Piper's Opera House in Virginia City, Nevada, is considered one of the most haunted locations in America, with reports of mysterious phenomena from visitors and staff. Built for the third time in 1885 after its previous versions burned down, the historic theater has many unsettling stories tied to its past. A female apparition in a period-style costume has been seen on or around the stage. Some believe she was a performer who died during one of the previous opera house fires. The figure is often seen waiting in the wings or peeking from the side of the stage. During quiet moments in the theater, the sound of phantom applause has been heard, as if an invisible audience is showing its appreciation for a long-finished performance. Paranormal investigators have captured Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVPs), or unexplained voices, at the opera house. Recordings have included disembodied laughter, snippets of conversation, and even names. One investigator reportedly recorded a voice saying, "Welcome back," after announcing their return to the building. The upper balcony is said to have a particularly strong paranormal presence, with some paranormal investigators and psychics describing intense emotions like sorrow, elation, or anxiety in the area. Strange photographic anomalies, such as light orbs, shadowy figures, and distorted visuals, have been reported in photos taken in this section. Visitors and staff have reported hearing footsteps in empty halls and the creak of wooden floors. Doors have been known to open and close on their own. Lights flicker for no apparent reason. An earlier rehearsal by a performance group was interrupted when the fire alarm system went off by itself.