Most people cringe at the sound of horrified screams, but some people make their living off of creating them. Actors for spooky attractions such as Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights and Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream are trained to make customers jump out of their skin– all in good fun, of course. These attractions have proven to be wildly popular, as customers line up to be frightened by the thousands. It is commonly known that the actors for these particular attractions are bound by a strict set of rules in order to maintain customer safety. However, as a customer you also have certain responsibilities too.
1. Do Not Touch the Actors or Props
The actors are not allowed to touch customers, and therefore, out of respect for the company and its staff, you as a customer should never touch an employee. You would not go into a Starbucks and grab a Barista, so why do some customers feel inclined to grab “Scare-Actors?” Customers can make the mistake of forgetting a scare-actor is a person because of their masks. Masks are designed to de-humanize the wearer; it transforms the individual into the frightening creature that the mask depicts. This works wonderfully when trying to frighten someone. In effect, the individual wearing the mask is no longer a person, but a terrifying monster. However, if the customer does not think of the wearer as a person, this can result in them harassing, touching, or even hitting an employee.
As a customer, it is important for you to remember that whether a person is in a mask or make-up, and whether you think they are frightening or not, they are still individuals who do not deserve to be touched. This goes for props as well; it can be tempting to touch things you see in the houses, but in order to maintain a creepy atmosphere these props need to be kept in the best condition possible. When going to one of these events, keep your hands to yourself.
2. Remember that the Employees are Doing this for You
Most “Scare-Actors” love their jobs. Not only do they get satisfaction out of scaring customers, but it is gratifying for them to know that they are entertaining them as well. The bottom line is they want you to have a good time. If you don’t find a house or a scare-zone scary and feel that it was a rather disappointing experience, don’t take it out on the actors. Many of them are working very hard to make your experience as chilling and exciting as possible. If you don’t think the house meets your standards, there are surveys available so that your opinion can be heard. These companies want your feedback, and by going straight to the customer, you stand a better chance of seeing more of what you want next year. The actors can’t make changes to the houses or scare-zones; they work with whatever they are given. “Scare-Actors” are practicing daily to improve their performances harassment is not a helpful critique. Harassing an actor or making fun of them for attempting to scare you will not improve your experience.
3. Do Not Try to Scare the Actors
Attempting to frighten a “Scare-Actor” might work one percent of the time. “Scare-Actors” are trained to be aware of their surroundings. If you’re walking up behind them with the intention of startling them, most of the time they know you’re there. Believe it or not, they can hear you, and can see your shadow approaching.
When a snickering customer hunches behind an actor and pops out at them the only impact that is left on them is annoyance. Again, these actors are hired to entertain you. By attempting to startle an actor you are putting them in an uncomfortable situation and that actor is being prevented from doing their job to the best of their ability. An actor may have centered in on a easily startled customer and is closing in on them when another customer distracts them by trying to scare them. In doing so, the opportunity to scare that other customer is completely lost, and that experience of another customer is officially ruined. If you want so desperately to scare people, pick up a job application next year. I’m sure you would not appreciate a customer trying to prevent you from doing your job, so don’t be that customer.
Spooky attractions such as Halloween Horror Nights and Howl-O-Scream are supposed to be fun. So allow yourself to have fun and be entertained by respecting the employees of such attractions. Remember that they are doing this for your pleasure, so treat them with the dignity they deserve.
If you want to continue being entertained for the years to come, these companies will be more than happy to ensure that you have the best time possible. That being said, do not forget that the way you treat the entertainment facility will impact the experience you have. On your next adventure to one of these thrilling attractions come equipped with a positive attitude, and I guarantee you’ll have a better time.
Sam Allen can be reached at samantha.allen@spartans.ut.edu