Tailored to Fear is owned and operated by David Calamari and Taylor Gilman. Combined, they have over 25+ years of industry experience. Their skillsets span multiple disciplines such as scenic design, fabrication, painting, lighting design, animatronics, escape room programming, and more.
DAVID CALAMARI (Co-Owner) graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2021 with a BFA in Design and Technical Production, with concentrations in scenic design and technical direction. As a skilled scenic designer, painter, and carpenter, David has worked for some the top scene shops in the US, including Hudson Scenic Studio, Empire Technical Fabrication, Gotham Scenic, and Tom Carroll Scenery. His experience spans Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, regional theater, concert tours, film, television, haunted attractions, and escape rooms.
David is obsessed with detail. He has worked in the haunt industry for 10+ years. His goal is to bring the craftsmanship and techniques of Broadway, TV, and film into haunted attractions to create realistic environments that will embolden your actors, and give guests an immersive experience that they will never forget.
When he isn't getting covered is sawdust or paint, David is also a professional magician. This helps David to creatively problem solve and create ways to accomplish special effects that you may want to achieve. With his unique skillset, David can help turn your vision into a reality.
TAYLOR GILMAN (Co-Owner) developed a passion for understanding how things work at an early age. As a child, he eagerly dismantled objects, intrigued by their inner mechanisms, foreshadowing a lifelong dive into the realms of design and technology. This curiosity transformed into an obsession with haunted house design after a visit to "Haunted Happenings," a multi-million dollar attraction. Perched on his father’s shoulders, Taylor watched in awe, captivated by the seamless mix of fear and innovation.
​
Taylor’s professional journey took off as a multimedia technician, mastering stage lighting, sound engineering, AV recording, and IT support. Soon after, he built a terrifyingly immersive home haunt, amazing both his neighborhood and peers with its details. This passion evolved into a pivotal role at "The Haunted Graveyard," a massive, amusement park haunt where he worked as a builder, designer, and actor. Later, as the director of "Dark Walk," a theatrical, non-profit haunt, he honed his skills in crafting chilling experiences while learning the intricacies of managing a professional event.
​
Becoming a licensed electrician, Taylor gained expertise in HVAC, high and low voltage, fire alarms, data systems, and solar installations—adding even more versatility to his skillset. As co-founder of "Nightmare Acres," he masterminded every detail of this sprawling haunted attraction, from concept to execution, infusing it with pulse-pounding thrills. His creativity extended to escape rooms, where he crafted intricate puzzles that both challenged and delighted participants. In Taylor's world, the fusion of tech and terror isn’t just work—it’s an enduring passion. His clients and audiences find his commitment to perfection and innovation unmatched, with every experience he crafts delivering chills and thrills they won’t forget.
