Who We Are

Darknician is a consortium of Sonoma County artists specializing in creating compelling haunted house experiences.  Our group joined forces in 1999 and has worked together to build richly-detailed, guided haunts that include special makeup effects, animatronics, great scenery and props, localized sounds and custom lighting, all combined with great acting and plot development. Darknician's members are a tight-knit group of funloving eccentrics, each with their own special talents and contributions. See below for more information on our members.

Doug Faxon  is Darknician's Team Leader. Doug has worked  diligently to network within the community in finding unique venues for Darknician haunts. With a background in theater, electronics, computers and audio, Doug is largely responsible for creating Darknician's sonic landscapes and also implements various sensor systems to trigger automated events. Doug’s background in set design aids him in developing maze layouts and set construction details.

Ted Peters  (Darknician's Business Manager) coined the term Darknician and aids in the conceptualization and construction of our haunts. Ted also enjoys acting, playing such roles as The Crypt Zombie, The Soul Sucker,  and Cannibal Spectre (at left). 

Rees Gwillim and Sheila Robinson work together as scene sculptors, painters and actors. Rees and Sheila's first date was painting Darknician's 1999 "Monroe Manor". They also acted in this haunt as the skeleton couple.

For Fintan Hall’s Ossuary,  Rees developed a "Gargoyle Suit" (at right), complete with pneumatically activated wings. He and Sheila meticulously hand-painted the Ossuary, making it the artistic centerpiece of the haunt.  Rees’ technical background and artistic design skills are brought to bear in developing richly detailed environments and sophisticated animatronics for Darknician's haunts.

Andy Evans  is Darknician's Dialog Developer, telling the stories within our haunts. Andy also relishes his roles as both a Guide and Guide Trainer, and has a humorous and calming presence in the group. Andy also handles safety training and logistics and deals with safety inspectors,  helping to minimize conflicts and keep the haunts rolling along smoothly and safely.

Joanne Hutchins  is the Darknician Event Planner, Staffing Scheduler and Materials Procurer.  Joanne's background includes chairing Windsor High School's first-ever Project Grad  in 1998 and continued through 2001.  She also continues doing fundraising for many non- profit organizations in Sonoma County, as she has  for the past 20 years. She has also worked as a wedding planner. Her energy and enthusiasm along with her organizational skills represents a huge contribution to our haunt team!

Ken Rawson   has worked with Darknician since 1999. Ken brings a variety of skills to our group, including his talents and resources as a machinist, designer, and visionary for room themes. Ken has also enjoyed working as a guide in past haunts.

Paulette Ryan Staker  joins Darknician this year as Darknician's Factotum/Event Manager. She also serves in the role of  Theatrical Consultant. Having a background in both business and theater (Paulette has stage-managed over 75 shows in her theater career), her skills are welcomed into the Darknician organization.

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