Introduction

As the year winds down, Singaporeans may not experience the autumn leaves that adorn other countries, but they are certainly greeted by a wave of spine-tingling Halloween excitement. With a plethora of horror-themed events sweeping across the city, the spooky season has officially begun!

The Role of Scare Actors

At the heart of these terrifying experiences are the scare actors, approximately 400 talented freelancers from Singapore and beyond, who thrive on the adrenaline rush of playing horrifying roles to entertain eager thrill-seekers. One such actor, Miranda Ng, 30, a drama and singing teacher by day, relishes her dual life. "I always dreamed of being involved in something horror-related," she said, revealing that donning her costume allows her to shed her everyday persona and embrace a more daring character.

The Growth of Halloween Celebrations

However, opportunities for scare actors in Singapore are limited, as many citizens do not celebrate Halloween to the same extent as countries like Japan or Taiwan. Ms. Ng voices hope that the festival will grow, especially with an exciting 2024 lineup promising three major horror events.

Major Halloween Events in Singapore

The largest of these is Universal Studios Singapore's Halloween Horror Nights (HHN), running until November 2 with tickets starting at $80. Fans of chilling experiences can also check out Haw Par Villa’s third edition of the Haw Ror Villa event, kicking off on October 18, featuring an escape room set in Hell’s Museum, an interactive murder mystery tour, and even a chance to jump into a real coffin (tickets starting at $35). Fort Canning is not to be overshadowed either, as it unveils its new horror experience, Underground: The Summoning, in a historic World War II bunker, complete with a 45-minute immersive experience (tickets starting at $53).

The Scare Acting Experience

For those brave enough to take on scare acting, the pay ranges from $15 to $16 an hour, generally on a freelance basis. These individuals come from diverse backgrounds, with many holding part-time jobs that allow for the flexibility to "moonlight" as scare actors.

Auditioning for Fear

In the world of Halloween horror, the audition process is as unique as the roles themselves. Former actors have recounted amusing yet cringeworthy moments in their auditions, which often require improv scenarios that involve crawling on the ground or howling like a beast. Singapore Institute of Technology student Angela Hatem Attieh, 23, recalls auditioning alone and finding her hidden talent for screaming, which won her a spot as a first-time scare actor. On the other hand, experienced performer Megan Lynn, 24, is gearing up for her seventh year, stating proudly, "I don’t regret it at all."

Challenges Faced by Scare Actors

While the thrill of scaring comes with its fair share of challenges, including unruly guests looking to disrupt the experience or the occasional party pooper, seasoned actors emphasize the importance of respecting boundaries. “All we want is a little respect,” said Ms. Ng, sharing a peculiar experience where a guest shoved her while she was in character.

What Makes a Great Guest?

The best guests, according to scare actors, are those who embrace the thrill of fear, adding to the ambiance and excitement of the events. The ability to elicit screams or cause a commotion is what makes the job worthwhile for these performers, like Jonathan Cheong, who finds fulfillment in witnessing terrified reactions.

The Oscares: Celebrating Excellence

In an interesting tradition, Universal Studios Singapore hosts the “Oscares,” an annual awards ceremony to honor the best scare actors, fostering a sense of community within the cast. Actors share stories of camaraderie and nostalgia as they prepare to showcase their skills year after year, reviving old WhatsApp groups and reconnecting before the Halloween rush.

Diverse Backgrounds of Scare Actors

Contrary to popular belief, scare actors come from various walks of life, not just the fearless and extroverted. Many simply share a love for Halloween, and their diverse backgrounds contribute to the richness of the performances. For instance, Madam Eliyah Osman, a former marine industry worker, stumbled into scare acting for fun and has embraced the role wholeheartedly ever since.

Crafting the Perfect Atmosphere

As the significance of lighting, sound effects, and storytelling takes precedence in these events, organizers go to great lengths to create a chilling atmosphere. The professionals behind experiences like Underground: The Summoning employ expert story consultants to ensure an immersive adventure that winds through history and spookiness.

The Preparation Process

Finally, preparing for these haunting performances involves intensive rehearsal sessions. Scare actors spend numerous hours perfecting their roles after hours once the venues close, all to craft an unforgettable experience for visitors.

Conclusion

So this Halloween season, as you embark on your own spine-chilling adventures in Singapore, remember the dedication and artistry behind the screams that surround you! Get ready for a hauntingly good time, and who knows — you might join the ranks of the courageous who step into the shadows for a heart-pounding thrill!