The Haunt Actor’s Experience: Inside Jobs and Toxic Work Environments

If you're considering working at a haunted attraction, what can you expect from the job? Drawing from personal experience, this article delves into the specific roles in haunted houses, the enjoyment and challenges faced, and the toxic work environments that can be encountered.

Working as a Haunt Actor

As a former haunt actor, I spent four straight years performing in haunted attractions. My experience included roles at Netherworld Haunted House in Stone Mountain, Georgia, and Six Flags Fright Fest. While the job had its moments of enjoyment, such as dressing up in scary costumes and scaring visitors, it also brought its fair share of challenges and shortcomings.

Challenges in the Haunt Industry

Despite the excitement and thrill of the job, several factors led me to leave the haunt industry. For instance, at Six Flags Fright Fest, I found the organization to be disorganized, making it difficult to manage the haunted house environment effectively. Actors left their spots constantly, and supervisors did not provide adequate breaks, especially when working outside in the cold.

At Netherworld Haunted House, a toxic work environment and personal beliefs about my own abilities also contributed to my departure. The pay was poor, and since I did not do it for the money, the cost and inconvenience of transportation became a significant issue. Working in a location far from public transit made frequent Uber rides necessary, which were too expensive.

Human dynamics at Netherworld were another factor. There was a clique mentality present, and I was not welcomed into the group. Management did not outright fire me but made conditions so uncomfortable that I felt compelled to leave.

Personal Struggles and Skills

Reflecting on my time as a haunt actor, I realized that I was not the best performer. While acting lessons were not strictly required, the fear factor was an essential part of the role. Unfortunately, my performances were over the top and did not effectively scare visitors, nor did I manage to earn many scares. As a result, I felt that my abilities did not align with the expectations of the job. Despite this, my passion for the job continues, and I recommend it to others based on the enjoyment it can provide, even with the challenges.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Working at a haunted attraction can be a rewarding experience, similar to any other job, with its demanding nature, potential for fun, and varying levels of pay and staff satisfaction. If you're thinking about working in this field, be prepared to deal with demanding conditions and irregular work. However, if you enjoy the thrill of the job and are willing to work through the challenges, it can be an exhilarating experience.

Consider these aspects carefully before making a decision. Research the haunted attraction you're interested in working with, and ensure that the environment is welcoming and supportive.