Kennywood - Scare Actor

Kennywood Park; West Mifflin (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 15,153 - 20,664; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible schedule

Free admission to Kennywood on off days

Invitations to employee events

Job summary

Kennywood Park in West Mifflin, PA is looking for energetic Scare Actors to entertain guests during the Halloween season. The ideal candidates should be passionate about scaring, possess strong acting skills, and be able to maintain character during their scheduled shifts. Responsibilities include performing in haunted attractions where your creativity and energy will bring thrilling experiences to life.

This role requires fluency in English and the ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays. Enjoy perks such as free admission to the park on your days off and invitations to company events!

Qualifications

• Ability to pass audition and character training.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Reliable transportation required.
• Ability to work flexible hours.
• Must comply with grooming and costume standards.

Responsibilities

• Entertain guests with realistic performances.
• Maintain character throughout shifts.
• Use props to enhance scare experiences.
• Keep environment safe and clean.

Skills

Fluent English

Physical storytelling abilities

Effective communication skills

Cardio endurance

Positive guest-centric attitude

Education

No formal education required

Job description

Position Overview

Kennywood – Scare Actor

About the Role

Do you like to scare people? Do you like doing scary make‑up? Do you love Halloween? If you answered “YES” to these questions, then we have a position for you! A scare actor will help to provide the guests a unique experience by working in a haunted maze, a scare zone, or as a roaming actor. This position plays an integral part in making the attractions come to life. Ideal candidates have enthusiasm for acting, creativity, and are willing to transform into a frightening creature through full make‑overs and costuming, including the use of masks.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Entertain guests with frighteningly fun performances by delivering realistic and scary performances.
• Consistently remain in character throughout the entirety of scheduled shifts, which involve walking, running, making noises, changing posture, or using props.
• Effectively scare guests as they move through the scare zones throughout the park.
• Greet and interact with all guests in the scariest manner possible.
• Demonstrate control, restraint, and awareness to minimize the escalation of situations in which a guest may get overly scared.
• Maintain a safe environment by keeping at least an arm’s distance between self and each guest, keeping escape routes clean, and following all safety standards.
• Use a variety of props, lights, or noise makers to enhance the scare experience.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment.
• Comply with all park policies, procedures, and labor laws.
• Proactively monitor assigned areas and quickly identify and elevate any safety hazards or other risks to the proper authorities.
• All other duties as assigned by leadership.

Language

Ability to read, write, and speak fluent English; Spanish or other bilingual language skills are a plus.

Education And Experience

• No education requirements for this position; just a passion for scaring.
• Previous haunt experience preferred, but not required.

Requirements

• Must successfully pass an audition and/or character training for this role.
• Must be at least 18 years of age to comply with Pennsylvania Child Labor Laws.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays (including Halloween, if open).
• Ability to work 20+ hours per week, when needed.
• Must have reliable transportation to and from work for your scheduled shift.
• Must comply with all grooming standards, uniform and/or costume requirements.
• Ability to immerse in role and remain in character throughout the performance.
• Must possess strong cardio endurance, physical storytelling abilities, and performance energy.
• Must be playful, outgoing, friendly, and convey a positive, guest‑centric attitude.
• Must possess effective verbal and non‑verbal acting and communication skills.
• Ability to follow direction, multi‑task, and work as part of a fast‑paced team.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and remain on feet for the majority of the workday.
• Ability to wear assigned costume for extended periods of time.
• Ability to frequently stoop, twist, kneel, bend, squat, or reach above shoulders.
• Ability to perform in costumes that may have limited sight lines.
• Ability to carry, push, pull, lift, and hold objects weighing 30 pounds or more.

Working Conditions

• Frequent exposure to outdoor and indoor areas of the park.
• Subject to extreme warm or cold temperatures during the autumn months.
• Frequent exposure to the variable outside temperatures (both in and out of costume), including high heat, cold, direct sun, humidity, dust, rain, snow, ice, and other weather conditions.
• Subject to frequent interruptions, constant repetitive motion, high noise levels, flashing lights, strobe lights, dark and shadowy environments, and heavily populated areas.

Perks & Benefits

• Flexible schedule.
• Ability to cross‑train and learn unique skills across various departments.
• Free admission to Kennywood and other parks on your days off.
• Invitations to exclusive company‑sponsored employee events throughout the season.

Equal Opportunity

As an equal‑opportunity employer, we strive to provide environments where every host, guest, and partner feel welcome, valued, and loved. We firmly believe that words and actions matter, which is why all individuals are to be treated equally and with respect.