The nos center is the home of many festivals, including Escape Psycho Circus. This event is different from most of Insomniac events in the sense that it isn’t about rainbows and unicorns, in fact, it’s just the opposite. The entertainers and performers are dressed as zombies, monsters, clowns and so much more. This fest isn’t for the faint-hearted, after all, it is the Escape from Beyond Wonderland.
One of the most insane attractions for this event is the Asylum. Upon coming out of the Asylum this year we came across a man who was part of the production. He explained to us that insomniac has been collecting items for it for the past 5 years and have spent over two million dollars. The effort shows, walking through this 15-20 minute maze is like walking onto a high-budget Hollywood production. There is so much attention to detail as far as the set and actors go.
They have really nailed the time period in which it is supposed to take place, as well as going the extra mile in hiring the staff. You must sign a waiver before going into the maze, as they put you in a straight jacket and a hockey mask to really make you feel as though you have been committed. From start to finish, it really is an experience to be had.
Of course, the downside is the lengthy wait time to go through the maze depending on when you get in line...but like anything amazing, it is well worth the wait. However, the staff understands that it is a very long wait and they throw water bottles into the crowd every hour or so, to ensure no one gets dehydrated while waiting in line. My best advice for this is to get to the event as early as possible and get in line before it gets too crazy. I would also get a drink or some food to snack on from the vendor's before getting in line because that can make the time go by faster. Another way to pass the time would be to download heads up on to your phone or playing Charades. After all, you are there with your rave fam or babe, why not make the most of it?
For those fortunate enough to survive the maze, there is an extra special surprise at the end for those Asylum patients that are 21 and over. There is a seriously kick-ass Asian themed bar that awaits you. Complete with awesome music, good vibes, and speakeasy type decor. It’s a good way to decompress after getting the PLUR scared out of you for the last 20 minutes.
For those of you that are afraid that the Asylum will be too scary, not to worry. The staff is mostly playful and as long as you play along with them it takes the edge off. That being said, be sure to follow directions or the staff will do what they please with you. But be warned, if you act scared they naturally gravitate towards you and mess with you. It is important to remember throughout, that it isn’t real and everything is intended in good fun.
By: Ricky Barnett