As the season continues with great success, we are proud to be producing some unique features on the talented team at Reaper’s Revenge. These incredible, passionate performers and leaders bring life to this empire of horror! PITCH BLACK is considered by many the most “terrifying” experience at Reaper’s Revenge and in this feature we take a look behind the “scares.”
At Reaper’s Revenge, it’s not just the heart-pounding scares and elaborate set designs that create an unforgettable experience—it’s the talented individuals who pour their passion into every scream and thrill. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on two key figures who elevate the haunting atmosphere of this legendary attraction: Madison Hunsinger, also known as Sweeper Dee Luxe, and Eliza “Liez” Yvette, one of the managers at Reaper’s Revenge.
Madison Hunsinger: A Journey from Fan to Reaper!
Madison Hunsinger, or Maddie, has been a vital part of Reaper’s Revenge for three thrilling years. Her journey began not as a performer but as a visitor in 2021, when she attended Reaper’s to support her boyfriend, who was starring in the Pitch Black attraction. Little did she know that this visit would ignite a fire within her, transforming her from a curious onlooker into a dedicated scare actor.
“I was really nervous at first,” Maddie recalls, “but everyone was so welcoming that it made the transition easy.” Her love for the spooky and the macabre made her a perfect fit, and with a little encouragement from her boyfriend, Maddie made the leap to join the Reaper’s Revenge family in 2022. Now, she eagerly anticipates each season, ready to dive into her character and bring her chilling vision to life.
Maddie plays the role of Sweeper Dee Luxe, delighting in the mixture of fear and excitement she sees on visitors’ faces as they experience the attraction. For her, the most rewarding part is watching the range of emotions that wash over guests as they navigate the darkness. “It’s truly one of the highlights of working at Reaper’s Revenge,” she says, with a smile that hints at her love for crafting those spine-tingling moments.
However, the role isn’t without its challenges. Maddie explains that the key to her performance lies in timing—getting the scare just right to maximize the impact while resetting herself for the next group. “The timing is everything,” she says. “And my gas mask… it always seems to find a way to get caught on something!” Yet, even with these obstacles, Maddie’s dedication never falters. Her commitment to her craft and her passion for horror make her an indispensable part of the Reaper’s team.
She’s particularly excited about Pitch Black, describing it as a must-see attraction that manipulates the senses in a way few others do. “Pitch Black significantly alters or removes several senses,” Maddie explains, “which creates an immersive environment that challenges perception.” The darkness eliminates vision, the walls distort the sense of touch, and the eerie music disrupts hearing, combining to create a truly mind-bending experience. Maddie’s enthusiasm is contagious, and it’s clear that she believes this attraction offers a one-of-a-kind thrill that keeps guests coming back for more.
Eliza “Liez” Yvette: A Guiding Force in the Darkness
For seven years, Eliza “Liez” Yvette has been a guiding force behind the haunting experience that is Pitch Black at Reaper’s Revenge. Starting her journey as a scare actor, Liez quickly rose through the ranks to become the attraction manager, a role she’s held for four years now. Her background in performing at Pitch Black has given her a unique perspective on how to push the boundaries of fear and suspense.
Everything about Liez’s life revolves around her passion for all things horror. “If we could, I would do this all year long,” she says with a grin. Beyond the scares and frights, Liez is a licensed cosmetologist and also works in plasma donations—skills that may not seem directly related but reflect her dedication to helping and connecting with people, whether in the real world or in the world of the haunted.
As the manager of Pitch Black, Liez finds the most rewarding part of her role to be the sound of the entire mountain coming to life once the season starts. “We work endlessly to make it all happen,” she says. “When it’s all fired up and we’re in action, it really warms my soul.” For Liez, it’s not just about scaring people; it’s about creating an atmosphere that draws guests into a world where fear and excitement blend seamlessly.
Finding the right actors to bring Pitch Black to life is one of Liez’s biggest challenges. “You spend a couple of hours in the dark—it’s certainly not for everybody,” she explains. It takes a unique kind of dedication and resilience to maintain that level of performance in near-total darkness. But with her guidance, Liez’s team has become a well-oiled machine, delivering scares that leave a lasting impression.
Liez’s approach to leadership is just as unique as her role. She treats her team like a family, staying in constant communication with them to ensure they’re mentally and physically ready to bring their A-game every weekend. “I’m more like a mom to them than I am their manager,” she says. It’s this personal touch, along with her endless supply of the best snacks, that makes her team feel supported and motivated to deliver their best scares.
When asked what makes Pitch Black stand out among the other attractions at Reaper’s Revenge, Liez doesn’t hesitate. “It’s the fear of not seeing what’s literally right in front of you,” she says. The attraction forces guests to confront their fear of the unknown, relying on their instincts and the guidance of their fellow visitors to make it out. Unlike other haunts where your eyes can guide you through the terror, in Pitch Black, your senses are stripped away, and you’re left to navigate the darkness on sheer adrenaline and trust.
Why Pitch Black is a Must-Experience Attraction- Psychological Horror!
Both Maddie and Liez agree that Pitch Black is not just another haunted attraction—it’s a psychological experience that tests the limits of fear. The complete sensory deprivation combined with disorienting sounds and tactile illusions creates a tension that builds with every step. As you move through the darkness, you’re forced to confront the terror of not knowing what’s lurking in the shadows, and that’s what makes Pitch Black a truly standout feature at Reaper’s Revenge.
Whether it’s Maddie’s perfectly timed scares that get your heart racing or Liez’s masterful orchestration of the entire attraction, every moment is designed to pull you deeper into a world where your senses deceive you and your fears come alive. This is not just a walk through the dark—it’s a journey into the unknown, where your greatest fears and wildest thrills collide.
The Spirit and Soul
The talent and dedication of individuals like Madison Hunsinger and Eliza are what set Reaper’s Revenge apart from the rest. Their passion, creativity, and relentless drive to perfect their craft create the kind of immersive experience that haunts the memories of all who dare to enter. From Maddie’s first step as a curious visitor to Liez’s evolution from actor to manager, their stories are a testament to the power of passion and the thrill of embracing the unknown.
So, the next time you find yourself at Reaper’s Revenge, remember that behind every perfectly executed scare and every shadowy corner lies the talent and dedication of people like Maddie and Liez. They bring the darkness to life, transforming fear into an unforgettable adventure (and visceral terror!)
