Haunted House Actor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of the eerie and the unnerving, haunted house actors are the stars of the show.

As the autumn nights draw in and Halloween approaches, the demand for skilled performers who can thrill, scare, and engage with audiences grows.

But what does it truly mean to be a haunted house actor?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring performer seeking to understand the nuances of this unique role,
• A casting director aiming to outline the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the behind-the-screams world of haunted house acting,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable haunted house actor job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or audition sites.

Let’s dive right into the spine-chilling details.

Haunted House Actor Duties and Responsibilities

Haunted House Actors specialize in creating a chilling and thrilling atmosphere for customers seeking the excitement of horror and mystery.

They impersonate various characters and creatures, maintaining the overall theme of the haunted house.

Haunted House Actors’ main responsibility is to provide a memorable, scary experience for guests, with daily duties and responsibilities including:

• Perform assigned roles according to the script or scenario, which can include impersonating monsters, ghosts, witches, or other scary characters
• Interact with guests in character to heighten the sense of dread and excitement
• Learn and execute various stunts and choreographed actions, keeping safety guidelines in mind
• Assist in setting up and taking down the haunted house set and props
• Perform basic maintenance and checks on costumes and makeup, ensuring they remain effective throughout their performances
• Attend rehearsals to perfect timing, positioning, and reactions
• Communicate with other actors and the director to ensure a cohesive performance
• Provide feedback and participate in debriefings to improve future performances

 

Haunted House Actor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are in search of a talented and dedicated Haunted House Actor to create thrilling and frightful experiences for our guests.

The successful candidate will be responsible for dressing up in costume, applying makeup, and acting out specific roles to scare and entertain visitors.

Our ideal candidate has a flair for the dramatic, a love for Halloween and horror, and the ability to work well as part of a team.

Experience in acting, performing arts or similar roles is advantageous.

 

Responsibilities

• Adhere to the script and guidelines provided for each role
• Put on make-up and wear costumes as per role requirements
• Deliver thrilling and chilling performances to scare guests
• Maintain character throughout the duration of the performances
• Ensure safety of guests and self during the performances
• Cooperate with the team to create a cohesive and successful overall experience
• Participate in rehearsals and offer suggestions to enhance performance
• Interact with guests while staying in character
• Assist with set up and clean up before and after performances

 

Qualifications

• Previous acting experience, preferably in a haunted house or similar setting
• Ability to stay in character for extended periods of time
• Comfortable wearing costumes and makeup
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Physical stamina and agility
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Must be at least 18 years of age

 

Benefits

• Flexible schedule
• Free admission to the haunted house for friends and family
• Discounts on merchandise
• Fun and exciting work environment

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Haunted House Actor
• Work Environment: This is a physically demanding role in a busy, thrilling, and sometimes intense environment. Candidates must be comfortable working in dark and enclosed spaces and able to handle loud noises and special effects.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Haunted House Director or Manager.
• Salary: Payment is based on experience, role complexity and event attendance.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Seasonal/Part-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage diversity among our team. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a recent photograph, and any available video of past performances to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Haunted House Actor Do?

Haunted House Actors are typically employed by amusement parks, fairgrounds, or companies that organize Halloween and other thematic events.

They may also work as independent contractors for private events or parties.

They have a unique role of portraying different characters, often of a spooky or scary nature, within a haunted house environment.

This can involve dressing up as ghosts, ghouls, monsters, witches, and other supernatural entities, based on the storyline or theme of the haunted house.

Haunted House Actors interact directly with visitors, using their acting skills to scare, entertain, and engage them.

They may leap out unexpectedly, make eerie sounds, or perform chilling skits, all while staying in character.

They often work closely with other team members including makeup artists, costume designers, and set designers to ensure the authenticity of their performance and the overall experience.

Haunted House Actors may also have responsibilities outside their performing roles, such as ensuring the safety of guests, helping with crowd control, and maintaining the cleanliness of their performance areas.

Their job also involves being sensitive to guests’ reactions, toning down or intensifying their performance based on individual comfort levels.

This requires excellent observation skills and the ability to read people effectively.

Haunted House Actors often work in low-light and noisy conditions, and the job may require long hours, especially around Halloween.

Despite the physically demanding nature of the job, it can be rewarding for those who enjoy performing and interacting with people.

 

Haunted House Actor Qualifications and Skills

Haunted House Actors should possess a unique blend of skills and qualifications that enable them to excel in this unique role, including:

• Dramatic skills to convincingly portray a variety of characters, monsters, or ghosts and scare visitors.
• Physical stamina to perform strenuous activities, stand for long periods, and adjust to varying environmental conditions.
• Improvisation skills to respond quickly to unexpected events or reactions from visitors.
• Interpersonal skills to work effectively with a diverse team of actors, set designers, make-up artists, and directors.
• Customer service skills to ensure a fun and safe experience for all visitors, including addressing any concerns or complaints.
• Ability to work in low light conditions and navigate through the haunted house effectively.
• Auditory and visual skills to respond to cues and perform in a timely and appropriate manner.
• Resilience and stress management skills to handle the intensity of the role and maintain performance levels during peak times.
• Ability to apply makeup and use costume effectively to enhance the character portrayal.

 

Haunted House Actor Experience Requirements

Haunted House Actors are often required to have some degree of acting experience, either through school theatre, community theatre, or other acting workshops and classes.

This experience helps them understand how to convey emotions and react believably in various scenarios.

Some haunted houses may provide on-the-job training, allowing those with little to no acting experience an opportunity to learn and grow within the role.

However, experience in improvisation and physical theatre can be an advantage, as these skills enable actors to engage and frighten guests effectively.

Those who have 1-2 years of experience as a Haunted House Actor or similar scare-acting roles are often considered more seasoned.

They may be able to handle more complex roles within the haunted house, such as leading an interactive scene or playing a pivotal character in the house’s overarching narrative.

Actors with over 3 years of experience in haunted houses or related entertainment venues may be ready for leadership roles within the operation, such as a team lead or manager.

In these roles, they would oversee the performance aspect of the haunted house, ensuring that all actors are performing effectively and engaging guests appropriately.

In addition to acting experience, physical stamina and the ability to work in low-light conditions may also be necessary due to the nature of the job.

 

Haunted House Actor Education and Training Requirements

Haunted House Actors, also known as Scare Actors, often do not need formal education or training.

However, having a high school diploma or equivalent is generally preferred.

Prior acting experience is beneficial but not always necessary.

Many haunted attractions offer on-the-job training to teach actors how to effectively scare patrons while maintaining safety.

This training often includes techniques for improv acting, character development, and scare tactics.

Physical fitness can be important as actors may need to perform quick movements or stand for long periods.

A background in dance or physical theatre could also be beneficial.

Some Haunted House Actors may choose to attend workshops or classes in theater, improv, or horror performance to improve their skills and versatility.

While not a formal requirement, these classes can help actors enhance their performance and stand out in auditions.

First aid and CPR certification is also beneficial for this role, due to the physical nature of the job and the potential need to respond to emergencies.

Finally, Haunted House Actors must have a strong stomach for horror and be able to work in potentially disturbing environments.

They should also be comfortable working in low-light conditions and in close proximity to patrons.

 

Haunted House Actor Salary Expectations

A Haunted House Actor earns an average wage of $12.00 (USD) per hour.

However, the actual earnings may differ based on factors such as experience, the location of the haunted house attraction, and the company that owns it.

It’s also important to note that these roles are often seasonal, corresponding to holiday periods like Halloween.

 

Haunted House Actor Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Haunted House Actor need?

Haunted House Actors should have excellent improvisation skills and the ability to perform in a variety of situations.

They should be capable of maintaining character under pressure and should have a high level of physical stamina for long periods of standing, moving, or even running.

An understanding of stage make-up and costuming is beneficial, as is the ability to handle potentially stressful situations, such as dealing with frightened guests.

 

Do Haunted House Actors need formal acting training?

Formal acting training is not typically required for Haunted House Actors, although it can certainly be beneficial.

The role often requires exaggerated physicality and strong improvisational skills, which can be enhanced through training.

However, many Haunted House Actors gain experience on the job.

 

What should you look for in a Haunted House Actor’s resume?

Look for previous acting experience, particularly in roles that required improvisation or physical performance.

Experience in customer service or dealing with the public can also be a plus, as Haunted House Actors often interact directly with guests.

Any background in make-up artistry or costuming can also be beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good Haunted House Actor?

A good Haunted House Actor should be adaptable, able to think on their feet, and maintain character regardless of the situation.

They should be enthusiastic and committed to providing a frighteningly fun experience for guests.

Physical stamina is also important, as the role can be physically demanding.

Finally, a good Haunted House Actor should be reliable and professional, ensuring that they are ready to perform for each shift.

 

Is it difficult to hire Haunted House Actors?

Hiring Haunted House Actors can be challenging as it requires finding individuals who are not only interested in acting but also comfortable in a potentially spooky environment.

The seasonal nature of many haunted attractions may also contribute to hiring difficulties.

However, the unique nature of the role can also attract individuals looking for an unconventional acting opportunity.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve opened the creaking door to the spine-chilling world of being a haunted house actor.

And guess what?

It’s not just about donning a costume.

It’s about creating fear and excitement, one scream at a time.

With our comprehensive haunted house actor job description template and real-world examples, you’re all geared up to make a thrilling career move.

But why stop there?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to crafting precise job listings or sharpening your resume to sheer perfection.

Remember:

Every scare is a part of the bigger spectacle.

Let’s create those spine-chilling experiences. Together.

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