A beloved and longstanding tradition since 1988, Hauntings on the Hill is an event put on by UVA’s Brown College to benefit charity each Halloween. Both a fundraiser and an interactive production, Hauntings is a haunted house on Grounds assembled and run by Brown residents. It annually brings together students, faculty, and the greater Charlottesville area for a festive celebration of spooky season. Brown, one of the three residential colleges at UVA alongside the International Residential College and Hereford, is known for a “tight-knit community” and student engagement. While each residential college has its own unique activities and traditions, Hauntings on the Hill is definitely one of the highlights of the fall.
The theme for Hauntings this year, “Murder on the Dance Floor,” brings a fresh twist to glamorous dance scenes—with an eerie touch. The event will take place this Friday and Saturday from 8:00 P.M. until midnight, providing ample time for guests to make their way through the rooms. However, for those looking for a lower-sensory experience but still want to enjoy the fun, there is a family hour from 7:00 to 8:00 P.M. on both days.
As per the name, Hauntings will be held at Monroe Hill and admission is five dollars, all of which goes towards a nonprofit organization. The charity chosen for this year is the Haven, a local organization that provides for those in need of shelter in Charlottesville, embodying UVA’s commitment to community support and service.
Preparation begins early in the fall semester so that all of the elements of the entertaining and thrilling experience can come together on time. At the beginning of the year, those living in Brown are invited to fill out a form to submit their best ideas based on a chosen thematic area, which is music this year.
After a few weeks, Brown residents are able to volunteer for various positions, such as room leaders, guides, and pushers. Room leaders are the creative masterminds that design and manage one of the ten rooms in the Hauntings and work to ensure that the room is on par with the chosen theme while still contributing to the scary atmosphere. Guides are those leading the groups going through the rooms and pushers keep the operation going smoothly and efficiently. People can also sign up to be makeup artists or to create promotional art to advertise Hauntings.
To get a glimpse into the inner workings of Hauntings, Virginia Simpson, a first-year living at Brown who has been working tirelessly to help put on the best time possible for attendees, offered some insight. As a co-leader for one of the rooms, Virginia’s “Cotton-Eyed Joe” room is inspired by the ambiance of upper-middle-class country-club dances. The most challenging part of designing thus far, she shared, has been finding the props that would be in tune with the overall vibe. For those looking to participate in Hauntings next year, Virginia’s advice is to find a supportive team who can assist in the process to help bring each vision to life, noting that collaborative teamwork has been an integral aspect of success.
Whether you are looking for some fright-filled fun with friends or the perfect opportunity to support those in need, Hauntings on the Hill invites all to come out for an unforgettable night. Each room has been designed by hardworking students and showcases personal individual artistic expression, guaranteeing that Hauntings is something special each year. Those who attend contribute to upholding a cherished UVA tradition in addition to making a meaningful difference. Be sure to head to Monroe Hill this weekend and support fellow students as well as the Haven!
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