Got any tips for a first timer?
Yes! Many!
First off, congratulations and welcome to the crazy world of haunting!
Second, do you know where you will be in the haunt? Will you be providing your own costume, or will you be given one by the haunt? That will have a big effect on my advice. But for now, lets stick to acting.
An actor is the life blood of a haunt. A haunt may spend tens of thousands of dollars on crazy props and animated devices. But a bad actor can ruin all of that. But a good one, makes them all that much better and more frightening. Thats where you come in!
Think of your character. What is their motivation? What do they want to do? What fuels them to be who they are?
For example, one of my characters is a very angry guy. I think of all the things that made me mad throughout the year. Betrayal, misunderstandings, grumpy moods, and roll them into one. How did I act? How did I act? What did I feel? How did I react to those around me? Answering these questions can give you an outline for how your character can function.
As haunters, we have very little time to convey a message. But people read others in many ways. Body language is another big deal. How would someone who is angry act and talk? Scared? Hysterical? All of these emotions carry different ways of portraying such an emotion. If you can master body language, you dont need to say much or do much to convey that key part of your character.
Thats a good place to start.
Here are some tips on how to be awesome!
- If you are using your own costume, it should never be from a costume store or a chain Halloween Store. This is your character. No one elses!
- Never say boo, hiss, roar, get out, or something along the lines of “Ready to die?” . These are stereotypical and not scary. Children and Scooby Doo say boo. Not monsters and haunters. If you have to say get out, make it more interesting! Why should they get out? What if they dont?
- Watch other actors! This doesnt mean copy them. But learn how they walk, talk, and act with customers. What gets them the most scares?
-If they are taller than you, go for their feet! People hate things going at their feet. Especially if they are tall.
-Protect your voice. Protect your voice. Also. Protect your voice. Keeping a mix of water and honey is a good way to go if you can hide it in your scene and your haunt allows you to have beverages with you. If you cant, I suggest something you can suck on. Jolly Ranchers are ok, but you would be better off with some Ricola drops or Halls. These will coat your throat and help you keep your voice up to par. Be gentle with it. Pace your voice. It is one of your greatest assets.
- Dont scream in peoples faces. Or scream a lot in general. Thats not scary and people getting in your personal space is unnerving but if its just to scream, then it hurts ears and doesnt show a lot of talent. You cant improv a scream. You can only improv characters.
-You cant scare everyone! Well ok, you could, but you may only have a window of a few seconds. If you cant make them scream, try and make them laugh! You are a haunter. But more importantly you are an entertainer. So entertain!
If you have any more questions or want any more fun tips, just let me know! I think I have given you enough to ponder for now :P
Best of luck, and again, congrats!
