Reaper’s Revenge has become a staple in the haunted attraction world, delivering scares and thrills that leave audiences talking long after the season ends. At the core of this experience is a team of passionate individuals who ensure every aspect of the attraction operates flawlessly. Among them, three standouts are Matt Adams, the attraction manager for the Haunted Hayride, Russ Rieman, and Alex Bales. Each plays a critical role in bringing the hayride to life, blending their talents and dedication to create one of the most immersive and dynamic horror experiences on the East Coast. The Haunted Hayride is the “core” of the Reaper’s Revenge experience and we are proud to feature some of their talented team members!
Matt Adams: A Expedition Through the World of Reaper’s Revenge
For Matt Adams, the Haunted Hayride is more than just an attraction—it’s a calling. Now in his 14th year with Reaper’s Revenge, Matt’s journey began as an actor in the hayride’s final scene, playing the infamous Reaper. His passion for haunted attractions led him to Reaper’s long before he ever joined the team. As an avid fan, he visited the attraction multiple times each year, recognizing immediately that there was something special about the mountain. “The sets, the scares—something unique was happening in those woods,” Matt recalls. It wasn’t long before he felt the mountain calling to him, and fate stepped in when he saw a hiring post on Facebook.
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Matt’s time as the Reaper was legendary. For five seasons, he threw himself into the role, donning the heavy 40-pound suit, chasing wagons, climbing onto towering structures, and pushing the limits of what could be done in a haunted attraction. “It was like being the quarterback of your favorite football team,” he says, describing the thrill of bringing the Reaper to life. His dedication to the role was unmatched, and it wasn’t long before he became an integral part of the hayride’s identity.
However, after five years as an actor, Matt was offered a new challenge: transitioning into a management role. Initially hesitant, Matt was convinced to step into the position of actor trainer by his mentor, Travis, who encouraged him to share his knowledge with others. “If you can make ten people half the actor you are, you’re making the haunt better,” Travis had told him. That advice stuck with Matt, and he embraced his new role with enthusiasm. Eventually, he moved up to attraction manager, overseeing not just the actors but the entire hayride experience.
Today, Matt’s role involves much more than scaring. From logging hours and organizing actor schedules to managing the day-to-day operations, Matt has a hand in every aspect of the hayride. “My heart is always with the actors,” he says, which is why he still plays an active role in actor training, alongside his trusted team members, Russ Rieman and Kendra. Together, they share a vision for the hayride, ensuring that the actors are safe, the scares are effective, and the customers leave entertained.
Russ Rieman: 15 Years of Dedication and Chaos
Russ Rieman is another long-standing member of the Reaper’s Revenge family, with 15 years under his belt. He started on the mountain when he was just 16, rocking a bowl cut and acting as the original Bad Seed in the early days of the hayride. Back then, Reaper’s Revenge was a much smaller operation, with only 30 actors and a simpler layout. But even then, Russ recognized the potential of the haunt, and his dedication has grown with the attraction.
Today, Russ works closely with Matt and Kendra, helping to oversee the operations of the hayride. His responsibilities include everything from handing out radios to prepping chainsaws and shotguns for the Hillbilly scene. Russ has worn many hats over the years, from working in the original pallet tunnel to playing Bigfoot in the woods, but his favorite role is Pa Hillbilly, where he’s brought a mix of humor and terror to the haunt.
For Russ, the most rewarding part of his job is witnessing the chaos unfold around him. “There’s something comforting in all that chaos,” he says, comparing the experience to fly fishing. “Calm. Still. It’s a pretty rewarding feeling.” But beyond the noise and chaos, Russ finds the most satisfaction in watching people grow up on the mountain. “Reaper’s has a way of getting even the quietest people out of their shell,” he explains. Seeing once-shy actors blossom into confident performers is a testament to the supportive, family-like environment Reaper’s provides.
Of course, managing an attraction as large and complex as the Haunted Hayride comes with its challenges. “It’s really just about being in more than one place at once,” Russ jokes, acknowledging the never-ending stream of calls that come over the radio each night. But with Matt and Kendra by his side, Russ is always ready to tackle whatever the night throws at him.
Alex Bales: The Thriller in the Cemetery
Alex Bales is one of the newer faces on the Reaper’s Revenge team, but he’s already made a lasting impression. A local college student, Alex first heard about Reaper’s from high school friends who were scare actors. After experiencing the show multiple times, he decided to audition, and the rest is history. Now in his fifth year with Reaper’s, Alex has made the “Thriller/Cemetery” scene his home. Since 2019, he’s been dancing in the iconic scene, where he recently took on the role of Michael Jackson and became the actor trainer for Thriller in 2023.
For Alex, the most rewarding part of being a scare actor is the chance to fully immerse himself in his character. Whether he’s evoking fear, laughter, or amazement, he thrives on the audience’s raw emotional reactions. “Every show is different,” he says, highlighting the dynamic and unpredictable nature of the job. As a trainer, Alex also enjoys helping others grow in their performance abilities, passing on the knowledge and skills he’s gained over the years.
However, the role isn’t without its challenges. Keeping energy levels high during long shifts can be tough, and staying in character when faced with unexpected audience reactions is a skill in itself. “It’s a marathon, not a sprint,” Alex says, quoting Kelley Michael, a mentor who instilled in him the importance of pacing and endurance.
A Legacy
For all three of these dedicated team members, Reaper’s Revenge is more than just a job—it’s a family. Matt, Russ, and Alex all speak to the camaraderie and sense of belonging that defines life on the mountain. From standing around the bonfire after the show to sharing laughs and stories, the bonds formed at Reaper’s are strong and lasting. Many of the managers and actors are now close friends, and even the owners, Paul and Mike, have become important figures in their lives.
For Matt, the most rewarding part of his role is being able to motivate others in the same way he was once inspired. Seeing new actors fall in love with the mountain, just as he did all those years ago, brings everything full circle. “It’s a welcoming, accepting place where the best people come together to do something amazing for such a short period of time,” Matt says.
As Reaper’s continues to evolve and grow, the Haunted Hayride remains its beating heart. With larger-than-life sets, concert-worthy sound and lighting systems, and some of the most talented actors in the industry, the hayride is an experience unlike any other. And with leaders like Matt, Russ, and Alex at the helm, it’s clear that Reaper’s Revenge is in good hands for many years to come.
Why the Haunted Hayride Stands Out
When asked what makes the hayride special, Matt puts it simply: “It’s in the name—Reaper’s Revenge Haunted Hayride.” As the original and largest attraction, the hayride has always been the core of Reaper’s Revenge. Over the years, it has grown into a Hollywood-level production, complete with pyrotechnics, massive animatronics, and a dedicated cast of over 30 actors bringing each scene to life. The combination of intense scares, immersive storytelling, and unmatched production quality makes the hayride a must-see for horror fans.
Ultimately, the hayride stands out because it offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for heart-pounding scares or awe-inspiring sets, the hayride delivers. “The blueprints are there,” Russ says, “We just gotta keep it moving.” And with this incredible team behind the scenes, there’s no doubt that the hayride—and Reaper’s Revenge as a whole—will continue to push the boundaries of what a haunted attraction can be. This the PREMIER haunted entertainment experience and the hayride continues to be the heart of this legendary horror empire!
