FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

5. Impact all types

Everyone Deserves a ScareEveryone Deserves a ScareBe sure to avoid stereotypes when choosing your targets.

People of all ages, types and levels of physical health go to Halloween Horror Nights. All are there for the same reason—to immerse themselves in the fear. Yet for some reason, some scareactors will only go after certain “types,” such as young blonde girls or Latina women or older men. Others have one “type” that they refuse to target, such as a group of teenage boys or someone in a wheelchair. Yes, young girls typically scream and run—except for the ones who don’t. Yes, groups of teenage boys can be obnoxious—except for the ones who aren’t. Stereotyping your guests is unfair to them, to your team, and ultimately to you as a scareactor.

I like the easy scares as much as anyone, but it is so much more satisfying to nail the tough ones. One night about halfway through the run, my performance coach walked through accompanied by a few Universal executives. Even though he had placed me where I was in the house, it was an unusual spot and he completely forgot I was there. I decided to target him, and he screamed and literally fell backwards into the exec behind him, setting off a domino effect! That was easily my most satisfying scare of the run.

As for the disabled community, I have seen people show up in wheelchairs, on ECVs, on crutches, and even one man on a stretcher! They might have gone to extraordinary lengths just to be able to attend, and they deserve the full experience. Make their night by giving them a great scare!

6. “Boo and skidoo”

Going in for the ScareGoing in for the ScareScare your intended target, then back away quickly.

The key to a scare that is both safe and successful is the element of surprise. Some scareactors prefer quick, staccato movements, while others do a creepy “staring and stalking” routine. Both work when done right, but both fall flat when your target is given time to analyze what is happening. Getting out of the way quickly also minimizes the time you spend in your target’s personal space, decreasing the risk of injury to either of you.

Universal’s official term for this is “Boo and Skidoo.” Plan your scare, implement it, and disappear again. Avoid the temptation to keep going after the same person, no matter how much you might both be enjoying it. Of course, if he or she comes back to you later in the night, it is fine to do a brand-new scare. But in the moment, know when to let up and allow the person to move on.

7. Be a team player

Chainsaw Drill TeamChainsaw Drill TeamThe Chainsaw Drill Team must function as a unit.

Remember that everything you do reflects on your entire cast, your stage managers, your performance coach, and ultimately the event itself. Honor your commitment by showing up on time, staying late if requested, and working with your team. Inside your house or scare zone, look for opportunities to make other actors look good. For example, “tag team” scares can be quite effective. One person acts as a distraction, while the other sneaks up on the target. Avoid hogging the scene or diminishing your partner’s contributions.

8. Give it your all

Scare ZoneScare ZoneBeing a great scareactor means giving it your all, no matter what.

Being a scareactor is a fantastic job, but some nights simply won’t go your way. I once had to work in the middle of a land-falling hurricane. It had been pouring rain, freezing cold and windy for hours. There were only a few thousand guests in the park. It was my coworker’s birthday, and we found out we couldn’t celebrate it at CityWalk after work as planned, because CityWalk shut down at 10 p.m. due to the storm—yet they decided to keep HHN open until midnight. On top of everything else, our break trailer was being used by TNA wrestlers who were filming that night on another soundstage. So every 45 minutes, my cast had to walk across the park in the freezing rain to another break area we were sharing with another house. It was a truly miserable night.

I was feeling sorry for myself when I remembered an old theater adage: If just one person buys a ticket and comes to your show, he paid his money and deserves the best performance you can possibly give. I forced myself to think about the guests who were also battling the elements. Maybe they were from another state or even another country, and this was the only night they could come. Maybe they paid thousands of dollars for their vacation, only to receive a partial event (for safety reasons, street scare zones and live shows are canceled in severe weather). They paid their money, and they deserved a full show.

I pulled myself together and shared my thoughts with some of my cast. We resolved to give the performance of our lives that night, to try to do what we could to make the guests feel better. It turned out to be a really fun night! The ridiculous conditions actually enhanced the spooky atmosphere, and the guests that persevered were amped up and eager for a good scare. I’m glad we were able to give them that, and it certainly was a night to remember.

No one ever said being a scareactor was easy. It doesn’t pay much and there are a lot of expectations. But with dedication, hard work, and a great attitude, it can be one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have.

 
FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Add new comment

About Theme Park Tourist

Theme Park Tourist is one of the web’s leading sources of essential information and entertaining articles about theme parks in Orlando and beyond.

We are one of the world’s largest theme park guide sites, hosting detailed guides to more than 80 theme parks around the globe.

Find Out More About Us...

Plan Your Trip

Our theme park guides contain reviews and ratings of rides, restaurants and hotels at more than 80 theme parks worldwide.

You can even print them.

Start Planning Now...