Reaper’s Revenge is the PREMIER immersive haunted attraction experience, and much of its success is owed to the exceptional team of actors and managers who bring its scares to life. Among them, two names stand out: Autumn DePietro, the carnival manager, and Vince Cistulli, a haunting mime character who has left a lasting impression on visitors. Together, they represent the heart and soul of Reaper’s Revenge’s iconic Lost Carnival; an AUTHENTIC journey into one’s horrific clown and freak infested nightmares….
Autumn DePietro: The Carnival’s Ring Leader
Autumn DePietro’s journey with Reaper’s Revenge began in 2012 when she attended a makeup meeting as a model for a friend. From that moment, she knew she had found her calling. “I’ve always thought of myself as a performer,” she says. Autumn started her haunting career as a zombie on the hayride, eventually finding her true home in the carnival. Her progression from a carnival actor to a breaker—where she had to learn every role in the attraction—laid the foundation for her current role as carnival manager.
For the past four years, Autumn has managed the carnival, overseeing a team of high-energy actors and ensuring the attraction runs smoothly. Her role involves wearing many hats: scheduling and positioning actors, training them to be the best clowns and carnies, and managing everything from timing to safety. It’s no small feat, with her team walking an average of 7-8 miles per night to ensure every customer gets the best show possible. Yet, despite the challenges, she thrives in this environment.
“What I find most rewarding is being able to scare full-grown men,” Autumn says with a smile. “It’s fun to scare—simple as that.” But beyond the thrills, what truly sets Reaper’s apart is the family-like atmosphere among the team. “It’s nice to know that you aren’t the only weirdo who likes to spend their fall weekends in the woods. It’s the camaraderie around the fire at the end of the night, laughing and sharing stories of our favorite scares or best customer reactions, that makes Reaper’s different from any haunt out there.”
Autumn acknowledges that every job has its challenges, and for Reaper’s Revenge, it’s the unpredictable weather. “The weather is the only factor we can’t control,” she notes, though the fun of the job often overshadows any obstacles. This year, the carnival has undergone an exciting transformation, receiving a “face lift” that makes it more immersive than ever. “Sometimes I forget I’m not actually in an old carnival,” Autumn remarks. The Lost Carnival is filled with actors ready to deliver high-energy scares to the public.
As a manager, Autumn leads by example. “We spend weeks before opening, training and fine-tuning scare acting,” she explains. For her, the best way to inspire her team is to join them in the action. “My favorite thing to do is hang out with the actors at their scenes and scare with them. It uplifts their spirits and makes them want to work harder.” Her hands-on approach allows her to give tips and tricks on the spot, ensuring her team delivers the best possible scares.
Vince Cistulli: The Carnival’s Silent Terror
Vince Cistulli joined Reaper’s Revenge two years ago, and from his very first audition, he made a lasting impression. Autumn recalls seeing him audition and immediately knowing he’d be a valuable addition to the carnival. Vince arrived with his own character: a disturbingly creepy mime who, despite his silence, manages to unsettle everyone who crosses his path.
As the timekeeper of the carnival, Vince plays a crucial role in the funhouse experience. He ensures groups of four enter the funhouse at a time, creating the perfect atmosphere for each group. However, his job is more than just managing crowd flow—he entertains and unnerves those waiting their turn, using balloon animals or, more often, his unsettling demeanor. Whether it’s his predatory habit of smelling guests like prey or his silent, menacing stares, Vince leaves people feeling disturbed long after they’ve left the funhouse.
“Vince has a creepy presence even though he’s not popping out to give you a jump scare,” Autumn notes. “You still walk away from him feeling unsettled.” One of the greatest challenges Vince faces is convincing large groups to break up into smaller ones for the optimal experience. While a large group might still have a good time, Vince and the team know that smaller groups get a better scare.
Always punctual and prepared, Vince brings the same enthusiasm to the carnival every night. His dedication and ability to consistently enhance his character make him a standout performer at Reaper’s Revenge.
A Unique Haunt Family
Together, Autumn and Vince represent the passion and dedication that make Reaper’s Revenge a one-of-a-kind haunt. Autumn’s leadership, hands-on approach, and love for the craft have shaped the carnival into a thrilling, immersive experience. Vince’s silent but unsettling presence adds a unique layer of fear that leaves guests talking long after they’ve left.
As Autumn puts it, “It’s the camaraderie, the laughter around the fire, and the shared love of scaring that make Reaper’s Revenge truly special.” And with people like Autumn and Vince leading the charge, visitors can be assured they’re in for an unforgettable night of terror.
Reaper’s Revenge continues to thrill this season! Get your tickets now and EXPERIENCE the finest in haunted entertainment!
