On September 14, 2019, Ghostly Activities investigated the Fox Theatre in Centralia, Washington. Over the night, team members had personal experiences and we tested new gear. Get the scoop after the jump.

Fox Theatre Background

We received an excellent tour and haunting details from Conrad Lawrence, who oversees the renovation of the Fox Theatre. He provided its history as well as these ghostly encounters:

• A ghostly usher manifests outside the women’s bathroom on the mezzanine
• Poltergeist activity along the stairs by the office on the mezzanine
• The feeling of being watched
• Oppressive feelings on the balcony and main floor
• Shadowy figures in the balcony
• Wonky lights in the dressing room area
• Figures in the projector room

Ghostly Activities took these notes to test for continued activity. Since the renovations started, the activity seems to have calmed down. The tour ended around 7:30 PM.

Fox Theatre Image Gallery

Investigation Details

The buildings current state of renovation and size made this a challenging investigation. There were certain areas we had to avoid for safety like the projector room. We also had a lot of area to cover, so we leaned on a series of 7 infrared cameras to monitor the cavernous Fox Theatre.

The investigation began a little after 8 PM and wrapped at 1 AM.

We also split into 2 teams and moved to different parts of the building. You can read more about our ‘mini investigations’ below.

Ghost Hunting Gear Used:

• 7 infrared cameras and 2 DVR systems
• Canon XA11 video camera
• Canon Rebel T7i DSLR
• Full Spectrum Canon Vixia HF R800
• Standard Canon Vixia HF R800
• REM pod
• EMF array
• SLS Kinect camera
• 2 FLIR thermal imaging cameras
• Zoom H2 audio recorder
• 3 Zoom H1n audio recorders
• EDI+

Fox Theatre Mini Investigations

Stage

On the stage, we used June as a trigger object. She sang opera songs like performers of the past would do. Our goal was to see if we could get a ghostly response.

For the experiment, we placed an EMF array around her and aimed a SLS Kinect camera to capture a manifestation. There were no responses captured.

Later in the night, a group of investigators (June, Arch & Sandy) were to run experiments, but the events on the theatre’s main floor prevented them from going on stage. See the Theatre Floor mini investigation for those details.

There was an infrared camera placed mid-stage. We have yet to review the footage from it.

Dressing Rooms

Ross, Morgan and Jake conducted an EVP session, accompanied by a SLS Kinect camera, live listening and a FLIR thermal imaging camera. Jake did not capture any apparitions, but Ross did collect 2 thermal anomalies. One appeared through a window pointing out to the orchestra pit. The other appeared along the wall by the orchestra pit.

We had 2 infrared cameras recording the area and have yet to review that evidence.

Mezzanine Level

The mezzanine consists of the women’s bathroom, lobby and main office. We had a few environmental changes recorded on the EDI+ during an EVP session in the office. The REM pod placed here did not trigger at all. We did not capture anything in the women’s bathroom or lobby.

Theatre Floor

On the ground floor, you could access the theatre bowl, where all the seats would be. Investigators June, Sandy and Arch reported the following activity:

• Shadow figures moving on the stage and balcony
• Something tugged Sandy’s shirt
• The feeling that something circled them
• Shuffling on the stage and next to them on the floor
• A shadow that ducked in the orchestra pit
• A rush of emotions that overwhelmed them
• Cold spots
• A floral perfume scent permeated the area

Later in the night, Jake and June went to the spot where the previous team had experiences. Jake reported the heebie-jeebies: His back tightened, his hair stood on end, and he had anxiety. June also had the heebie-jeebies. There was the sound of rubble moving, but it was debunked as wind hitting a temporary door.

Next, Morgan and Sandy went in, but didn’t capture any activity.

It was difficult to pinpoint the noises in the theatre bowl. Outside sounds as well as sounds from inside bounced around the interior. A storm passed through after 11 PM until the end of the investigation. The winds came through in spots, which added ‘noise’ to the sounds inside the building.

We had 2 infrared cameras placed in the far corners of the balcony and pointed down at the main floor and stage. Hopefully, we captured some of the anomalies the ladies’ team experienced. At this time, we have yet to review the video.

Projector Room

The projector room is currently under construction and not safe for people to enter. We placed 2 infrared cameras in the area to capture John Springer’s apparition. We have yet to review the footage from this placement.

Environmental Conditions

Date: September 14-15, 2019

Start Time: 8 PM PT

End Time: 1 AM PT

Solar X-Ray Activity: S0 (Quiet & Stable)

Geomagnetic Field: G0 (none)

Moon Phase: Full Moon

Temperature: 63°F – 71°F (indoor)

Humidity: 81% – 100%

Barometric Pressure: 29.83″

Wind Speed & Direction: 7 MPH SSW with gusts to 15 MPH

Ghost Hunt Conclusion

Guest investigators continue to review their data for possible ghostly evidence. I’ll update this post with what we find.

As for me, the most compelling evidence is the personal experiences on the theatre floor. My cameras didn’t capture apparitions or EVPs. So, watch this space for updates. There will be more evidence added as we sift through our recordings.

Last Updated on March 21, 2024 by Jacob Rice