The Scary Truth: What It’s Really Like Being a Scare Actor

Beneath the layers of latex and fake blood, scare acting is a gritty, high-energy job that takes more of a toll than you’d think.

Every year, the likes of 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 themselves put plenty of work into making the Halloween season as scary as possible, it’s the actors behind the masks who actually work tirelessly to create spine-chilling experiences.

But what’s it actually like to work as a scare actor? Here’s what you need to know about the world’s spookiest profession.

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

Typical Work Schedule and Routine

The daily life of a scare actor can be exhilarating yet exhausting. Traditionally, they arrive at the park in the late afternoon, gearing up for a night full of screams and frights. After a quick check-in, they grab their costumes and prepare to assume their spooky personas. The setup involves transforming from an everyday individual into a shadowy figure lurking in the dark.

Preparation: Costumes and Makeup

Preparation is key in this role, and makeup plays 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

Variety of Scare Methods

When it comes to scaring guests, there isn’t just one technique. Scare actors utilize a range of methods to get those 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 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, looking for the best vantage points to deliver unforgettable scares. Adjusting their approach based on the crowd—whether to be slow and menacing or quick and surprising—often makes the difference in the effectiveness of the fright.

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, which enrich the environment.

The Emotional and Physical Toll

Challenges Faced by Scare Actors

While being a scare actor is rewarding, it is not without its challenges. The physical demands are considerable, requiring stamina and vocal strength to maintain intensity throughout a multi-hour shift.

Actors must be prepared for a variety of guest reactions, including laughter instead of screams, which can be mentally taxing. Some guests can also act out in the moment, with multiple examples of guests getting angry or even physical with scare actors in the past.

For example, back in 2023, TikToker Alyse (@alyse_hendrix) saw one actor have water poured on her at Universal Orlando Resort’s Halloween Horror Nights without having the guest get any sort of reprimanding.

The Thrill of the Experience

Despite the challenges, many actors thrive on the adrenaline rush that scaring provides. The thrill of seeing someone jump or scream from sheer fright can be exhilarating. Scare actors often find joy in pushing their creative boundaries while discovering what techniques truly make the audience react.

What’s your favorite theme park Halloween event?