Haunted House In Thousand Oaks Terrifies Public For Good Causes

THOUSAND OAKS (CBSLA.com) — A popular haunted house in Thousand Oaks isn't just scaring the public -- it's also giving back to the public.

The Reign of Terror (located at Janss Marketplace) is helping support good causes. All proceeds this year are going to worthwhile community-based organizations.

CBS2's Amy Johnson spoke to Bruce Stanton, the house's creator.

Reign of Terror, Stanton said, began as a labor of love 14 years ago. It  started with about 13 rooms that have grown in time to 65 rooms, five themes and 12,000 square feet of fright and fear.

"We want to kind of attack everybody's senses," Stanton said. "Everybody has a certain level of fear. They may be afraid of clowns, or they may be afraid of chainsaws or dark spaces. We want to give something to everybody."

It's not all about scaring people, Stanton said.

Jim Friedl, the general manager of the Conejo Recreation and Park District, says  "Reign of Terror" has donated $40,000 to his group the past four years.

"It's a significant contribution for the community. Two units that really benefit are our teen center and the Young Artist's Ensemble," Friedl said. The latter program, in turn, helps "Conejo Theater For Everyone," a group comprised of actors and actresses with special needs.

Stanton says he has no plans of ending the haunted house anytime soon.

"This is really a hobby I love doing," he said, "and then a great cause that comes from it."

General admission tickets are $15 (cash only). Reign of Terror will remain open through Friday. For more information about the Reign of Terror, click here.