Hidden door latch

[sneeky]

What are some good latch ideas that allow actors to open and close hidden doors/panels that guest can't find or detect? I'll bet there are some real creative ones here.

[freak 'n' stein]

Surprisingly we don't hide our doors outright. We put a handle up higher than eye level and all our BTS doors open outward into the guest path so they don't accidentally get pushed open by patrons. I did see at a friend's haunt that they put gate latches, same ones as drop panels, on the the back side of the door (BTS side) and run a cord through a tiny hole in the wall toward the outside. Didn't even know they were there until I saw him pull it.

[RJ Productions]

I agree with the idea of hiding the latch. But I would never have the actor door open INTO the patron area! Even if you provide a peep hole, all you need is some actor come busting into a room and knock someone on their rear and you have handed them a winnable lawsuit. If you are worried about accidental opening, either build a secure door or place it out of the traffic lane! If they can't walk into it they can't open it.

A haunt here had doors opening into patron area. Actor had a pretty good visual of the space. He thought the group was past, slammed the door open and clocked this small kid that straggled behind!! Only some quick thinking, fast talking and a fist full of VIP tickets saved his ass!! Oh yeah, he's no longer in business. Lest ye be warned!

[wtwtw]

I like pocket doors. They will not be pushed open in either direction and you do not need to hide a latch