, complete with gore makeup, a band-pin-embellished military jacket and some insider lore on where that famously creepy mask came from.
The makeover is documented in a video feature from the San Francisco Chronicle, in which the subject wore a black Adam Ant-style military jacket embellished with band pins. Joshua Grannell, the creator better known as Peaches Christ, described the outfit's inspiration as Depeche Mode meets “The Lost Boys,” with a little Duckie from “Pretty in Pink.” Costume designer Lisa Carver rounded out the ensemble with a mesh shirt, vest and black jeans, while makeup artist Nova Simcoe applied the gore.
Thrift Store Fear Fashion
Most of the costume elements came from local thrift stores, the Chronicle's account notes. Carver said authentic '80s clothing is easy to find now, and she recommended shopping at thrift stores outside big cities for less picked-over items. So if the look appeals, the haunt's wardrobe approach doubles as a Halloween costume shopping tip.
The outfit is all in service of “SLASHED: Return to Hellville,” which the Chronicle reports was created by Peaches Christ and David Flower. A separate Chronicle review describes Terror Vault as the eight-year-old walk-through haunt at the San Francisco Mint, at 88 Fifth St., and says the show drew inspiration from 1980s slasher films.
The Killer With Grannell's Face
The killer in this year's production is Darren Grieves, who wears a grinning white mask that the makeover feature says references horror clowns. Grannell confirmed the mask resembles him out of drag. He told the Chronicle he asked his team to create a new mask and they surprised him with the result.
The mask also nods to horror history. The Chronicle's feature notes that the Michael Myers mask was originally made in the likeness of William Shatner, and that John Carpenter painted it white for the 1978 film “Halloween.” The review of the show describes the killer as popping up in scene after scene in a rubber mask in the mode of Michael Myers.
What Guests Walk Into
According to BroadwayWorld, guests investigate the infamous Shellville murders after podcast host Petra Sterling disappears, venturing into the sealed town to confront Grieves. Groups of up to 12 encounter restless victims and set pieces inspired by classic '80s slashers while working to recover missing components of the mysterious Fear Engine. The Do the Bay listing promises abandoned schools, haunted campgrounds, blood-soaked fraternity houses and forgotten video stores.
Terror Vault's FAQ page says the experience lasts around an hour, and calls it a theatrical, immersive haunted experience, not just a traditional walkthrough. For $5, a Red Glow Necklace signals that you're open to more intense interaction.
Dates, Prices and Fine Print
Tickets run $60-$80, per the Chronicle's review, which lists the run through Nov. 1. The Do the Bay listing, however, schedules the show from Oct. 1 through Nov. 8, so check before you buy. The Do the Bay listing says behind-the-scenes tours start Nov. 7.
Before you go, know that the attraction describes itself as R-rated, with nudity, gore or violence and strong language, and no photography or video is allowed inside. Terror Vault also says the haunt is not accessible by ADA standards because guests must climb multiple flights of stairs in a historic building. Age guidance varies by listing: the FAQ says guests must be 18 or older with valid ID, while allowing ages 13 to 17 only with a parent or legal guardian, and another listing says 18 and older.
