Shorter College's Roberts Hall will be transformed into dorm full of frights, as the Hill will play host to a Halloween Haunted House on Oct. 31.

The Haunted House is being organized by Shorter's Frankenstein, Harry Potter and Friends Learning Community. Designed to allow students to explore areas of personal interest while completing core classes, learning communities are tied together with common themes and integrated coursework. The Frankenstein, Harry Potter and Friends Learning Community was formed so that students could explore the roles of Gothic and contemporary literature, along with theatrical adaptations of thriller and horror genres.

Taking what they have learned so far, the students, along with three faculty members, have decided to bring a little bit of their classroom to life. "We're going to use all the theatrical makeup effects we can muster for this," said Richard Bristow, adjunct instructor and set designer at Shorter. "There will be special scenes from Frankenstein and Harry Potter, along with other literature and productions they have been studying like "Wicked" and "The Shining." We're going to have a great time with this, and there will be something for all ages. There will be some props too, but we are really going to go all out with the makeup effects."

The Haunted House will be open from dusk until midnight on Oct. 31. There is no admission; however, the learning community members hope to also use this event as a fundraiser for St. Jude Children's Hospital. A suggested donation of $5 will be accepted. Roberts Hall is located at the top of Shorter Hill, just behind the Sheffield-Thompson Building.

Founded in 1873, Shorter College is a Christian college committed to excellence in education. Since 2003, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Shorter among the South's best baccalaureate colleges. The college offers bachelor's degrees in 48 major areas, master's level and undergraduate degree programs for working adults, online courses, and a vibrant intercollegiate athletic program. Shorter will transition to university status June 1, 2010. For more information, visit www.shorter.edu