In a small studio in Kilgore, Connor Beets is turning silicone and scraps into screen-worthy scares.
KILGORE, Texas — A passion for horror and a handful of silicone have helped one East Texan break into Hollywood all without leaving his hometown.
At just 20 years old, Conner Beets a Kilgore-based prop maker, has created custom pieces for Showtime’s Dexter: Resurrection.
“I never considered myself artistic in any way,” Beets said. “There was something about it — I felt at peace when I had that clay in my hand. I felt like I was constructing something.”
Beets has turned what started as a hobby into a full-fledged business. His life changed when he received a call from a set designer on Showtime’s Dexter: Resurrection.
The production team wanted to buy several props from him, and asked him to contract additional work for the show.
“We would like to buy some props from you, and we would like you to contract some work for us,” he said. “And I kid you not, I nearly fell out of my chair.”
A lifelong horror fan and devoted Dexter viewer, Beets said the moment felt surreal.
“When one of my two favorite shows of all time gave me that phone call, I was like, ‘Wow, my life feels a bit more complete now,’” Beets said. “I never dreamed that would ever happen.”
He has created 15 props for the show, each requiring nearly 100 hours of labor.
“When I saw it, [I had] tears of happy joy just seeing how proud he was of himself. I know how hard he’s worked for that moment,” his mother Stephanie said.
Beets’ creativity doesn’t end there. He also owns and operates Imminent Doom, a haunted house attraction in Kilgore.
“The world’s a scary place. We have a lot of really bad things that happen in the world,” he said. “This place is kind of an escape from the real horrors of the world.”
For Beets, horror isn’t just about fear — it’s about freedom. And for others hoping to chase a dream, he has a message.
“If you want it bad enough, chase it. It will happen. Never give up. If someone tells you you’ll never do it — brush it off,” he said.