Hiring Haunted House Actors

By Leonard Pickel, Owner of Hauntrepreneurs.com

Creating a successful and immersive haunted house experience requires more than just spooky decorations and sound effects. Well-trained actors can bring your haunted house to life, creating an engaging and unforgettable experience for guests. However, hiring the right people requires careful planning and consideration. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the steps you need to take to hire haunted house actors and create an immersive experience that will keep guests coming back year after year.

 
Determine the Number of Actors Needed
When determining the number of actors needed for a haunted house, it will depend on the size and style of the haunted house and the number of rooms that need to be staffed. For example, a small haunted house with just a few rooms may only need an actor or two to staff each room. However, a larger haunted house with dozens of rooms may require many more actors to create a fully immersive and engaging experience. (Remember you can’t just have one zombie; you need a horde!) In addition to the size of the haunted house, it’s also important to consider the type of experience or style you want to create for guests. Do you want a more immersive experience where guests interact with actors in each room? Or do you prefer a more static experience where actors are stationed in specific areas and provide scares as guests walk through?

Once you have determined the number of actors needed, you can begin to plan the logistics of hiring and managing the actors. It’s important to ensure that there are enough actors to staff each room throughout the entire duration of the haunted house operation, plus actor managers to oversee the actors as well as makeup artists and costume staff. One strategy to consider is to schedule actors in shifts so that they can take breaks and rest while others are working. This can help prevent burnout and ensure that actors can deliver a high level of performance throughout the night.

Overall, determining the number of actors needed for a haunted house is a critical first step in creating a successful and engaging experience for guests. By considering the size of the haunted house, the number of rooms that need to be staffed, and the type of experience you want to create, you can ensure that you have the right number of actors to bring your haunted house to life.

Create a job Description
A job description is an essential tool for hiring haunted house actors. It should outline the duties, responsibilities, and requirements of the job. Be sure to include information on age requirements, availability, and any physical requirements. A well-crafted job description not only helps attract qualified candidates but also provides clarity about the expectations and requirements of the job. When creating a job description for haunted house actors, it’s important to include the following information:

1. Job title: Clearly state the job title as “Haunted House Actor” or “Scare Actor.”
2. Job duties: Describe the primary duties and responsibilities of the job, such as scaring and interacting with guests, performing in a team environment, and staying in character.
3. Requirements: State any requirements necessary for the job, such as minimum age, availability, and physical fitness. For instance, some haunted houses may require actors to stand or walk for long periods, navigate stairs, or wear heavy or cumbersome costumes.
4. Skills: Highlight any skills that are necessary or desirable for the job, such as experience in acting, improvisation, or performance.
5. Hours and compensation: Provide information on the hours and scheduling requirements of the job, as well as any compensation, such as hourly pay or bonuses.

6. Expectations: Clearly outline the expectations for conduct and professionalism, including punctuality, attendance, and adherence to the rules and guidelines of the haunted house.

It’s important to make the job description as clear and concise as possible. Use simple language and bullet points to help applicants quickly and easily understand the requirements and expectations of the position. Be sure to include a section that highlights the benefits of the job, such as the opportunity to work in a fun and exciting environment, meet new people, and gain experience in performance or entertainment.

By creating a detailed job description, you can attract qualified candidates who are enthusiastic about the job and prepared to deliver a high-quality performance.

Advertise the Job
Advertising the job of a haunted house actor is an essential step in attracting qualified candidates who can bring the necessary skills and experience to the role. There are several ways to advertise for haunted house actors, and you will need to use them all!

1. Social Media: Use social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to advertise the job opening. Post information about the job requirements, duties, and compensation, along with any relevant photos or videos that showcase the haunted house environment.
2. Local Job Boards: Post the job opening on local job boards such as Craigslist, Indeed, or Monster. Be sure to include detailed information about the job and the haunted house environment and include contact information for applicants to submit their resumes and cover letters.
3. Word of Mouth: Reach out to your network and spread the word about the job opening. Encourage current employees, friends, and family members to share the job posting with their contacts and consider offering a referral bonus for any successful hires.
4. Local Job Fairs: Attend local job fairs and career events to meet potential candidates in person. Set up a booth or table to showcase the haunted house environment and answer questions from applicants.
5. Drama Clubs and Acting Schools: Reach out to drama clubs and acting schools in your area and ask if they can share the job posting with their students and alumni. These candidates may have relevant acting experience and skills that could make them a good fit for the role.

When advertising the job, be sure to highlight the unique aspects of the haunted house environment and the opportunity to work in a fun and exciting atmosphere. Also, be clear about the requirements and expectations of the job, including any physical requirements, age restrictions, and scheduling expectations. By using a combination of these advertising methods, you can reach a wide pool of potential candidates and find the right actors to bring your haunted house to life. (READ MORE)