Screaming for Outdoor Screenings

Want to re-watch all of your old favourite horror movies, but don’t want to be stuck indoors? 
 

Create your own inexpensive outdoor home theatre and invite friends, family, and neighbours to join you in your fright fests. Lighting, sound, and setting are all crucial elements in a horror movie, so why not set the mood for your horror-thon using a natural environment? With the moonlight casting shadows, and the sound of the wind blowing, twigs snapping, owls hooting, and maybe even a wild animal howling in the background, the outdoor atmosphere will certainly enhance the horror!

Step 1

Locate an exterior wall large enough to hang a solid, light-coloured sheet from – the side of your garage or an outdoor shed or barn works really well. Or, try stretching a sheet out and tying the corners to trees on other side. If you’re really lucky, you might also be able to obtain a projector screen. You can also experiment with different surfaces – try projecting Jaws on a pool!

Step 2

Procure a digital projector and additional audiovisual accoutrements (speakers, cables, DVD player, etc). Basically, beg, borrow, or rent from a friend or neighbour, the office, or an audiovisual equipment rental agency. You might also find reasonable rates at liquidation sales at stores, or at local colleges or universities who are replacing inventory – if nothing else, they might rent out equipment at a lower rate than the average a/v rental agency. There’s nothing more terrifying than huge expenses.

Step 3

Arrange a comfy arena of lawn chairs, outdoor furniture and seats adorned with plush cushions. Add the odd outdoor end table for setting down snacks and drinks. Consider blankets as well – so scaredy-cats have something to hide behind.

Step 4

Plan ahead – watch the forecast for a clear, rain-free evening. A thunderstorm, while hugely appropriate in a haunted house movie, will certainly put a damper on your night. Also, have bug spray or bug-repellent candles (safely) on hand for those muggy or humid nights when creepy crawlers come out to play.

Step 5

Food and refreshments are key - arrange everything in a ‘self-serve’ manner, even it is a BYOB event. Include the usual theatre snacks like popcorn and junior mints in traditional-looking popcorn or candy containers (see your local dollar store), or go with a theme: you can mix it up with messy hot wings and pizza – anything with a red sauce if you’re watching a gory movie. Make sure to fill a large basin with water and ice to hold your canned and bottled (alcoholic?) beverages. Maybe even toss in a gag severed limb or two.

All that’s left is to choose your screening selection, and you can enjoy your Theatre of Terror!

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