Double Take Productions: The Cedar Rapids Haunted House Everyone’s Talking About
- Jacob Fitzner
- Jul 18
- 4 min read
"This isn’t just a haunted house. It’s an immersive, adrenaline-fueled, scream-inducing world… and you’ve probably driven right past it."
Every fall, something incredible rises from the shadows of Cedar Rapids — and it’s not in a cornfield or warehouse.
It’s behind a house. Built by artists. Fueled by passion. And it’s absolutely unlike anything you’ve ever experienced.
This is Double Take Productions — a horror entertainment company that’s not just creating a haunted attraction…They’re building a local legend.
The Moment You Step In, Everything Changes
Imagine stepping into a world where the walls breathe, the air hums with suspense, and characters follow you from room to room… not for show, but for the hunt.
Welcome to The Backrooms — the ever-changing, mind-bending walkthrough experience at the heart of Double Take. Every scene is designed with cinematic detail, professional lighting, haunting sound design, and characters who do more than jump out — they pull you in.
“We don’t just decorate. We build realities,” says co-founder and creative lead Dorian (aka Jayne).
This is not a "garage haunt." This is a full-scale horror production that’s growing bigger, darker, and more immersive every year.
The Creatures Within: Meet the Shadows of The Backrooms
You step inside. The door creaks closed behind you.
The air is thick. The lights hum. Something feels… off.
And then you hear it — a voice. High-pitched. Friendly. Too friendly.
“Welcome, darling,” she says with a grin stretched too wide to be real.
That’s Jayne — the smiling creature that greets every guest with open arms and gleaming teeth. Humanoid, curious, and maybe just a little unhinged, she’s dying to pull you deeper into The Backrooms. You’ll wonder if she’s your host or your captor. You’ll wonder too late.
Around the next corner, the temperature drops.
A looming presence watches in silence. You don’t see Husk so much as feel him — still, hulking, almost statuesque… until he moves. Played by Gregory, Husk doesn’t speak. He just waits. He watches. And if you hesitate, he follows.
Just when you think it’s safe, a shriek echoes from behind the walls — and the shadows themselves ripple to life.
That’s Oblivion, a soul-snatching demon spawned from The Void. He doesn’t need a door. He doesn’t knock. He appears… and if you're lucky, disappears before he drags you away.
Actor Dalton brings him to life — or whatever twisted form of existence Oblivion claims.
Up above, something shifts. A puppet blinks. The walls breathe. And you realize… you’re not just surrounded by monsters. You’re surrounded by artists who’ve become the monsters.
Sam, the mastermind behind the effects, puppeteers, lighting, and mechanical magic, is the reason your surroundings feel alive. The lights that flicker? The props that scream? The floor that jolts? All his doing. You’ll never see him, but you’ll feel his fingerprints in every terrifying detail.
Jordan, the whisper in your ear and the hand that welcomes you in, pulls double duty: managing the crowd by day and animating puppets by night. She's the unseen force guiding your descent… and maybe the only one who’ll help you find your way back out.
Maybe...
Each character, every movement, and every interaction inside Double Take is handcrafted to tell a story — and once you're in, that story includes you.
Every Year is Bigger. Every Year is Better.
Double Take isn’t a seasonal attraction slapped together last-minute. The team starts building in early September, using custom walls, fog systems, professional animatronics, air-driven effects, and new scenes designed from scratch every year.
Past seasons have included:
Human-scale puppets operated in real-time
Fog-soaked mazes with jump-scares in every corner
Characters who follow you… and whisper your name
Portable sound and lighting rigs that rival small theaters
“You could visit every year for five years and never walk through the same experience twice.”
TOO LEARN MORE VISIT: https://www.doubletake-productions.com/show
This Isn’t Just a Haunt — It’s a Horror Destination in the Making
The end goal? A full-scale scream park. A year-round entertainment venue that puts Cedar Rapids on the horror map.
But the team is growing smart. They’re doing it right — expanding piece by piece with sustainable growth, no debt, and a fiercely loyal fan base.
If you’re looking for a cheap scare, this isn’t it. If you’re looking for an unforgettable night out that feels part art installation, part horror film, and part fever dream?
You just found it.
Final Word: You Don’t Just Visit Double Take — You Survive It.
This is not your average haunted house. This is a living, breathing nightmare experience — crafted by artists, powered by a passionate community, and unlike anything else in Iowa.
The only question is…
Will you make it out?
For more information on Double Take Productions, follow their business accounts on Facebook and Instagram or visit their website.
Website: Double Take Productions
Want your business featured? Contact Jacob at jacob@midwestmarketingservices.com
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