Evidence

The Egyptian Theatre like many other Egyptian Revival structures is meant to create an air of mystery. The imagery of the ancient Egyptian symbols has fostered the popular belief that there is a hidden meaning behind the architecture and color scheme in and on the Egyptian Theatre. We are confident that the colors and decorations of the building were chosen only for their beauty; however our staff, volunteers and patrons have experienced numerous occurrences and reports of alleged ghostly phenomena over the years.

After an NIU theatre production of West Side Story, Irvan “Irv” Kummerfeldt, who was an NIU associate professor of journalism and a co-founder of Preservation of the Egyptian Theatre (P.E.T.), died of a heart attack at the top of “Aisle One” in the Egyptian Theatre’s auditorium in 1988. Theatre visitors over the years have reported seeing a man who fits Kummerfeldt’s description in the theatre. Witnesses say they see Kummerfeldt for a moment and then he disappears.

Staff and patrons of the theatre have witnessed objects move on their own, doors have opened on their own, and people have felt a tap on their shoulder when no one else is around. Occasionally, footsteps have been heard echoing across the empty stage. The Theatre hosts haunted overnight tours for patrons to conduct a paranormal investigation themselves and draw their own conclusions as to whether or not the Egyptian is truly haunted.

Egyptian Theatre Staff and the Illinois Ghost Hunters have performed many investigations in the theatre. Below some of the best evidence of paranormal (ghost, spirit, etc) activity we have recorded to date. Please check back often as we add new evidence as it is gathered!

Audio Evidence

EVP Recordings from April 13th 2012 by In The Dark Investigations

(Below: Audio recorded phenomena: Investigator speaking, followed by an unidentified female voice)

[audio:https://egyptiantheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/13-Track-13.mp3]

(Below: Audio recorded phenomena: 2 bangs and a possible growl)

[audio:https://egyptiantheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/08-Track-08.mp3]

Video Evidence

Below: A ball of light passes in doorway on upper around the 40 second mark