Theatrefolk Featured Play – The Haunting of Chip Lake Lodge

Welcome to our Featured Play Spotlight.   The Haunting of Chip Lake Lodge by J. Robert Wilkins is all about a great story with fantastic characters. Plus wonderful opportunities for technical elements – from the set, the lights, the sound and the supernatural.

Four high school seniors, Amy, Jennifer, Stephanie and Justin, arrive at a country lodge for their prom. But things go askew from the start. They show up at the wrong lodge, their car won’t start, the phone goes dead, and disco music plays inexplicably. The lodge is haunted!

The teens are unwillingly drawn into a slightly deranged plot to free the spirit from the curse of Chip Lake. If only Justin can overcome his fear of giant rats, they may be able to save the day.

It all leads to a bizarre prom night no one will forget!

Why did we publish this play?
The Haunting of Chip Lake Lodge  is part mystery, part comedy, part supernatural, and all entertaining! One of my favourite genres on the Theatrefolk site is our Halloween-esque plays. I love how our authors use theatrical conventions to bring spooky stories to life. Chip Lake Lodge is no exception. Add to that a wonderful sense of humour, characters that are exceedingly fun to play, and a great challenge for a teen tech team – it all makes for a fabulous theatrical experience!

Let’s hear from the author!

1. Why did you write this play?
I wrote the play for the annual Dinner Theatre at my school.

2. Describe the theme in one or two sentences.
Teens working together to overcome adversity.

3. What’s the most important visual for you in this play?
The daunting environment of the set.

4. If you could give one piece of advice for those producing the play, what would it be?
Embrace the stereotypes. That is the source of the humor.

5. Why is this play great for student performers?
I believe the performers can identify with the stereotypes and their emotions. But the main thing is that they can have fun through exaggeration. There is no serious messaging here.