ROCKLAND — The Strand Theatre will host a Ghost Story Slam on Thursday, Oct. 31, at 6 p.m., as part of their Phantom of the Strand Halloween program. This event is inspired by Gaston Leroux's famous novel The Phantom of the Opera, and will include two film screenings in addition to the story slam. The public is encouraged to submit an original ghost story or horror tale for the story slam. 

"Tales can be true or fantastical; tell us about terror in the woods, ghostly apparitions – anything goes as long as it's spooky!" said the Strand, in a news release.

Local radio actors and performers will then present the chosen tales in a public event on the Strand stage.

Stories must be submitted in advance and be about 800 words or less. Stories longer than 800 words may be submitted, however a five-minute passage will be selected for presentation. Submit stories or send questions to boxoffice@rocklandstrand.com no later than October 24. 

Film screenings on that day will be the 1925 silent classic Phantom of the Opera featuring Lon Chaney at 1 p.m., and Opera, the 1987 film by master of Italian Horror Dario Argento (Suspiro), at 8 p.m. 

For more information about the Strand Theatre, visit www.rocklandstrand.com or call (207) 594-0070. The Strand Theatre is located at 345 Main St., Rockland.