Schedule
Tickets
This festival has back-to-back shows with quick set changes.
All our performances have an equivalent of a “PG-13” or “R” rating. We do have some community events happening at 5 PM on weekends that kids might enjoy, but our festival as a whole is not designed with the unique needs of children in mind. Also want to note that our festival is created by and for queer and trans adults, and will contain themes pertaining to those communities.
Support your local artists… and donate to us… or else!
In addition to the shows, we have community events, a daily free mini show, vendors, merch, and interactive installations running in the space! See “Quick links” for more details
Thursday, October 10, at 7:30pm
Saturday, October 12, at 3:30 PM
Renowned Australian comedic storyteller Jon Bennet (not JonBenét Ramsey) shares his stories about REAL fears… not your generic ones: ghosts, the boogey man, men in general, and everything in Australia. Instead, Jon dives into the truly terrifying: cows, fruits with seeds in them, specific men, and public embarrassment.
Jon Bennett is a world-renowned comedic storyteller, 7-time Just For Laughs Award nominee (Montreal, 2011-2017) and Moth Mainstager. Known for his ability to blend humor with deeply personal stories, Jon has carved a unique space in the world of comedy, and after 20 years in the business, he’s recognized as one fo the most prolific storyteller-comedians touring today.
The Sluagh by The Midnight Society
Tuesday, October 8, at 9:00 PM
Thursday, October 10, at 9:00pm
Saturday, October 12, at 7:30 PM
Close the windows. The Wild Hunt is afoot… The Midnight Society tells stories that answer the
question, “What keeps you up at night?” It is the brainchild of Caitlin Nolan.
A queer body horror clown show about the right to repair. Inspired by Grand Guignol, this show follows a reanimated corpse in its attempts to achieve true life on its own terms.
Nathalie Owen FitzSimons (she/they/it) makes weird things. It is the scene shop supervisor at Portland Community College, a graduate of Dell’Arte International’s MFA program, and she plays the accordion too! They have previously been half the killer birds in Imago Theatre’s production of “The Birds” and a bleeding refrigerator in Heiner Muller’s “Hamletmachine”. Fix more than you build, build more than you buy.
They Were a Dracula by Summer Olsson and Ashley Hollingshead
Saturday, October 5, at 7:30 PM
Thursday, October 10, at 7:30 PM
Sunday, October 13, at 2:00 PM
They Were a Dracula starts with familiar characters from Bram Stoker’s famous novel but quickly tears open the story, as one after the other get turned into vampires. In this scary comedy, Jonathan comes out to Mina as a member of the undead. Mina seduces Lucy, who seduces Van Helsing. Dracula himself is conflicted about drinking blood. Gnashing fangs, spurting blood, song and dance numbers—will anyone survive?
The artists behind They Were a Dracula have all trained in physical theater and clowning. Individually they have made more than one hundred shows. Together they have made only this one.
Created by Ashley Hollingshead and Summer Olsson, with Jeff Desautels, Laura Loy, Allie Menzimer and Solomon Seal. Directed by Summer Olsson.
Still, Life by Basement Stair Collective
Friday, October 4, at 7:30 PM
Saturday, October 5, at 3:30 PM
Sunday, October 6, at 2:00 PM
A bouquet of crumpled lilies, rough grooves carved into a weathered butcher block, dolls veiled in cobwebs – all portraits illuminating the worn, forgotten objects that once showcased meaning, purpose, and passions of the living. Like pearls on string, Still, Life threads together lonesome vignettes within the remnants of a decaying home where the dread, morbidity, and viscera of life in a feminine identity are examined through ghostly storytelling.
Basement Stair Collective is Claire Elizabeth Aldridge, Kora Link, Rachel Lindsey Routh, and Becca Wirta. We create immersive new works through a collaborative, design-forward process, delving into the dark corners of the human experience to shed light on the spaces between grief and joy, the flesh and the soul, and the personal and the political. We are the child running up the stairs, and the monster chasing after them.
HR: The Final Directive by Mishelle Apalategui, _eternal.classic_
Sunday, October 6, at 7:30 PM
Saturday, October 12, at 9:00 PM
Sunday, October 13, at 3:30 PM
No, this meeting couldn’t have been an email. Indulge in your worst nightmare: a mandatory meeting with the head of HR. Now that the country has taken its final form as a Corporation, its unhinged HR Director is dying to drag you through a sinister and unexpected onboarding session in HR: The Final Directive.
Written and performed by Mishelle Apalategui, this solo show is part clown, part immersive play, and totally corporate-approved. Welcome to the team!
Mishelle Apalategui is a playwright, actor, and producer known for her innovative approach to theatrical
development. A BFA graduate of Cornish College of the Arts and Milwaukee Repertory Theatre alum, sheloves to defy traditional theatre norms. In Chicago, she founded Digest, a monthly performance art night. In Portland, she co-created and co-starred in the augmented reality experience RE: Lilith Lopez. Mishelle has worked with Hand2Mouth, PAE, and is a judge with the Portland Horror Film Festival.
Miss Terri Terror Presents: Horror Anthology by Nick Assunto and Summer Olsson
Thursday, October 3, at 7:30 PM (ASL Interpreted)
Friday, October 11, at 9:00 PM
Sunday, October 13, at 7:30 PM
“Miss Terri Terror Presents: Horror Anthology” is a new take on after dark horror shows like Tales from the Crypt, presented as if it were live on your television at home, showcasing three back to back shorts connected in a mysteriously dark way, hosted by Miss Terri Terror herself.
Nick Assunto is a freshly based Portland writer with a passion for cinema and storytelling, and a large
background in theater, improv, and sketch comedy, who loves any opportunity he gets to combine all of his influences into weird, staged works.
Nick Assunto – Writer/Producer, Summer Olsson – Director/Producer
Cast: Sascha Blocker, Majd Murad, Leiana Petrewski, Jenelle Weidlich
The Crawling Man by Sweeney Gray
Saturday, October 5, at 2:00 PM
Tuesday, October 8, at 7:30 PM
Two friends are abandoned at a strange bus station after falling asleep on their commute. As they wait for another bus to arrive, they encounter an eviscerated young man, who begs for their help, transforming an already strange evening into a nightmare.
Deadname by Brooklyn Williams
Wednesday, October 9, at 7:30 PM
Saturday, October 12, at 2:00 PM
Marlo was found dead in 1927 with a bullet through his skull. He’s spent a century isolated in the incorporeal, stalked by ghost hunters eager to unravel his murder and rest his restless spirit. Now trapped between a bleeding-heart psychic and a dogged true-crime investigator, time’s running out to escape their plans of sending him to the great beyond. Meanwhile, Marlo has seen his opportunity to reinvent himself, and take advantage of his second transition: death.
My Wife the Grub
(October 3-6 and 8-13 at 6:45 PM)
A free, five-to-ten minute, episodic sitcom, occurring every night of the festival, featuring Amica Hunter and Mysteria (Jeff Desautels) as a same-sex different-species domestic couple… Sort of like “I Love Lucy” meets Eraserhead. Every show is different! Come be the live audience for a freakishly wholesome Kafka-esque nightmare comedy show. A frankensteined labor of love from the (literally) sleeping mind of Bruce Ryan Costella, the writings of Nick Assunto, and the performing prowess of Amica Hunter and Jeff Desautels. It’s gonna be nuts.
Creepy Crawlies Mad Science Lecture
(Saturday, October 5, 5:00 – 6:30pm )
Do you like gay stuff (duh)? Halloween (of course)? Nerds doing nerd things (who doesn’t)? Haunted theaters (boo)? Supporting local art productions (you better)? ANIMALS (there’s only one correct answer)? Then you’re in luck! An educational and thrilling chat about snakes, spiders and plenty of other slithering, slimy spine-tinglers…. With some of said critters ACTUALLY PRESENT! Come meet Eve Bennett and their menagerie of strange bedfellows / roommates. Amica will interview Eve about their critters, and the insane living situation they have cultivated… and meet the stars of the show – several incredible creatures you don’t want to miss!
Ghouls & Gorgons Speed Dating
(Sunday, October 6, 9:00 – 10:30pm)
An IN COSTUME goofy goth speed dating event for all genders, orientations, and types of connection seekers! Ghouls and Gorgons, friends of Stage Fright, come ponder the great and terrible mysteries of hell in this fun table to table speed dating session hosted by the hilarious sapphic sweetheart, Jones Violet. Featuring EXCLUSIVELY strange, horrifying, and spooky conversation prompts, and a casul, no-pressure environment with creepy lo-fi beats. Whether you are seeking an eternal life partner, or just a creature feature buddy, put on your most heinous and monstrous attire, and join us for a night of freakish fun!
Horror Homecoming Dance Party at Misfits Bar + Lounge
(Saturday, October 12, at 9:00 PM)
TICKETS SOLD THROUGH MISFITS
Did you find your special boil- or ghoul-friend at Speed Dating? Dance the night away at the gothest prom in town.
“Stage Fright” (2014) film screening
(Thursday, October 3, at 9:00 PM)
Ten years after her Broadway diva mother was murdered after performing `The Haunting of the Opera’, Camilla Swanson lands the lead role in a musical theatre summer camp’s version of the same musical. As the show goes on, the blood starts to spill… Shown with closed captions.
Bad Burial: Board Game Night
(Sunday, October 6, at 3:30 PM)
All games welcome! Bring your own, or borrow one of ours…
Bring your favorite game and settle in for a chill and spooky board game hang out between shows! Ambient haunting vibes and some games provided. Come make a new horror-loving friend!
Hosted by David Cantor…
Scary Story Open Mic
(Wednesday, October 9, at 9:00 PM)
Tell your own story, or grab one of ours to read. Flashlights provided for that essential under-the-chin glow…
Enter the dimly lit theatre and share your scariest real or made up story with an audience of Haunted Ones. Led by Jon Bennett, this storytelling open mic is the perfect creepy-casual venue for spilling your guts.
Arts ‘n’ (Witch)Crafts Night
(Sunday, October 13, at 5:00 PM)
A cozy night of socializing and (dark) art(s) projects… Bring your crafting supplies
Welcome to our Craft Coven! bring a project, an idea, a handful of supplies, or just your magical self and let’s get our Dark Arts on! Chill music, cozy little zones, basic supplies, and great conversations.
Jump Scare Bingo
(Saturday, October 12, at 5:00 PM)
Freakish characters read the numbers at this startling bingo event!
Picture this: all the fun of regular bingo, but make it SPOOKY!
Led by Portland’s beloved Clown King – Emily June Newton!
ACTUAL bingo! REAL Prizes!
The Macabre Cabaret: Part One
(Saturday, October 5, at 9:00 PM)
Music, puppets, comedy, oddities, and more! Part One featuring Glitter Gizzard, Prismagic, Sweeney Gray, Daniela N., Marty Honig and Jasmine Nothing
The Macabre Cabaret: Part Two
(Saturday, October 5, at 9:00 PM)
Music, puppets, comedy, oddities and more! Part Two is hosted by festival co-producers Amica Hunter and Jeff Desautels, featuring performances by Stage Fright company members. Send this fright fest to its maker in style as we wrap things up with variety acts by your favorite performers from throughout the SFF.
Pay what you can policy: email us if you cannot afford full price tickets and are unable to volunteer. creeps@stagefrightfestival.com
This year’s venue is at
Chapel Theatre
Please respect quiet hours when leaving the theatre after 10pm.
The venue has a small lot, and there is plenty of street parking. Stairs and a wide ramp lead up to the main double doors, and there is a side entrance to the basement as well. There is a small foyer with stairs leading down to several single-occupant restrooms, and another set of double doors leading into the theatre. There is an ADA accessible restroom in the foyer as well.
Mainstage performances will include flashing lights, loud noises, stage blood, and sensitive topics. If you have any questions or wish to know if a show includes anything specific, please email creeps@stagefrightfestival.com.
We will have one ASL-interpreted performance, Miss Terri Terror Presents: Horror Anthology, on October 3rd at 7:30 PM. Following this performance there will be a screening of the 2014 film Stage Fright with captions.
PWYC policy (email us if you cannot afford full price tickets and are unable to volunteer)