1

Scare Actor Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Scare Actor information

What is a scare actor?

A Scare Actor is a performer who entertains guests by portraying frightening characters in haunted attractions, theme parks, or immersive experiences. Their role involves using body language, vocal effects, and special effects to create scares while maintaining safety. Scare Actors may work in haunted houses, scare zones, or interactive horror events. The job requires energy, improvisation skills, and the ability to stay in character for extended periods.

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 performance ability, improvisational skills, physical stamina, and the ability to work well in dark or confined spaces; previous acting or theatrical experience is often preferred. Use of basic makeup, costume management, and sometimes simple animatronic props or sound systems is common, but typically no formal certifications are required. Excellent teamwork, adaptability, and quick-thinking are soft skills that help set exceptional Scare Actors apart. These qualities are crucial for creating immersive guest experiences while ensuring safety and smooth attraction operations.

What are the typical work hours and environment like for a scare actor?

Scare Actors often work during evenings, weekends, and seasonally—especially around Halloween and for special events—since most haunted attractions operate outside standard business hours. The work environment usually involves indoor or outdoor haunted houses, theme parks, or temporary attractions, where you'll perform in low-light or foggy conditions and may be required to maintain high energy through multiple showings each night. Teams are typically collaborative, with fellow actors, makeup artists, and managers working together to deliver a cohesive experience. Be prepared for peak periods with higher guest volumes, as these can be physically and mentally demanding. Regular breaks and safety protocols are standard to help ensure both performer and guest well-being.

How much does a scare actor get paid?

A scare actor typically earns between $8 and $15 per hour, with pay rates varying based on experience, location, and the complexity of the role. Some seasonal or event-based positions may also offer bonuses or additional compensation for working peak hours or special effects skills.

Is a scare actor a full-time job?

A scare actor is typically a part-time or seasonal position, often working during Halloween events or haunted attractions. Many scare actors work evenings and weekends, and the job usually does not provide full-time employment or benefits. However, some larger attractions may offer more consistent hours or year-round roles for experienced performers.

Is it hard to be a scare actor?

Being a scare actor can be physically demanding and requires good acting skills to convincingly frighten visitors. The job often involves working in costumes and makeup for long hours in a noisy, dark environment, which can be challenging but is manageable with proper preparation and experience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Scare Actor jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Scare Actor jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Scare Actor jobs in Tennessee?

For Scare Actor jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Scare Actor jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Scare Actor jobs in Tennessee are:

Infographic showing various Scare Actor job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution.

HAUNTED COASTER SCARE ACTOR- Hiring Event August 4th 10-12pm and 5-7pm

Pigeon Forge, TN • On-site

SkyLand Ranch, Rowdy Bear, & Rocky Top Mountain Coaster

$17.50/hr

Part-time

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Description

This is for Rocky Top Mountain Coaster located at 2490 Veterans Boulevard Pigeon Forge, TN.


Employment: Seasonal, part-time

Season: September-October 2026

Event Schedule: 36 select nights

Minimum Age: 18 years or older

Compensation: $17.50 per hour

Hiring Event: Tuesday, Aug 4 10am-12pm and 5pm-7pm


ABOUT THE POSITION

Rocky Top Mountain Coaster is seeking energetic, dependable, and enthusiastic performers for Zombie Invasion, an all-new immersive haunted coaster experience coming to Pigeon Forge.

Scare actors will portray zombies, military personnel, and other event characters. Performers will be assigned to themed scenes throughout the attraction and along the mountain coaster course. Actors must fully commit to their assigned characters, interact with guests and deliver energetic, consistent performances throughout each event night and the entire event season.


This is a fast-paced, high-energy environment, with new guests entering scenes every few seconds. Performers will remain active throughout the night, and will have frequent opportunities to scare and interact with guests. This is an opportunity to become part of an immersive storyline, and help bring the world's longest haunted coaster experience to life.


RESPONSIBILITIES

- Remain in character whenever visible to guests.

- Deliver a consistent, enthusiastic and high-energy performance throughout each event night.

- Perform assigned scares, repeated movements, dialogue and character interactions.

- Follow scene and performance direction from event managers.

- Report to the assigned supervisor on time.

- Remain in the assigned scene until properly relieved or dismissed at the end of the night.

- Properly wear and care for all provided or approved costumes, masks, makeup and performance equipment.

- Maintain a professional manner when working with guests, coworkers and management.

- Follow all safety procedures, behavioral expectations, guest interaction rules and attraction guidelines.

- Help create a memorable, immersive and exciting experience for every guest.


SCHEDULE AND AVAILABILITY

Zombie Invasion will operate for 36 event nights during September and October 2026 (weather permitting).

- Arrival: No later than 6:30 p.m. on scheduled event nights

- Scare performances begin: Approximately 7:30 p.m.

- Ticket sales end: 11:00 p.m.

- End of shift: Performances continue until all ticketed guests have completed the experience, which may be midnight or later depending on attendance and nightly operations.

Actors must use the time before performances begin to check in, prepare costumes or makeup and report to their assigned scenes.

Applicants should review the complete schedule before applying. Preference will be given to candidates who are available for the majority of the event dates.


EVENT DATES

September 2026: 11, 12, 15, 18, 19, 22, 25, 26 and 29

October 2026: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 29, 30 and 31

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

Ideal candidates will:

- Be at least 18 years old by the first scheduled shift.

- Be excited about performing and creating memorable guest experiences.

- Be energetic, expressive and comfortable interacting with guests.

- Be able to follow instructions and accept performance direction.

- Be dependable and committed to arriving on time for scheduled shifts.

- Be able to maintain character and performance quality for extended periods.

- Be comfortable performing in darkness, theatrical fog, flashing or strobing lights, loud audio and outdoor conditions.

- Be comfortable performing around simulated weapon props.

- Be able to work effectively as part of a large event team.

- Be professional and respectful toward guests, coworkers and management.

- Have reliable transportation to and from Rocky Top Mountain Coaster.

- Be available to work evenings and weekends.


EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

Previous acting, haunted attraction, theater, entertainment or customer service experience is helpful, but not required. Training and character direction will be provided.


PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

This position may require performers to:

- Stand, sit, crouch or remain in assigned positions for extended periods.

- Perform repeated movements and physical character actions.

- Wear costumes, masks, makeup or other performance accessories.

- Work outdoors in changing fall weather conditions.

- Perform around theatrical fog, flashing or strobing lights, loud audio, darkness and simulated weapon props.

- Communicate clearly with supervisors and respond quickly to instructions.

Applicants should disclose any concerns that could affect their ability to perform the assigned role safely.


COSTUMES AND MASKS

Rocky Top Mountain Coaster will provide costumes and masks for assigned roles. Actors may use their own costume

pieces only if they fit the event theme and receive approval from event management before the event.


ATTENDANCE AND CONDUCT

Dependable attendance is essential because each performer plays an important role in the complete guest experience.

Actors must report on time and work all shifts they have committed to unless an absence has been approved by management. Failure to do so may result in immediate termination.

All cast members must maintain professional conduct and follow Rocky Top Mountain Coaster's safety rules, performance standards, anti-harassment policies and guest interaction guidelines. Unsafe behavior, inappropriate

physical contact with guests, leaving an assigned scene without authorization or breaking character in guest-facing areas may result in removal from the event or termination.


COMPENSATION AND APPLICATION PROCESS

This is an hourly seasonal position paying $17.50 per hour.

Applicants may be asked to participate in a brief interview, audition ,or character workshop. Applicants should include their availability for every listed event date when applying.


Join the cast and help turn a nighttime mountain coaster ride into an unforgettable haunted experience unlike anything else in Tennessee.