Everything you need to know about 'Paranormal Activity' on Broadway
The horror show inspired by the hit 2007 movie makes its New York City debut in August following successful runs in London and multiple other U.S. cities.
Summary
- The production starts performances on 14 August
- The show is inspired by the film but isn't a direct adaptation
- Immersive theatre maestro Felix Barrett directs
- Cher Álvarez; Travis A. Knight; Shannon Cochran and Andrea Syglowski make up the cast
Spooky season is coming early! Following a hugely successful U.S. tour and a run in London's West End, Levi Holloway’s supernatural horror play Paranormal Activity comes to Broadway this August.
The stage show features a unique plot from the same-named 2007 movie but is set in its universe. Following a couple who move from Chicago to London in their attempt to escape the demons haunting them, Paranormal Activity on Broadway is directed by Punchdrunk artistic director Felix Barrett — an innovator of immersive theatre — and features breathtaking illusions by Chris Fisher (Stranger Things: The First Shadow).
London critics praised the way Paranormal Activity takes the horror genre seriously as an art form, providing jump-out-of-your seat scares alongside gripping emotional stakes. It’s set to be a real roller-ghoster of frights! Brace yourself by learning more about the play below.
Get Paranormal Activity tickets now.
Photo credit: Cher Álvarez and Travis A. Knight in Paranormal Activity. (Photos by Teresa Castracane Photography)
Frequently asked questions
What is Paranormal Activity on Broadway about?
The Paranormal Activity play is about James and Lou, a young couple who move from Chicago to London to escape their past. Nevertheless, their demons follow them across the Atlantic, and they learn that places aren’t haunted, but people are. Though the hauntings strain their marriage, they have to work together in order to defeat the evil forces at play.
This plot is unique to the stage show; the original Paranormal Activity movie follows an entirely separate couple who set up a camera in their home to see what's been haunting them. The play and the film franchise, though, are set in the same universe.
Where is Paranormal Activity playing on Broadway?
Paranormal Activity on Broadway is playing at the August Wilson Theatre, located at 245 W. 52nd St. The venue seats approximately 1,225 audience members. Recent productions at the August Wilson Theatre include Dog Day Afternoon, Cabaret, Funny Girl, and Slave Play.
How long is the Paranormal Activity play?
Paranormal Activity on Broadway runs 2 hours and 20 minutes, including an intermission.
What is the age requirement for Paranormal Activity?
Paranormal Activity is recommended for ages 15+. The Broadway show features intense scares, loud noises, and strong language. Please note that children under 4 are not permitted in Broadway theatres.
What days is Paranormal Activity playing on Broadway?
Paranormal Activity plays Tuesday to Sunday, with two performances on Saturdays. This schedule is subject to one-off changes, particularly around holidays.
Visit New York Theatre Guide's Paranormal Activity page for a complete performance calendar.
When did Paranormal Activity premiere?
Seventeen years after the first Paranormal Activity debuted in 2007, the stage adaptation had its world premiere at the Leeds Playhouse, Yorkshire, U.K. in July 2024, followed by a North American tour.
The show made its West End debut at the Ambassadors Theatre in December 2025, where it extended twice. The Broadway production begins performances on August 14, 2026.
Who wrote the Paranormal Activity play?
Paranormal Activity is adapted for the stage by Levi Holloway. Holloway is best known for his horror play Grey House, which played on Broadway in 2023 starring Laurie Metcalf, Tatiana Maslany, and Paul Sparks.
Paranormal Activity characters
Sometimes less is more — and scarier. Paranormal Activity contains only four characters:
- Lou: The wife of James, who is haunted by a supernatural entity.
- James: The husband of Lou, who attempts to arrange a fresh start in London.
- Carolann: James’s interfering mother, at home in Chicago.
- Etheline Cotgrave: A medium hired by Lou and James.
Who is in the Paranormal Activity Broadway cast?
The Paranormal Activity Broadway cast is led by Travis A. Knight (Grey House) as James, Cher Álvarez as Lou, Shannon Cochran as Carolann, and Andrea Syglowski as Etheline Cotgrave. All but Syglowski reprise their roles from previous productions, and Knight is also the show's assistant director.
What awards has Paranormal Activity won?
In 2026, the West End production of Paranormal Activity was nominated for the Olivier Award for Best Entertainment or Comedy Play (but lost to Oh, Mary!). The Broadway production will be eligible for the 2026-27 season's New York theatre honors, including Tony Awards.
Previously, the Paranormal Activity movie was nominated for Best First Feature at the 2009 Independent Spirit Awards.
Is there a Paranormal Activity movie?
Yes, the Paranormal Activity play is inspired by the 2007 movie of the same name, which was produced, written, directed, photographed, and edited by Oren Peli. The indie film has spawned seven other films, a digital comic, a video game, and now the stage show.
Paranormal Activity fun facts
Discover more frighteningly fun facts about the Paranormal Activity universe, including the film and the play.
- Paranormal Activity is often cited as one of the most profitable movies of all time due to the huge returns on investment against its low budget.
- The movie was filmed in Oren Peli’s own home over seven days. It was inspired by late-night noises he had experienced.
- Cast members Shannon Cochran and Andrea Syglowski both have history with the horror genre: Cochran played the mysterious horse breeder Anna Watson in The Ring, and Syglowski had a recurring role in the AMC series The Terror.
- Illusionist Chris Fisher’s credits include Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and he received the 2025 Special Tony Award for his work as the illusions and visual effects designer on Stranger Things: The First Shadow.
- Running off Broadway at the same time as Paranormal Activity is Danny Robins's play 2:22 — A Ghost Story, which has been seen in the West End on almost a dozen occasions. It's a big season for spine-chillers on stage!
How to get Paranormal Activity Broadway tickets
Get Paranormal Activity tickets on New York Theatre Guide. Horror shows are rare on Broadway, and this one arrives just ahead of the spookiest time of the year. What better way to get in the spirit than with some, well, spirits?
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