LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. (WHP) — Field of Screams opens its 34th season Friday with new attractions for visitors and new state safety requirements governing some of the youngest people working behind the scenes.
The Lancaster County haunted attraction said it has about 275 actors and staff members this season. Co-owner and co-founder Jim Schopf said performers can be as young as 14.
This season, Pennsylvania has additional safety requirements in place for haunted attractions that use minor performers.
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry (PDLI) confirmed to CBS 21 that Field of Screams submitted its required compliance plan for the 2026 season and that the plan has been approved.
PDLI said it is still in the process of issuing individual performance permits for minors at Field of Screams. Only minors whose permit applications have been approved will be allowed to perform.
“All of our minors, they get a special performer permit that’s issued by the state,” Schopf said. “So we fill out paperwork for every single minor before they can act.”
Pennsylvania’s requirements for haunted attractions using minors include safety plans addressing background checks for adults who interact with minors, sexual abuse and harassment prevention training, workplace safety training, reporting mechanisms, and protocols for responding to violations.
Schopf said Field of Screams conducts a 15-year look-back background check on its adult employees.
“Safety is paramount to what we do, whether it’s staff safety, customer safety,” Schopf said.
Field of Screams also has two systems employees can use to report concerns, according to Schopf.
One is available through an online portal used by actors, with reports going to management. The other uses QR codes posted in staff and common areas that allow workers to report concerns to a third-party security team independent of Field of Screams.
Schopf said the attraction welcomes the state’s additional oversight.
“All the new regulations that Department of Labor has enacted for haunted attractions are really welcomed just to keep the industry safe,” he said.
The department told CBS 21 it has the authority to conduct inspections and compliance checks at Field of Screams either with notice or unannounced.
When asked whether the department had identified any deficiencies or compliance issues involving Field of Screams ahead of opening night, PDLI said it does not share that information unless a formal notice of violations has been provided to an employer.
So, what’s new for visitors?
The changes this year aren’t limited to what happens behind the scenes.
Field of Screams has expanded its gas station scene on the Haunted Hayride, adding more fire and pyrotechnics. The Den of Darkness also has a new scene called the Midnight Masquerade Ballroom.
“We’re always innovating and creating new scenes and sets,” Schopf said.
The attraction’s fall season begins Friday, Sept. 11, and runs through Nov. 14.