While many houses rely on popular culture, such as horror films, to create themes, Armstrong’s is far more imaginative. His concepts were born from a mind steeped in and passionate about ancient lore, Egyptian mythology, HP Lovecraft novels, Dungeons & Dragons, and the outer realms of science fiction and fantasy. He approaches his concepts more like a novelist than an attraction builder.
First, it creates complex plots and builds worlds. These universes and storylines give birth to its cast of characters. He then shows them with a team of carpenters, special effects and costume designers. But it all starts with a story.
According to Armstrong, the story went on for 28 years. Each year, Armstrong builds his plot and pushes the narrative further. He said it could be completed in two years on the Netherworld’s 30th anniversary.
“This apocalyptic situation is spiraling out of control and everything is coming to a big conclusion,” he said.
Credit: Credit: Ben Gray for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Credit: Credit: Ben Gray for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The story line is mainly about Nethervlem, a world where beings from other dimensions can enter our world.
“They (all the yards) had that unifying bond,” Armstrong said. “Each year the event grows to the next step. … These monsters are doing this, and now these other monsters are fighting them, or these groups of people are doing this. Here is the in-depth history of this show. For us, it is very powerful and effective. This gives our production design.”
Security is organized.
“It always starts with the town of Weisberg,” Armstrong said. “Forces are always fighting in Weisberg.”
Last year in the city of Weisberg, a creature with long tentacles shot into the sky and joined the elemental world.
“So we had water, ice, fire and land,” Armstrong said. “There was a huge eyeball that was swinging with its tentacles. … The whole city was under water … everything was covered in seaweed. There were fish people, many mermaids and the kraken monster.
This year, the city is trying to conquer the elements.
“We’re going to shut them down and we’re going to drain all of their energy,” Armstrong said. “So the first thing you see are the nets, the tubes of light that drain their energy, the weapons to destroy the Netherworld… but the dead of the dead world, they crave life. … They come and crawl on the ground to feed.”
Armstrong doesn’t expect guests to understand the story when their senses are, as he puts it, “under attack.” Instead, it’s like a fantastic meal prepared by a chef. Diners may not know the ingredients or the culinary skills that go into making the food, but they know it’s delicious. However, some visitors follow the story.
“A guy came up to me and introduced himself. I have never met him before. And he said, “I went to your first show in Norcross 28 years ago, and I come every year”… and he knew all that. He knew the characters,” Armstrong said.
For most, Armstrong wants to create a memorable experience.
“The biggest thing we do is memories,” he said. “And this is a success. If people come here and go, ‘Oh, that was great, let’s go next year.'”
Credit: Credit: Ben Gray for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Credit: Credit: Ben Gray for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For the actors working on the show, Netherworld offers the opportunity to play many complex characters. On a nightly basis, the casting director rotates many actors through different roles. When actors report to work, they are given a task. They first go to the make-up room, where one of 18 artists works on their body. They then go into one of several themed costume rooms. There is a room with hundreds of latex masks, and another with an armory. Then they can go to the wall where they grab their latex hands, fingernails and speakers like gloves. You also need to turn on the electronics.
Credit: Credit: Ben Gray for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Credit: Credit: Ben Gray for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Credit: Daniel Charbonneau
Credit: Daniel Charbonneau
Backstage is as fun as a haunted house. In December, Armstrong offers guests a day tour to show off their production. It also runs a prop museum and escape rooms.
Working on Netherworld is an honor for many actors, some of whom have been working for decades. Special patches are given to actors to add to their Netherspan Jackets when they reach new milestones.
“We have a senior patch for five years. 10 years ago. The initial period is 15 years. Megalodon is 20 years, and trilobite is 25 years,” Armstrong said. “We have one for shock scares and one for the sliders (actors who slide across the floor on knee pads to scare people).”
Credit: Daniel Charbonneau
Credit: Daniel Charbonneau
In Armstrong’s Netherworld, whether you’re a worker or a looter, everyone is interested.
“At the end of the day, it’s entertainment. We are here to entertain people,” he said. “All that adrenaline and dopamine … those things make people feel good. That’s why people ride roller coasters. That’s why people jump out of planes, that’s why people go to fifty houses.”
IF YOU GO
The Netherworld Haunted Houses are open nightly from today until November 3rd. Tickets start at $35. Speeding tickets and other optional experiences are offered. There are also evacuation rooms and a museum on site. Netherworld is located at 1313 Netherworld Way, Stone Mountain. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit here fearworld.com.