Be a Scare Actor

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Then being a scare actor for Howl-O-Scream might be for you. 

Busch Gardens Williamsburg employs dozens of people each year for the sole purpose of scaring others during the theme park’s annual fright nights inSeptember and October. There are opportunities for vampires, werewolves, witches, you name it.

Phil White of Hampton spent almost two seasons as a scare actor, first working in the Cornered maze, a haunted farming community set in the Germany area of the park, and then last year as in Circo Sinistro. The experience is worth it, he said.

“It was absolute blast,” said White, 42. “It was exhausting, but you feltsatisfied at the end. Getting someone in a good scare, hearing the laughs and the chatter afterward wascompletely enjoyable.”

Busch Gardens starts planning for Howl-O-Scream far ahead of time, but there are still some auditions running through Sept. 9th. Applicants do need to be able to attend rehearsals and then, once Howl-O-Scream starts,be able to work multiple hours in dark conditions.

No experience is required, according to theme park, “just a passion for performing and being ready to scare!”

Applicants must be at least 16 to be a scare actor. Other than that, anyone can give it a try. Some scare actors have been coming back to work Howl-O-Scream for more than a decade, said Phil Raybourn, senior production manager at Busch Gardens.

“I would recommend it for anyone,” White said. “You’re never too old to play.”

Visit buschgardensauditions.com for dates and an online application to schedule an audition time.Minors must have a parent or guardian complete a minor release form before auditioning.