CT HorrorFest

David Howard Thornton

With the departure of Mike Giannelli after the anthology film All Hallow’s Eve, writer/director Damien Leone was tasked with finding a new actor to fill Art the Clown’s huge, bloody shoes. Thankfully for him, in walked a gifted voice actor from Alabama with a talent for scaring the hell out of people who aren’t normally even afraid of clowns.

David Howard Thornton has brought the perfect amount of brutal hilarity to the character of Art the Clown during his portrayals in Terrifier and Terrifier 2 and we’re excited to see where he can take the character in the future!

We are thrilled to bring David Howard Thornton to CT HorrorFest 2023!

Film: Terrifier, Terrifier 2, The Exigency, The Dark Offerings, The Mean One, Night of the Living Dead 2

Television: Gotham, Nightwing: Escalation, The Bravest Knight, Alma’s Way

Voicework: Two Worlds ii Pirates of the Flying Fortress, The Invizimals: The Lost Kingdom, Miss Hokusai

Damien Leone

 A student of special effects makeup and a lifelong horror fan, Damien Leone always knew he wanted to unleash loads of screen-gore unto the masses. Then in 2008, he wrote and directed a short film titled The 9th Circle which featured a character he created named Art the Clown.

Based on the reaction to that character, he gave Art his own short film in 2011 titled Terrifier. Word about this underground blood-fest circulated which led to an anthology film featuring the demented clown and now two stand-alone films – the most recent of which is currently still filling theaters with horror-obsessed Art fans.

Please welcome writer/director Damien Leone to 2023’s CT HorrorFest!

Film: The 9th Circle, All Hallow’s Eve, Terrifier, Terrifier 2, Frankenstein vs. the Mummy

Is CT HorrorFest scary?

Not unless you find meeting celebrities and shopping awesome vendors scary. Some people come dressed in costumes. But don't expect a haunted house or to be chased by someone with a chainsaw.

What time should I arrive as an attendee and buy tickets?

Any time. Tickets will be on sale both days at the door.

But can the event sell out?

Yes. The venue can only fit so many people and as such, we have allotted a certain number of tickets for Friday and a certain number for Saturday. We will keep track and make “low ticket alert” announcements on social media if either day that is getting near sell out.

I purchased a Saturday ticket but have decided to come Sunday instead, is that okay?

Pre-purchased tickets are non-transferrable. If you show up on Sunday with a “Saturday” ticket, you will need to purchase a new ticket to gain entry.

Does my ticket also cover celebrity autograph fees?

No, your ticket purchase gets you entry into the event, allows you to shop the vendors, entry into the panel discussions, and the chance to line up and purchase a celebrity autograph/photo.

What if the line to meet a certain celebrity becomes too long?

We’ve had this problem in the past and this year we will be instituting a ticketing system should the need arise during the show. More to come on that.

Can I come in costume?

Of course!

How much are autographs?

Autographs are priced at the discretion of the talent. The last few years on the East Coast, autographs have ranged from $20-$200. We will do our best to publish a list of autograph/photo prices a few days before the event, provided that they get us the information ahead of time.

Is there an ATM onsite?

Yes. 

My costume has a weapon is that OK?

All costume props must be inspected at the front desk. Because of safety reasons, we cannot allow any real or sharp weapons into the venue without being checked.

Can I have my machete/knife, etc. signed by a celebrity?

No.

What happens if the convention is canceled?

If for any reason the convention is canceled, we will refund all ticket purchases and vendor tables within 30 days.

What happens if the celebrity you are coming to meet cancels?

As the event promoters, we hope that no one cancels; that is truly a nightmare for us. We understand that you may have purchased a ticket to meet one specific person, but celebrity cancellations are out of our control. We do not offer refunds for this reason - the show will go on.

I’m having an issue with another attendee, what do I do?

Please do not take any matters like this into your own hands. Whatever your issue is, let a staff member know and we will take care of it.

My friend is running a haunted house or has a horror-podcast or another business, can I hand out flyers at CTHF?

No. Attendees are not allowed to distribute, stickers, cards, or any promotional item without prior approval from CTHF. Our vendors and sponsors pay for the ability to promote their haunts, events, businesses, etc. so it would be unfair to allow attendees to do the same for free.

Will there be food?

The venue will have approved food vendors on site selling food, snacks, and beverages (including beer and wine).

Will you be adding more guests?

We will continue to announce guests on a rolling basis as the show draws near.

Can I smoke?

There is no smoking of any materials, including vaping or e-cigarettes, allowed in the Naugatuck Event Center. You are free to go outside and smoke and re-enter the event.

Can I take photos of vendors and/or celebrities?

With their permission, yes.

Can I interview some of the celebrities for my podcast during CTHF?

No, the celebrities are there to meet with fans and we need the lines to move at a steady pace so that they're able to meet with everyone without interruption.

I want to record a panel and post it on YouTube or live stream a panel/event. Is that cool?

Live-streaming or posting your personal panel recordings online is not allowed. CT HorrorFest will post professional recordings of all panels and events from both days on their YouTube page following the event for any you may have missed, and you are free to repost those.

I’m leaving for the day and want to give my friend my wristband so they can enter.

Anyone attempting to enter CT HorrorFest with a wristband that looks damaged or used will have that wristband removed and will need to purchase a ticket to enter.