Many would not consider being a seasonal actor at a haunted attraction to be actual "work", but I can tell you as I approach my ninth year of "crazy Octobers", that it most certainly is! Some may even think of it as a "fun" job, rather like a little job helping in your mom's shop during the summers, or more of a hobby than a job at all. . They might think of it as not involving much responsibility, not a lot of hassle, something you do "in your spare time".
On the other hand, most people seem genuinely surprised when they ask if I make a lot of money doing it, and I reveal that I only make minimum wage. That is it! Whatever the "going rate" is, that is what we get payed. From the greenest of "newbies" to the most seasoned of veterans, it is always the same.
As to whether or not it is "work", my first year there left me totally exhausted both mentally and physically. Every year since then has done the same. In my years as a haunt actor, I have been hit, kicked, punched (all accidental, of course), and had water splashed on me, and then had to remain wet all night, and get pneumonia from it !
We are required to be there from 7pm...til the last costumer comes through...which has been as late as 2 or 3am before. Those who have their make up done (I do my own), have to be there at 5pm! During this time, we are to be in our scenes at all times (quick bathroom breaks are permitted, of course), and if you are not where you should be once too often, you are generally fired.
It can be very tiring! Some might ask, why in the world would you want to do it, then? I think I speak for all haunt employees, worldwide, when I say, we don't do it for the money, we do it because we love Halloween. We don't do it because it's easy, we do it because we enjoy scaring people. We do it because, exhaustion aside, there is a certain thrill, and a rush of adrenaline that comes along with it...especially when you are doing your job right!
Originally published at http://fullofknowledge.com/2013/06/yes-i-work-in-a-haunted-house/
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