Broadway's Paranormal Activity Uses Set Design to Blame Audiences for Screams

Audience members at Broadway's "Paranormal Activity" often react loudly to the scares unfolding on stage, and the cast says those reactions are now a core part of the production. While the show is not interactive, the noise and movement from the audience frequently alter the energy of the performance. The cast describes this dynamic as a constant flirtation with breaking character, but they welcome the engagement from theatergoers.

Travis Knight and Cher Alvarez star as James and Lou, a couple who moves from Chicago to London hoping to leave a troubled life behind. Instead, the pair becomes the center of a supernatural ordeal. The production takes place in a set that initially appears to be a cozy home but quickly reveals unexpected scares around every corner. Knight noted that the design allows for unpredictability, stating, "Truly anything can happen. You don't know where the next thing is coming from."

The atmosphere relies heavily on technical elements to unsettle viewers. Knight credited the set design and lighting with creating spaces where audiences can project their own fears into shadows and silhouettes. Alvarez emphasized the role of sound in maintaining tension, describing the audio mix as incredibly overstimulating. She explained that the goal is to pull the rug out from under the audience, keeping them on edge throughout the runtime.

For Alvarez, the role of Lou also carries personal weight. She expressed pride in bringing elements of her own culture to the character and hopes that viewers see themselves represented on stage. She called the experience the most rewarding of her time on the production, noting that the representation resonates strongly with the audience.

The cast members also reported strange occurrences within the theater building itself. When asked if the venue was haunted, both actors replied yes. Alvarez recalled specific instances where objects, such as plants, appeared to move or fall on their own, particularly just before intermission. These backstage events add a layer of genuine eeriness to the already frightening environment.

The unpredictability extends to the cast members themselves. Alvarez laughed while describing an attempt to scare Knight backstage that resulted in her startling herself instead. The constant surprises, both intentional and accidental, ensure that no two performances are identical. The cast believes that keeping the experience fresh and slightly different for every show is central to the show's appeal for fans of the genre.

The production continues to run at the Marquis Theatre in New York City. The combination of detailed set design, immersive sound, and reactive audiences creates a specific type of horror experience that differs from traditional stage plays. The cast remains committed to maintaining the balance between technical precision and spontaneous audience interaction.