Begin Halloween early this year by listening to award-winning storyteller Joyce Slater spin some scary yarns at “Fright Night” at 7 p.m. Oct. 12 at the West Plains Civic Center theater.

This free event is being hosted by the Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) University/Community Programs (U/CP) Department. It is intended for teens and adults, organizers said, adding doors will open at 6:30 p.m.

For more than 25 years, Slater has led audiences on a magic path through the realm of folktales, fairy tales, ghost stories, personal narratives and more, according to her website. She learned the craft from her grandmother and father, organizers said.

She is listed on the MidAmerica Arts Alliance touring roster and the Missouri Arts Council roster. She also is the executive director of the River and Prairie Storyweavers, the artistic director of the KC Storytelling Festival and serves as president of Missouri Storytelling Inc., a storytelling guild in Missouri.

Slater has received the NSN Oracle Award for Service and Leadership and the Oracle Award for Distinguished National Service.

Brave your way through a “spook alley”

At the Oct. 12 event, organizers said, audience members will brave their way through a “spook alley” as they enter and exit the theater for Slater’s performance. They will receive a free goody bag after the show that can be used to collect treats from the alley’s lurking monsters.

“We’re so excited to not only hear scary stories from the talented Joyce Slater, but also to create a frightening little spook alley that will surprise audience members with both tricks and treats,” according to U/CP Theater and Events Coordinator Hannah Salvesen.

A professional backdrop will be set up and a volunteer will be available to help those attending take amazing Halloween-themed photos.

Those attending are encouraged to wear their own campus appropriate Halloween costumes. Costumes cannot include weapons or excessive gore, organizers said.

For more information about “Fright Night,” call 417-255-7966 or visit WP.MissouriState.edu/UCP/Theater.