A.C.T. EMBRACES HORROR WITH A
STYLISH, SUSPENSEFUL STAGE ADAPTATION

A slow-burn ghost story elevated by design,
atmosphere, and committed performances

A.C.T. continues its 2025/26 season by branching out and taking a chance on a new genre: horror. If the posters and ad campaigns look familiar, they should—to fans of the original films. Paranormal Activity is written by Levi Holloway based on the 2007 low-budget horror movie of the same name, which did well enough to spawn sequels and a prequel. The premise is familiar: a young couple moves into a London flat and becomes increasingly disturbed by unexplained occurrences.

Cher Álvarez and Patrick Heusinger

Lou (Cher Alvarez) has long been plagued by nightmares and headaches, dating back to the couple’s life in Chicago. She hears voices she believes may be ghosts and struggles with insomnia, depression, and anxiety. Her husband James (Travis A. Knight) is patient and supportive, hoping their move will provide a fresh start and some distance from Lou’s troubles.

Cher Álvarez

Set in the present day, the story follows their attempt to settle into a new routine—Lou working from home, James at a nearby office. As in many horror stories, the couple’s warmth and playful rapport make the unfolding events more unsettling. The disturbances begin subtly: flickering lights, unexplained knocks, and other small intrusions. The suspense builds gradually. Lou fears her past is catching up with her, while James hopes there are rational explanations—even as doubt creeps in.

The production relies heavily on technical elements to sustain tension. Sudden sounds, ringing phones in the middle of the night, televisions flickering to life, and unseen knocks all contribute to the unease.

Patrick Heusinger

The creative team—Gareth Fry (sound), Luke Halls (video), and Anna Watson (lighting)—keeps both the characters and the audience on edge. Most striking is the multi-level set of the couple’s home, designed by Fly Davis, who also provides costumes. The space resembles an open dollhouse, allowing the audience to see multiple rooms at once. What first appears cozy gradually takes on a more ominous tone, particularly at night, as shadows deepen and the atmosphere darkens. Director Felix Barrett (Sleep No More) commands every element of the production with terror-inducing precision.

Cher Álvarez and Patrick Heusinger

When James finally encounters something undeniably supernatural, the couple seeks help from a specialist. Enter Etheline Cotgrave (Kate Fry), an eccentric paranormal investigator whose presence introduces a new dynamic. A séance escalates the situation, triggering more aggressive phenomena. James’ mother, Carolanne (Shannon Cochran), arrives in an effort to help, but tensions rise as fear, doubt, and buried secrets begin to strain the relationship.

Cher Álvarez and Patrick Heusinger

The cast of four delivers solid performances, grounding the story in believable emotion. The strength of the production lies in making Lou and James feel like a real couple—one the audience can invest in and worry about as events spiral.

Cher Álvarez

As with any good horror story, the outcome remains uncertain. No spoilers here—you’ll have to see how it ends.

One notable shift is in the audience itself. A.C.T. typically draws an older, established theatergoing crowd, but opening night saw a noticeable influx of younger patrons. The contemporary genre, combined with a strong advertising push, appears to be bringing in a new demographic. It’s a welcome development—and one that may signal an evolving direction for the company.

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photos by Kyle Flubacker

Paranormal Activity
North American Premiere Tour
American Conservatory Theatre
A.C.T.’s Toni Rembe Theater, 415 Geary St.
2 hours and 10 minutes including intermission
ends on March 15, 2026
for tickets ($25–$130), call 415.749.2228 or visit A.C.T.

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