Almost every aspect of this year's haunted house includes Penn State history, down to the theme of "We are... Dead."

The haunted house is opened to visitors Halloween weekend at the Pavilion Theatre for just $3.

Zachary Beck, technical director (junior-design and production), said the theater was chosen because of its architecture and unique past. It lends itself to the creation of multiple rooms, which make it a prime location for a haunted house.

Each of the 16 rooms was carefully constructed to work off of Penn State's history, Beck said.

The haunted house's re-creations and labyrinth quality of the house make the theaters inside unrecognizable.

But aside from the way it's built, the theater provides a spooky atmosphere. It was an area originally used for cows to graze and be slaughtered, Beck said.

"We make Penn State

folklore come to life," he said.

Head designer Ben Clark (senior-lighting design and engineering) said he doesn't think those coming will have any idea where they are upon entering the haunted house.

But students shouldn't fear getting lost. They will be safely guided by a Lion Ambassador in groups of six or eight.

The first stop on the tour is a welcoming video from Penn State President Graham Spanier. From there, students will proceed to spooky rooms, some of which include plays on Penn State landmarks such as a morgue at the University Health Center and a recreation of the 1969 stacks' murder, Clark said.

Volunteer Shaunte Mosley (freshman-journalism) said she thinks the event will be a legitimate scare for students because of the hard work that is being put into it, adding that she's excited about being a part of the production and scaring people.

About 60 student volunteers are involved in the process. This includes designers, technical crews and actors.

Beck said students began working on the project every day at the start of the semester. Since then, the closer they get to the big day, the more time they spend on the production, he said.

"It's like having a full time job while being a full-time student," he said.

However, Beck isn't complaining.

"This will be a great way for some of us to get some experience," he said.