The Less Desirables Recorded in The Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza .
Tim and Bethany welcome the entire creative team behind The Last Mile, an immersive drama experience coming to Winston-Salem that blends theater, haunted attractions, and video game elements into something entirely new. Producer Kenneth Bell explains that, unlike traditional plays where you watch from the audience or haunted houses that just scare you without a plot, The Last Mile puts participants directly into the story as active characters navigating a government medical research facility tour that goes terribly wrong. The experience takes place in the old Samaritan Ministries building, which has been transformed from smelling questionable to smelling like lavender; though that won’t help when the lights go out, and the fog machines start pumping.
The team discusses what makes The Last Mile different from typical haunted attractions: every night will be different, ensuring no two experiences are identical and making the whole thing “re-watchable” like binge-worthy television. Director and Assistant Producer Eric Jackson shares how he wrote a four-page script in 30 minutes after Kenny presented the concept, envisioning a cold, foggy, intentionally unwelcoming government facility where participants genuinely fear for their lives. The conversation takes hilarious turns through topics ranging from whether alcohol should be involved (hard no—intoxicated people aren’t allowed), stories of people literally peeing on walls in fear during similar experiences in Greece, and the strict no-contact policy to protect both participants and actors.
The episode features the diverse talents behind The Last Mile, including makeup artist Mona Taylor, who studies real crime scene photos for inspiration, actress Marisol Feliciano, who runs SolFace FX and Beauty, Greek director/actress Katerina Sigala, who created the comedy character Suvlaki Girl, and actor William Staley, who does children’s entertainment mixing LeVar Burton with Mr. Rogers energy. The team reveals details about opening night (friends and family/media preview coming soon), press VIP credentials, corporate packages for workplace team building, and signature drinks at the after-party venue. They emphasize this isn’t about jump scares—it’s about plot, character development, and creating an episodic experience that could spawn future installments, with Kenny even mentioning plans for a food truck park across the street and possible expansion to other cities.
Special thanks, as always, to Top Leaf Cigar Lounge , Soft Golf , Coffee Park Airstream , Dream Kreams , and X1 Communications .