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Scare Acting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Seaworldentertainment

Seasonal Scare Actor

Busch, AR · On-site

Come join the screams and be a part of our Howl-O-Scream 2026 Scare Acting team! We are looking for fresh blood, so if you want to be part of the haunt, now is the time! Howl-O-Scream Season is open ...

SeaWorld

Seasonal Scare Actor

Busch, AR · On-site

Come join the screams and be a part of our Howl-O-Scream 2026 Scare Acting team! We are looking for fresh blood, so if you want to be part of the haunt, now is the time! Howl-O-Scream Season is open ...

Ripley Entertainment Inc

Haunted Actor

Gatlinburg, TN · On-site

Ripley's Haunted Adventure-Actor $300 end of summer season bonus *restrictions apply Ripley Provided Parking *restrictions apply Do you have a flare for scare? Ripley's is looking for you! We are ...

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How much do scare acting jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for scare acting in the United States is $15.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Scare Acting vs Haunted House Actor?

AspectScare ActingHaunted House Actor
CredentialsNo formal certifications requiredNo formal certifications required
Work EnvironmentTheme parks, haunted attractions, eventsHaunted houses, theme parks, seasonal attractions
Employer & IndustryEntertainment, event companies, amusement parksAmusement parks, seasonal attractions, entertainment industry
Search & Comparison IntentPeople looking for scare acting roles or experiencePeople comparing scare acting jobs or seeking haunted house roles

Scare Acting involves performing in haunted attractions to frighten visitors, often requiring improvisation and acting skills. Haunted House Actor is a broader term that includes performing in haunted houses, with similar skills but may also involve costume and makeup work. Both roles are common in seasonal entertainment and amusement settings, with overlapping responsibilities and environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Scare Actor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Scare Actor, you need strong improvisational abilities, physical stamina, and performance skills, often supported by prior acting or theater experience. Familiarity with safety protocols, costume and makeup application, and sometimes basic knowledge of audio/visual effects are typically required. Exceptional communication, teamwork, and resilience under pressure help Scare Actors engage audiences and adapt to changing scenarios. These skills ensure memorable guest experiences while maintaining safety and performance quality in dynamic, high-energy environments.

What are scare actors?

Scare actors are performers who specialize in creating frightening experiences for guests at haunted attractions, theme parks, or special events. Their primary role is to portray characters—such as monsters, ghosts, or villains—using costumes, makeup, and acting skills to startle or scare visitors. Scare actors use body language, sound effects, and carefully timed interactions to build suspense and enhance the thrill of the event. This job often requires high energy, improvisational skills, and the ability to stay in character while ensuring guest safety. It can be physically demanding, but also offers a unique opportunity to entertain and engage with audiences during seasonal events like Halloween.

What are some common challenges scare actors face during a typical haunt season, and how can they overcome them?

Scare actors often face challenges such as maintaining high energy levels for long shifts, staying in character despite unexpected guest reactions, and managing vocal or physical strain from repeated scares. To overcome these, it's important to practice self-care, including staying hydrated, warming up before shifts, and using safe scare techniques. Teamwork and communication with fellow actors and management also help create a supportive environment, allowing everyone to adjust roles or take breaks as needed for health and safety.
More about Scare Acting jobs
What cities are hiring for Scare Acting jobs? Cities with the most Scare Acting job openings:
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Scare Acting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Scare Acting job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $32,928 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Seasonal Scare Actor

Seaworldentertainment

Busch, AR • On-site

Part-time

Posted 9 hours ago

Job description

Come join the screams and be a part of our Howl-O-Scream 2026 Scare Acting team! We are looking for fresh blood, so if you want to be part of the haunt, now is the time! Howl-O-Scream Season is open September through November 2026, get in NOW!
Schedule your audition time! Auditions will take place most Friday and Saturdays through August. More details provided upon scheduling.

What you get to do:

  • Performing as characters to startle and scare guests at Busch Gardens Tampa Howl-O-Scream
  • Consistently performing multiple scares repetitively throughout the night of the event (some scare positions may involve strenuous physical activity).
  • Being responsible for clocking in and out at the beginning and end of assigned shifts.
  • Taking and implementing direction from persons of authority.
  • Maintaining a tidy and safe work area.
  • Working well with a diverse group of co-workers.
  • Performers are expected to supply their own black pants, black socks, black shoes, and black shirt.

What it takes to succeed:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Must be available to work potentially between 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM on rehearsal and event nights
  • Must be available majority of event nights. Availability will be one factor used in determining employment offer and/or role placement.
  • Many, but not all positions, require wearing makeup (provided by BGT). Some positions require wearing a costume mask, helmet, wig, or hat (provided by BGT).
  • Costumes for characters will be provided by BGT and will remain the property of BGT.
  • Must be able to perform assigned character for up to 2 hours at a time. Performance may include standing, walking, or other strenuous physical activity.
  • Perform the following physical activities on a frequent basis: stand, walk, climb, bend floor-to-waist/waist-to-overhead and reach overhead, simple grasp, and fine manipulation task.
  • Work both indoors and outdoors, exposed to a variety of weather conditions.
  • Position may be exposed to heat/cold temperature extremes, chemical, fumes/dust/odor, atmospheric lighting/strobe lighting/dim lighting
  • Based on needs and availability, some positions may not work every night of the event.

EEO Employer:

SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT REGARD TO AGE, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, PREGNANCY, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, DISABILITY OR COVERED VETERAN STATUS.

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