Recent BGSU alum helps bring screams to life at Cedar Point's HalloWeekends

Shane Romano '25 is responsible for this year's scariest attraction, 'The Conjuring: Beyond Fear'

By Branden Ferguson

Behind this year's most talked-about HalloWeekends attraction at Cedar Point is Shane Romano, a 2025 graduate of Bowling Green State University and the Resort and Attraction Management (RAAM) program.

As the live entertainment operations lead for "The Conjuring: Beyond Fear," Romano oversees more than 40 staff members, coordinates day-to-day logistics, assists the cast and helps train the actors who bring the horror to life.

"The most rewarding aspect of being a part of 'The Conjuring: Beyond Fear' is seeing the guests' reactions when they come out of the attraction," said Romano. "Everyone has seen guest reactions for new coasters or other anticipated projects, but this was a first-of-its-kind experience. Guests reacted to this the same way they do to a new record-breaking attraction – that's been truly incredible."

Finding the right path at BGSU

Growing up in Parma, Ohio – just an hour from Cedar Point – Romano always dreamed of working at the park. After discovering the RAAM program, the only one of its kind in the nation, he felt he had found a program designed for him. After learning about the public-private partnership between BGSU and Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (previously Cedar Fair), Romano said the choice was clear.

"The RAAM program is the only program in the world where education and on-the-job training for the hospitality industry are connected to an industry giant," said Romano. "Not only are classes taught by industry leaders and experts in their fields, but no other program also provides the support that Six Flags and BGSU provide for RAAM students.

"It is one thing for a company to support a program, but RAAM not only has BGSU but also Six Flags investing in this program and its students. That is the biggest differentiator for BGSU versus any other program like this."

Through his very first co-op experience, Romano landed a position at Cedar Point. Within a month, he was promoted to team lead for Magnum XL-200 – and he didn't stop there. Over the next few years, he worked his way through management and human resources, discovering a passion for special events that would define his career.

Today, Romano serves as operations supervisor of special events in live entertainment, a new year-round role that allows him to create and manage large-scale park experiences, such as HalloWeekends.

From classroom to career

Taking ownership of HalloWeekends' biggest attraction of the year, Romano credits his success to BGSU and RAAM – a decision he said he would gladly make again.

"When I was at BGSU, the amount of support for students to grow both personally and professionally helped me in so many ways," said Romano. "BGSU truly invests in its students, and I was fortunate enough to see it firsthand as a Thompson Working Families Scholar as well as a RAAM student.

"No other university invests in students like BGSU does."

HalloWeekends continues through Nov. 2, marking the end of another thrilling season at Cedar Point. But while the park rests for winter, Romano looks to embrace his new year-round role and begin planning unforgettable experiences – continuing the journey that began at BGSU.