Campfire Radio Theater – “Rites of Autumn”
The leaves are turning, the air is crisp, and it is time for a Halloween tradition unlike any other. “Rites of Autumn” is a seasonal offering from Campfire Radio Theater that is quite fiendish, to say the least.
Written, directed, and produced by John Ballentine, this story peels back the layers of a quiet suburban afternoon to reveal the rotting core beneath.
The Story: A Master Carver
“Grandpa was an artist with a knife… Slicing and peeling as a surgeon into bare flesh, he would labor until the task was done.”
A young boy spends an autumn afternoon with his grandfather, a man who takes his pumpkin carving very seriously. But as the day wears on, the boy learns that the old man’s skills extend far beyond gourds. Grandpa has very unique, and disturbing, Halloween traditions to pass on, lessons about “the work” that must be done when the monsters come out to play.
Listener Response
Listeners have described “Rites of Autumn” as one of the series’ most disturbing and unsettling entries, praising its slow-burn revelations and powerful atmosphere.
- “One of the few episodes I’ve only listened to a few times because it’s so disturbing.”
- “This was an amazing and terrifying story with a great twist.”
- “The voice acting was stellar.”
Warning: Contains explicit language and frightening situations.
Cast and Crew
Written, directed, and produced by John Ballentine.
The Cast:
- Joe Stofko as Grandpa
- James Hicklin as Young Boy
- Shelby Sessler as Mom
- Tanja Milojevic as Neighbor
- Rich Wentworth
- Kevin Hartnell
- Laurel Hicklin
Music by Kevin Hartnell.
Running Time: 26:01
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