Started in 1991 as a 3-night party called “Fright Nights,” Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights has expanded into a 28-night spectacular featuring 7 or 8 haunted houses, multiple street scare zones and at least 2 live stage shows. The entire event changes completely each year with new themes, new technology and new ways to scare. Universal hires hundreds of people each year as “scareactors,” the insider term for all the performers in the haunted houses and street scare zones.
Both my father and I have been fortunate enough to be selected as scareactors at different times. We have theater experience, but it is by no means a requirement. What is required is a fierce passion and dedication to the role, even in the face of often-challenging circumstances. If you are at least 18 years old and think you have what it takes to make guests scream for 28 nights, here are some insider tips for getting the job.
1. Audition early
Chainsaw GirlsPrized roles, like the all-female chainsaw drill team, tend to fill quickly.
Universal typically hires scareactors during the month of July, with continuing auditions held as needed until, and sometimes during, the event. However, they do not hold back roles. Instead, actors are hired on the spot at each audition, although they are not told exactly where they will be placed until shortly before rehearsals begin. Therefore, those who attend the earliest auditions generally have the best shot. To make sure you are in the loop, sign up for notifications at the Halloween Horror Nights audition site.
2. Dress to move
Walking DeadThe scareactor costumes are designed for freedom of movement.
Although scareactor auditions are not as physically demanding as stunt or stilt walker auditions, you will be expected to move around quite a bit. Closed-toe shoes, comfortable pants or shorts, and a T-shirt or tank top are ideal. If you must come straight from work in professional clothing, plan to change at the audition if possible, or at least bring a pair of comfortable shoes. You might end up crawling on the floor, so wear something that can get dirty. Do not show up in costume, unless you are at the separate auditions for “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Halloween Adventure.” The audition committee wants to see who you are and what your abilities are, not your impression of what a Halloween Horror Nights creature looks like.
3. Bring all requested materials
Demented WonderlandYou can’t do this until your paperwork is complete.
If you have a headshot and an acting resume, bring at least one copy. Photographers are on hand to take photos, but a professional headshot and resume can make the audition team sit up and take notice. In addition, scareactors are hired on the spot. Bring your driver’s license, unlaminated social security card and any other employment documentation. For example, non-U.S. citizens need to show a work visa. Pens are generally available, but are sometimes in short supply. Bring a pen for yourself, or better yet, bring a few to share with your new friends.
4. Plan to wait
StorytellerAll the waiting is worth it when the event finally begins.
If you have never been to an open call audition, you might be surprised to learn how long it can take. You will stand in a long line to check in, fill out some forms, and then sit and wait to be called. Universal Orlando has the audition process down to a science, but a good audition team takes auditioners in small groups and gives each group the time necessary to fairly assess each person’s abilities. That process cannot be rushed. Bring a book, a tablet, your homework or whatever will occupy your time.
What you should never, ever bring is someone who is not auditioning. Even the best-behaved children are stretched to their limits by the endless waiting, and more rambunctious ones can put themselves and others at risk in a crowded room. Best friends, spouses and parents take up valuable seating space and can be distracting. Find a babysitter, leave your loved ones at home, and take only yourself to your audition. Of course, if you and a friend or loved one are both auditioning, there is nothing wrong with attending together. Just be aware that you might be split into separate audition groups.
5. Be available
Me As a Bloody, Sick VillagerThe more availability you have, the more likely you are to get a great role.
While scareactors are certainly allowed to take a night off, Universal is casting a professional production. Those with full availability tend to jump to the top of the hiring list. If you have a day job, it can be tough to work a 2 a.m. close and then show up for work at 8 a.m., but many scareactors do just that. If your availability is more limited, it is still worthwhile to audition, as Universal does hire people just to fill in on an as-needed basis. Just be aware that the more limited your availability is, the less likely you are to get your preferred role.
6. Be honest about your experience and abilities
Rat LadyIf you happen to be claustrophobic or afraid of rats, don’t audition to be the Rat Lady.
Although stilt walkers and stunt performers are typically hired at separate auditions, some roles require certain physical or mental skills. Others are best filled by people with some performing experience. Be honest on your audition forms and in answering any questions the audition panel might ask.
Likewise, if you know that you cannot possibly arrive at Universal before 5:30 on show nights, or work on Sundays, or whatever your restriction might be, tell the audition team. Once the job begins, your stage manager, assistant stage manager, performance coach and entire cast will be depending on you to show up as promised.
I once took an acting class with actor-turned-director and producer Tom Logan. He told us about the importance of being honest by way of a personal example. Apparently, he once auditioned for a commercial that required motorcycle driving skills. He lied about his abilities and got the job. On the first day of filming, he accidentally ran over the director’s foot! Though he was fortunate enough not to be blacklisted, he was not too popular with that director and his friends after that.
7. Be over the top
Pumpkin GuyIf you want a unique role, act as over-the-top as possible at your audition.
Dad was asked to scare the audition panel. I was asked to give my best monkey impression. There is no telling what you might be asked to do at auditions, but the correct response is always the same: Do whatever you are asked in the biggest, most over-the-top way possible, while maintaining a seriousness about the role. In other words, you want to show that you are unafraid to make a fool of yourself, but will not make a fool out of the character.
This is similar to any other character/animation audition, but can really trip up new performers. The two most common mistakes are holding back due to shyness or nerves, and making a joke out of the whole thing. The key is to make yourself really, genuinely, believe that in that moment, you are that character. Behave as you think that character would, and make it big and obvious.
This can be tough, so try rehearsing for your audition. Think of a few characters, like monkeys, zombies and killer clowns, and practice playing those roles in front of a mirror or with your friends. Work on making your movements big yet believable.
8. Be flexible
CaretakerThe icon roles, such as the Caretaker, are normally filled by long-time HHN veterans.
At my audition, the team asked how many girls were interested in being the “Rat Lady,” a plum role that involves lying in a Plexiglas coffin filled with live rats. Almost every single girl in the room raised her hand. Yet there are only two Rat Ladies each year, who take turns throughout the night, and previous years’ Rat Ladies get preference for reprising the role. Icon characters and other key roles almost always go to people who have worked HHN for years, many of whom work full-time in Universal’s Entertainment department year-round.
No matter what role you get, whether in a soundstage house, a tent house or a street scare zone, you will be a vital part of the Halloween Horror Nights experience. In addition, many returning scareactors request to do something different each year, rotating between houses and streets for example, simply because each role has something unique to offer. Those who are flexible about what they do are more likely to get cast and have greater job satisfaction throughout the event.
Follow whatever direction you are given, but above all, relax and have fun. The audition team genuinely wants you to succeed, and looks for people who obviously enjoy the process.
