DANBURY - Imagine being in a dark room and needing to use a series of clues in order to get out. Add some friends, a theme with various props, the fact you are not really trapped, and it can be quite a fun-filled challenge - with the makings for an unusual night out.gameofroomsct.com.gameofroomsct@gmail.comFor information, visit

Game Of Rooms, owned and operated by 41-year-old Newtown resident Bryce Stelma, provides small groups of people an outlet to put their heads together testing patience and problem-solving skills finding clues to "escape" one of three rooms, each featuring uniquely themed subject matter.

Mr Stelma, upon participating with friends at a similar venue in New York City, was inspired to create his own such business, and opened Game Of Rooms, at 7 Old Sherman Turnpike, just before last Halloween. Appropriately, those rooms are stocked with spooky props and piped-in sound effects heighten the experience.

Behind each door is a new world, so to speak, and various codes and puzzle boxes help participants get out in a race against the clock. Groups as small as two to about a half dozen can sign up to experience Game Of Rooms.

One of the rooms is called Outbreak.

and the deterrent in time!" according to the room's description on the company's website.

"You and your team are the last people locked in a safe laboratory. Outside there is a viral outbreak that turns people rabid. Your generator runs dry in 60 minutes, the doors open, and they get in! You have to find the cure

Newtown's Sean Fahey was among a group of six to use the clues to escape Outbreak, but it was not easy.

"I think we had like a minute to spare," Mr Fahey said. "It's definitely a challenge, but it's a fun one. It's something that's so cool and unique. It's so different from going to the movies or doing something mundane like that. Everybody's engaged. We had an absolute blast."

Then there is Coven, described as follows: "Lost and hopeless in a dense cold forest, you find a cabin in a desolate area. Cold and afraid, you must go in. Wait... is there something lurking in there?"

And the third door opens up to Carnival. "Ever wonder the secret behind those tents? You've been chosen for a deadly game and you have 60 minutes to escape for your life!"

"It's not your normal night out. You have to think. You have to use your brain," said Mr Stelma, adding that setting up the rooms is a task he enjoys. "I like puzzles, I like thinking games."

Mr Stelma, who is married and has a 3-year-old son, accepts advice from family and friends to set up rooms, and also takes tips from those who participate and want to put in their two cents. "They give me a lot of suggestions," Mr Stelma notes.

Infrared cameras are set up in each room, lit only by the glow of some of the props, along with flashlights or battery-powered lanterns provided to the guests. Mr Stelma is able to watch what is happening in each room both for security and safety reasons, and so that he can offer assistance when necessary. Participants are equipped with two-way radios and have three hint requests they may use during their hourlong session.

Mr Stelma said his experience in New York was unique and enjoyable, but all the while frustrating because the group didn't come close to figuring out all of the clues to exit the room in time. He has set up Game Of Rooms to have a high success rate, and adjusts each room to cater to specific age groups so that most participants find all of the clues in time. Children get more help, Mr Stelma said, adding that he is a bit tougher on adults but knows when to give assistance to help them when necessary.

"I want people to enjoy themselves," Mr Stelma said. "I love it. Getting to interact with the people is fun. People's personalities really break out. It is fun to watch. I banter back and forth with people. It makes it a little bit more fun."

Rooms will change themes every six months or so, said Mr Stelma, adding that the Carnival room will transform into an Edgar Allan Poe room in May, for example.

This concept for a business is not new, but popularity is on the rise. "They're springing up all over the place," he said.

Mr Stelma grew up at the top of Kent Falls and was outside building forts and tree houses, and playing in the woods with siblings and friends throughout his childhood, something he says contributes to what he does now. He also created haunted houses for his younger siblings. Mr Stelma also said his various career paths, including working at a hospital as a security guard where got some of his ideas for medical equipment as props, contributes to Game of Rooms.

He buys props online, and picks them up at various stores, including Halloween shops, as well as at tag sales. "I get things from everywhere," he said.

The cost to try to escape a room is $20-25 per person, with possibilities of group or corporate discounts. Mr Stelma said Game Or Rooms hosts birthday parties and had its first wedding proposal in the Coven room on March 18. "It was amazing. The very last clue was the engagement ring," he said.

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