Literally A Haunted House at Culbertson Mansion Review (2011)

The cast consists of anywhere from 30 to 50 and sometimes even up to 60 volunteer cast members! The veteran actors train the newbies and all the cast has gone through two orientations. The majority of the cast are younger, but don’t let this fool you! It’s obvious they’ve had a lot of practice and enjoy what they are doing. It seems that volunteers have a tendency to be more passionate about what they do and Culbertson Mansion is no exception. These actors will scream, growl, climb walls or whatever else it takes to get a scare out of your group! They interact with each victim from the moment they step in line until they leave the property. Characters are all original this year, which enhances this haunt’s theme.

Costumes and masks are bought or customized in-house to both fit the haunt’s theme and/or the Victorian era when the Mansion was in its prime. Characters range from soldiers and the undead to doctors and demons. Makeup is also applied in-house by a talented air brush artist and some of the actors who aren’t afraid to pour on the blood and spend the time to make sure every detail is as horrific as the attraction itself. Some of the masks and makeup look more realistic and detailed on some actors than others, but it works for the scenes where those actors are located.

Culbertson Mansion is conveniently located in downtown New Albany, IN and fairly easy to find because it has its own city signs; but the building kind of blends in with its historic district surroundings so be on the lookout once you get on the right street. Plenty of free parking can be found beside and behind the Mansion and portable restrooms are conveniently located before you enter the ticket booth. Make sure you swing back through here and check out the gift shop and concessions for a bite to eat and some cool souvenirs before you hit the road. The waiting area is covered and well-lit, as are the stairs and plentiful exits in almost every room of the attraction. If you have any questions or concerns, the friendly staff (distinguished by Culbertson Mansion attire) are willing and able to help. There are plenty of actors roaming around while you wait including Spot the friendly zombie, some ‘zombabies’, other demented souls and the only chainsaw maniac in a white dress!

Most of the special effects that you will see throughout the haunt are created in-house, however a few things here and there are purchased. One of the crew attended a tombstone-building class this year and cremation caskets were donated for the haunt’s upgraded outdoor cemetery. A horrifying ride returns this year paired with a passageway that’s ‘not as it seems’ and a way-too-weird Ouija board is a nice addition to one of the haunts demonic scenes. Strategic lighting, fog and strobes are used to finish off this haunt’s already head-tripping attraction. A new interesting approach to the existing loft is the fluorescent painted d