Rick GunnLuci Ann Zuend, 16, a Carson High School student, puts the finishing touches on her costume Tuesday evening at Mills Park. Zuend is part of the Ghost Train, a joint project between the Carson High drama students and the Carson City Train Association that offers a fun, and frightening, ride for children.
Dressed as cowboys, tigers, princesses and some in no costumes at all, children huddled tightly next to their parents to ward off the crisp October chill.
Shivering partly from the cold and partly in anticipation, they waited for the Ghost Train to arrive Tuesday.
The train pulled into the Mills Park Train Station shortly after 5 p.m. Passengers filed in.
Next stop: Freaksville.
For the past 10 years, Carson High School's drama students have paired with the Carson City Train Association to transform Mills Park into a haunted train adventure.
"We have a ball," said Pat Josten, parent volunteer. "I wouldn't miss this. I love being with the kids."
Drama students station themselves throughout the park along the path of the train. Each group enacts different scenarios ranging from scary themes such as Cannibal Corner and Monster Marriage to fun scenes including "Scooby-Doo."
"We try to keep them scared and laughing," said Jeremy Stewart, 16, a junior who has participated in Ghost Train for three years.
This year, Jeremy was one of a group of dancers who performed for parents and children waiting in line.
Dancer Luci Ann Zuend, 16, said the setting allowed for more spontaneity than more traditional performances.
"It's that we get to perform and it's so improv," she said. "It's so random because it's so interactive."
Drama teacher Karen Chandler wandered through the various groups giving directions such as, "We need more showmanship," and "We need more sound."
But the stage was spread across the entire park, giving more control to the students than to the director.
"It's totally improvisational," Chandler said. "It's up to them to create their scenarios and let them grow."
The Ghost Train will run again tonight from 5 to 9 o'clock The cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children.
The money benefits the train association and the drama club, which uses the proceeds to fund an annual trip to the Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, Ore.
IF YOU GO
What: Ghost Train
Where: Mills Park
When: 5 to 9 tonight
Cost: $5 adults, $3 children
