5. Be available

Me As a Bloody, Sick VillagerThe more availability you have, the more likely you are to get a great role.

While scareactors are certainly allowed to take a night off, Universal is casting a professional production. Those with full availability tend to jump to the top of the hiring list. If you have a day job, it can be tough to work a 2 a.m. close and then show up for work at 8 a.m., but many scareactors do just that. If your availability is more limited, it is still worthwhile to audition, as Universal does hire people just to fill in on an as-needed basis. Just be aware that the more limited your availability is, the less likely you are to get your preferred role.

6. Be honest about your experience and abilities

Rat LadyIf you happen to be claustrophobic or afraid of rats, don't audition to be the Rat Lady.

Although stilt walkers and stunt performers are typically hired at separate auditions, some roles require certain physical or mental skills. Others are best filled by people with some performing experience. Be honest on your audition forms and in answering any questions the audition panel might ask.

Likewise, if you know that you cannot possibly arrive at Universal before 5:30 on show nights, or work on Sundays, or whatever your restriction might be, tell the audition team. Once the job begins, your stage manager, assistant stage manager, performance coach and entire cast will be depending on you to show up as promised.

I once took an acting class with actor-turned-director and producer Tom Logan. He told us about the importance of being honest by way of a personal example. Apparently, he once auditioned for a commercial that required motorcycle driving skills. He lied about his abilities and got the job. On the first day of filming, he accidentally ran over the director’s foot! Though he was fortunate enough not to be blacklisted, he was not too popular with that director and his friends after that.

7. Be over the top

Pumpkin GuyIf you want a unique role, act as over-the-top as possible at your audition.

Dad was asked to scare the audition panel. I was asked to give my best monkey impression. There is no telling what you might be asked to do at auditions, but the correct response is always the same: Do whatever you are asked in the biggest, most over-the-top way possible, while maintaining a seriousness about the role. In other words, you want to show that you are unafraid to make a fool of yourself, but will not make a fool out of the character.

This is similar to any other character/animation audition, but can really trip up new performers. The two most common mistakes are holding back due to shyness or nerves, and making a joke out of the whole thing. The key is to make yourself really, genuinely, believe that in that moment, you are that character. Behave as you think that character would, and make it big and obvious.

This can be tough, so try rehearsing for your audition. Think of a few characters, like monkeys, zombies and killer clowns, and practice playing those roles in front of a mirror or with your friends. Work on making your movements big yet believable.

8. Be flexible

CaretakerThe icon roles, such as the Caretaker, are normally filled by long-time HHN veterans.

At my audition, the team asked how many girls were interested in being the “Rat Lady,” a plum role that involves lying in a Plexiglas coffin filled with live rats. Almost every single girl in the room raised her hand. Yet there are only two Rat Ladies each year, who take turns throughout the night, and previous years’ Rat Ladies get preference for reprising the role. Icon characters and other key roles almost always go to people who have worked HHN for years, many of whom work full-time in Universal’s Entertainment department year-round.

No matter what role you get, whether in a soundstage house, a tent house or a street scare zone, you will be a vital part of the Halloween Horror Nights experience. In addition, many returning scareactors request to do something different each year, rotating between houses and streets for example, simply because each role has something unique to offer. Those who are flexible about what they do are more likely to get cast and have greater job satisfaction throughout the event.

Follow whatever direction you are given, but above all, relax and have fun. The audition team genuinely wants you to succeed, and looks for people who obviously enjoy the process.