The grant finale of Reaper’s Revenge…is the terrifying, post-apocalyptic nightmare of grotesque horror, a dungeon of the disturbed known as  Sector 13. Under the guidance of veteran manager Steve DeEsch, two dedicated team members, Anakin Gregory and Olivia Romano, have helped shape this intense experience for years and are featured in this piece. As a Floor Doctor and Supervisor, respectively, they’ve both contributed to bringing this nightmarish vision to life, scaring—and delighting—thousands of guests.

Anakin Gregory: A Decade of Terror

At just 23, Anakin Gregory is already a seasoned veteran in the haunt industry, having spent over a decade with Reaper’s Revenge. His passion for horror and dedication to his craft have made him a pivotal figure in the success of Sector 13. Anakin started his journey as a minion in the final scene of the Hayride attraction when he was just 10 years old. Over the years, he’s taken on various roles across every attraction at Reaper’s Revenge, but Sector 13 has always held a special place for him.

“My current role is as the Floor Doctor in Sector 13,” Anakin explains. “I’m the first doctor guests meet after entering, and I’m responsible for splitting up the groups of customers before they continue into the facility.”

It’s not just a scare job for Anakin—it’s a performance art. The role involves more than terrifying guests; it requires keen timing and a flair for improvisation. “The most rewarding part of my role is interacting with customers in character,” he says. “Not only do I get to scare them, but I get to entertain them while they wait, which really enhances the immersion of the attraction.”

Anakin’s love for post-apocalyptic sci-fi makes his job even more exciting. Sector 13, with its mad doctors and deranged guards experimenting on victims of bio-nuclear warfare, feels like it’s been pulled straight from one of his favorite dystopian stories. “The whole setting feels like a facility that was hastily thrown together to contain the fallout of some bio-nuclear disaster. You can feel the intensity from the second you walk in,” he says with enthusiasm.

But with such an important role comes significant challenges. “The hardest part is keeping my timing perfect,” Anakin notes. “Every interaction I have with the guests sets the tone for what’s to come, and it affects the entire flow of the attraction. I also have to improvise a lot while staying in character, which can be difficult, but it’s what makes the experience feel real.”

Anakin’s passion for scaring people while simultaneously creating a memorable and immersive experience is what sets him apart. His energy fuels the chaos that is Sector 13, leaving guests breathless and eager for more.

Olivia Romano: The Backbone of Sector 13

While Anakin brings the chaos to life, Olivia Romano is the one ensuring that chaos runs smoothly. Olivia has been with Reaper’s Revenge for 11 seasons, starting her journey as a high schooler who begged her mom to drive her to auditions. Over the years, she’s worn many hats—literally and figuratively—at Reaper’s, working her way up from costumes to the role of Supervisor in Sector 13.

“I’ve been with Sector 13 since the day it opened its doors,” Olivia says proudly. “In addition to being a supervisor, I work in the costume department and run our TikTok page.”

Her responsibilities are vast. On any given night, Olivia is running from the costume department, making sure actors are fully transformed into their terrifying characters, to the heart of Sector 13, ensuring everything is running smoothly. “I definitely stay busy,” she laughs. “I could be costuming actors one minute and brainstorming staffing with Steve, our controller, the next. Then I’m recording content for TikTok. It’s non-stop, but I love every second of it.”

Olivia’s passion comes from the team she works with. “The most rewarding thing about working at Reaper’s is being a part of this amazing team,” she says. “So many of our actors have full-time jobs, and yet they come here, sometimes straight from work, and give it their all. We have people who’ve been with us for years and rookies who are just starting, but they all show up with the same dedication.”

One of the actors she’s most proud of is Anakin. “I’ve worked with Anakin since he was 10 years old, and having him back in Sector 13 this year is special. Watching him grow up in this environment and become such an integral part of the attraction has been amazing.”

As a supervisor, Olivia faces a unique set of challenges. Sector 13 is a “living, breathing vehicle of chaos,” as she puts it, and anything can happen. From technical difficulties to weather issues, Olivia has to think on her feet constantly. “You have to be prepared for anything,” she says. “Steve and I spend all year working to make sure we’re ready for any situation, and the trust we have in each other, as well as with our actor trainers Noel and Mike, helps ensure the attraction runs smoothly.”

But it’s not just about managing chaos. Olivia makes it a point to build strong relationships with the actors, fostering a family-like atmosphere within Sector 13. “The actors often call me ‘mom,’ and we work hard to make sure everyone’s having fun,” she says. “On long nights, Steve will bring pizza or hot dogs, and I’ll walk through the attraction countless times, checking in with the actors, letting them know they’re doing a great job, and making sure they’re supported.”

A Year-Round Dedication to Fear

Olivia’s dedication to Reaper’s Revenge and Sector 13 extends beyond the haunt season. “We’re connected with our actors all year long,” she says. “While the whole mountain feels like a family, Sector 13 has its own little family within that. The way we manage our team is based on that closeness and trust.”

Both Anakin and Olivia have seen Sector 13 grow and evolve over the years, and they agree that this year’s iteration is the best yet. “It’s louder, more intense, and more disorienting than ever before,” Olivia says. “Whether it’s the demented doctors, freakish mutants, or authoritarian guards, you’re constantly overwhelmed. We spend all year thinking of new ways to heighten the experience, and this year, the level of detail is beyond anything we’ve done before.”

Anakin echoes her sentiments: “Sector 13 is intensity personified. You’re thrown into this chaotic, dystopian world, and you feel like you’re really running for your life.”

As they continue to push the boundaries of what a haunted attraction can be, Anakin Gregory and Olivia Romano remain at the core of what makes Reaper’s Revenge—and specifically Sector 13—a truly unforgettable experience. Their passion, creativity, and dedication to their craft ensure that the terror will only grow stronger with each passing year.

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