Beneath layers of latex and fake blood, scare acting is a gritty, high-energy job that takes more of a toll than you’d expect. Each year, events like Halloween Horror Nights and Six Flags Fright Fest hire hundreds of actors to bring their scare mazes and haunted houses to life.
While Universal and Six Flags invest considerable effort in crafting terrifying experiences, it’s the actors behind the masks who work tirelessly to create spine-chilling moments.
But what’s it really like to work as a scare actor? Here’s what you need to know about the world’s spookiest profession.
The Importance of Ghoul School Training
Becoming a scare actor is no small feat. The talent behind Six Flags New England’s Fright Fest undergoes rigorous training at what’s known as “Ghoul School” before hitting the parks.
In Ghoul School, scare actors start with an engaging classroom session where an instructor guides them through scaring techniques, essential park policies, and quick-response tactics for unexpected situations. Afterward, they enter a character-building workshop, experimenting with the distinct movements, sounds, and traits that make each assigned monster unique.
“The one thing that really differentiates a good scarer from a great scarer is committing to the role,” Fahad Rahmat, events and execution supervisor at Six Flags New England, told MassLive. If a scare actor fears looking silly, that’s how they’ll appear. But when they believe they’re frightening, they truly are.
A Day in the Life of a Scare Actor
The daily life of a scare actor can be exhilarating yet exhausting – especially for those working at horror-heavy events (by which we mean not Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party). Typically, they arrive at the park in the late afternoon, gearing up for a night filled with screams and frights. After a quick check-in, they grab their costumes and prepare to assume their spooky personas, transforming from everyday individuals into shadowy figures lurking in the dark.
Preparation: Costumes and Makeup
Preparation is key in this role, with makeup playing a crucial part. Professional makeup artists work diligently to turn these performers into frightful creatures, applying layers of dramatic effects that can include anything from gory wounds to monstrous prosthetics.
Techniques for Effective Scaring
When it comes to scaring guests, there isn’t just one technique. Scare actors utilize a variety of methods to elicit thrilling shrieks. From dramatic pop-out scares to pretending to be inanimate objects, the strategies are as diverse as their characters. The goal is to keep guests on their toes and fully engaged with the haunt.
The Art of Timing and Positioning
Timing is essential in the act of scaring. A perfectly executed jump scare requires keen situational awareness and the ability to read the guests.
Scare actors study their surroundings, seeking the best vantage points to deliver unforgettable frights. Adjusting their approach based on the crowd—whether to be slow and menacing or quick and surprising—often makes all the difference.
Storytelling Through Scaring
An often overlooked aspect of scare acting is the art of storytelling. Each scare actor contributes to an overarching narrative that enhances the experience for guests. Characters may have backstories, such as haunted love affairs or eerie disappearances, enriching the environment.
The Emotional and Physical Toll
While being a scare actor is rewarding, it comes with its challenges. The physical demands are considerable, requiring stamina and vocal strength to maintain intensity throughout multi-hour shifts. Actors must also prepare for a range of guest reactions, including laughter instead of screams, which can be mentally taxing. Some guests may act out in the moment, leading to situations where scare actors face anger or even physical altercations.
For instance, in 2023, TikToker Alyse (@alyse_hendrix) witnessed one actor at Universal Orlando Resort’s Halloween Horror Nights have water poured on her, with the guest facing zero repercussions for their actions.
The Thrill of the Experience
Despite the challenges, many actors thrive on the adrenaline rush that scaring provides. The thrill of witnessing someone jump or scream in sheer fright can be exhilarating. Scare actors often find joy in pushing their creative boundaries while discovering what techniques truly elicit strong reactions from the audience.
What’s your favorite theme park Halloween event?
