Etna's ScareHouse to masquerade as a Laser Tag arena

The ScareHouse has gone rogue.

Now through April 28, the haunted attraction in Etna is transforming into “Rogue Laser Grounds,” a multi-level Laser Tag adventure for kids and adults.

“This is the first time we’ve done anything like this,” says Katie Dudas, ScareHouse director of sales and marketing.

Staff members spent the past month transforming 2,300-square-feet of the Butler Street facility into an arena that plunges participants into a world filled with fog, special effects and Hollywood-caliber themes. Wearing glowing headsets and brandishing futuristic-looking weapons that fire safe, FDA-certified Class 1 lasers, players 10 years old and above battle it out in a series of games that require teamwork and strategy.

Unlike the traditional haunt, which kicks off its 20^th season later this year, there are no horrifying scenes or actors jumping out of the shadows.

The equipment and software are manufactured by Battle Company, a Wisconsin-based business that specializes in live action gaming. Scarehouse representatives discovered the products while attending an amusement parks and attractions expo earlier this year and knew they would be a good investment.

Dudas says the software is highly customizable, allowing ScareHouse to download its own sounds and images into the games.

Rogue Laser Grounds will be open Thursdays through Sundays. Online guests can book one, hour-long time slot (for $17.95 on Sundays and Thursdays or $ 19.95 on Fridays and Saturdays) or reserve the entire 16-player arena for $249. Bookings may not be available at the door so parties are encouraged to get advanced tickets. All participants are required to sign a waiver and should arrive 15 minutes before their allotted time slot.

Parking is available on Butler Street.

The indoor battlefield and adjoining party room also are available to rent for private events.

Dudas says ScareHouse will eventually incorporate the lasers into the haunted parts of the century-old building and will host similar pop-up events around the region.