History:
Annie Russell was born in Liverpool and began professional acting at the age of 14. She
officially retired from the stage in 1918 and moved to Winter Park, Florida.
Annie received her Degree of Doctor of Humanities in 1932. In that same year, the Annie
Russell Theatre was donated by Annie's friend and opened where Annie Russell herself
was the Director of the Theatre and Professor of the Theatre Arts. She also chose to
continue to be part of the Cast in many plays performed at the Annie Russell Theatre to
include the opening performance of "In a Balcony".
Annie Russell taught at Rollins College until she died in February 24, 1936. She was
seventy-two years old. She was laid to rest in St. Stephen's Cemetery in Millburn, New
Jersey.
Annie Russell was born in Liverpool and began professional acting at the age of 14. She
officially retired from the stage in 1918 and moved to Winter Park, Florida.
Annie received her Degree of Doctor of Humanities in 1932. In that same year, the Annie
Russell Theatre was donated by Annie's friend and opened where Annie Russell herself
was the Director of the Theatre and Professor of the Theatre Arts. She also chose to
continue to be part of the Cast in many plays performed at the Annie Russell Theatre to
include the opening performance of "In a Balcony".
Annie Russell taught at Rollins College until she died in February 24, 1936. She was
seventy-two years old. She was laid to rest in St. Stephen's Cemetery in Millburn, New
Jersey.
One particular seat in the 3rd row is said to lower itself as if someone is seating themselves.
A man working on electrical wiring on a ladder to the right of the stage states that he felt a tug on his leg as if someone
trying to pull him down. He was electrocuted and fell off the ladder. It is said that the spirit of Annie Russell was trying to warn
him of what was about to happen and was trying to help.
A Security Officer is said to have committed suicide in the Theatre. He is heard and seen by several students.
One claim is of a Man walking down the center of the theatre (before remodeling, there used to be a center aisle and is now
filled with seats eliminating the aisle said to be carrying a bouquet of flowers as if preparing to give them to someone on
stage.
Another is seeing an apparition near or on a bust of Annie Russell which sits in the staircase to the left of the theatre as you
walk in.
A student is said to have fallen asleep in a room known as the "Green Room" towards the back of the Theatre and awoke with a
cover over her and a chair near them.
In the hallway near the restrooms, there are pictures of Annie Russell. One picture in particular where she portrays "Puck" is
said to move and on occassions. Although the actual moving of the picture isn't see, the picture will be found uneven.
Doors rattling is another claim at the Theatre. At some point all the doors rattled at the same time.
There is a door high up over the stage, a room beyond the door is said to be used for sandbags. Some believe this was
Annie's dressing room but no proof exist. The door is said to open and close.
An electrical room to the back left side of the stage is said to have paranormal activity. A student was inside and heard very
loud banging. The person ran away.
A man working on electrical wiring on a ladder to the right of the stage states that he felt a tug on his leg as if someone
trying to pull him down. He was electrocuted and fell off the ladder. It is said that the spirit of Annie Russell was trying to warn
him of what was about to happen and was trying to help.
A Security Officer is said to have committed suicide in the Theatre. He is heard and seen by several students.
One claim is of a Man walking down the center of the theatre (before remodeling, there used to be a center aisle and is now
filled with seats eliminating the aisle said to be carrying a bouquet of flowers as if preparing to give them to someone on
stage.
Another is seeing an apparition near or on a bust of Annie Russell which sits in the staircase to the left of the theatre as you
walk in.
A student is said to have fallen asleep in a room known as the "Green Room" towards the back of the Theatre and awoke with a
cover over her and a chair near them.
In the hallway near the restrooms, there are pictures of Annie Russell. One picture in particular where she portrays "Puck" is
said to move and on occassions. Although the actual moving of the picture isn't see, the picture will be found uneven.
Doors rattling is another claim at the Theatre. At some point all the doors rattled at the same time.
There is a door high up over the stage, a room beyond the door is said to be used for sandbags. Some believe this was
Annie's dressing room but no proof exist. The door is said to open and close.
An electrical room to the back left side of the stage is said to have paranormal activity. A student was inside and heard very
loud banging. The person ran away.
Claims
Kevin (Production Manager) went over the activity he and others have experienced.
Kevin (Production Manager) went over the activity he and others have experienced.
Evidence:
This theatre was surely fascinating. From the stage setup, to the audience seating, to the Balcony.
We were able to debunk the Chair said to be used by the spirit of Annie Russell. We found that all seats are held at an up position as if a
seat in a movie theater. This particular chair would not stay up for too long. It was loose somehow. It easily went to down position and would
stay there. All others needed to be held down to stay in the down position. Basically, everytime we put it in the up position, it fell on its own
due to the springs not wound tight somehow.
Downstairs in the laundry room, we held an evp session. DJay and I personally felt creeped out and we weren't sure why. We felt we were not
alone. EMF levels were normal so that wasn't the cause. Below you will find two EVPs we caught. We can not make out what its saying,
maybe you can help us with that.
DJay mentions he is getting creeped out bad and that is when you hear it:
After the air conditioner turns off and just before you hear me say "Its scared me", you will hear what was picked up.
We held an EVP Session out in the seating area, we were spread out throughout that area. This is what we caught:
You will hear a whispered response a few seconds after Tommy's question. (I suggest you where headphones)
This EVP was caught in the balcony area from Tommy's recorder. Not sure what it says but it starts with 2 syllables then 1 more at the end.
Let us know what you think.
In this EVP we were still in the seating area, tell us what you think.
This theatre was surely fascinating. From the stage setup, to the audience seating, to the Balcony.
We were able to debunk the Chair said to be used by the spirit of Annie Russell. We found that all seats are held at an up position as if a
seat in a movie theater. This particular chair would not stay up for too long. It was loose somehow. It easily went to down position and would
stay there. All others needed to be held down to stay in the down position. Basically, everytime we put it in the up position, it fell on its own
due to the springs not wound tight somehow.
Downstairs in the laundry room, we held an evp session. DJay and I personally felt creeped out and we weren't sure why. We felt we were not
alone. EMF levels were normal so that wasn't the cause. Below you will find two EVPs we caught. We can not make out what its saying,
maybe you can help us with that.
DJay mentions he is getting creeped out bad and that is when you hear it:
After the air conditioner turns off and just before you hear me say "Its scared me", you will hear what was picked up.
We held an EVP Session out in the seating area, we were spread out throughout that area. This is what we caught:
You will hear a whispered response a few seconds after Tommy's question. (I suggest you where headphones)
This EVP was caught in the balcony area from Tommy's recorder. Not sure what it says but it starts with 2 syllables then 1 more at the end.
Let us know what you think.
In this EVP we were still in the seating area, tell us what you think.
Overall, we believe there is something or someone there besides the students and staff. Is it Annie Russell, we can't say for sure, but we
sure enjoyed investigating this place.
Thank you Kevin for giving us the opportunity!!
sure enjoyed investigating this place.
Thank you Kevin for giving us the opportunity!!