The Mastermind Youth Foundation will host a fundraiser ahead of Halloween to showcase the work of local youth involved in a new horror-themed theatrical program called "Fright Club."
Foundation Director Sachin Parmar said the free program for youth (between 12 and 18 years old) began in late September.
Parmar said the club allows young people to practice acting, script writing, set design, costume design, and special effects.
"The program culminates with a haunted house fundraiser, we're calling Carnival of Chaos that happens on October 26 at the Lochiel Kiwanis Community Centre," he said.
Parmar said there is a competitive aspect to the program where kids will showcase the scenes they've created at the Carnival of Chaos.
"The guests can vote on the best actor, and scenes, and things like that," he said. "So it helps motivate [the kids] to work at it and really try their best."
About seven students signed up for the new program. Parmar said there are also a lot of adult volunteers who are just as enthusiastic about the horror genre.
The Carnival of Chaos will be open to members of the public and will incorporate scary aspects throughout the building.
"We will have three separate immersive scare experiences so one takes place in the basement, one on the top floor, and then one uses the elevator," he said. "Then the main hall will serve as a carnival, so we'll have vendors there."
Parmar said they're also in discussions to have different types of artists at the event.
The foundation initially launched earlier this year with a robotics team but has since expanded to include programs such as Fright Club and 3X3 basketball.
"We understand that kids are into a bunch of different things and we want to offer programming that doesn't exist in the area, that could be something that really builds them into what they want to be," Parmar said.
The Carnival of Chaos will be held from 7 p.m. until 11 p.m. Admission is $15 in advance or $20 at the door.
Money raised will support Mastermind Youth programs.
Parmar said next year, they're planning to start Fright Club at the beginning of September.