How to Become a Scare Actor: Haunted House Jobs and Auditions
July 17, 2026
To get a job at a haunted house, apply directly through the haunt’s website or social pages in August or early September, when most haunts
To get a job at a haunted house, apply directly through the haunt’s website or social pages in August or early September, when most haunts
Last updated: July 17, 2026. The 2026 convention is this weekend. VIP passes are sold out, but General Admission passes remain available throughout the show.
Most haunted houses open between September 11 and the first weekend of October 2026. Theme park events start much earlier, with Disneyland’s Halloween season beginning
The six-chamber exhibition explores gothic, psychological, science, slasher, religion, and ghost horror before releasing visitors through the immersive Blood Room. Los Angeles, CA — The
The “Descent Into Darkness” dark zone runs all three days of the convention, August 7 to 9, at the Long Beach Convention Center. For dates,
Halloween is having a moment, and Universal is here for it. Today, Comcast announced it will split into two companies, one focused on connectivity and
Philadelphia, PA — Comcast on June 29 confirmed it will separate into two independent publicly traded companies through a tax-free spin-off of NBCUniversal and Sky,
Update, July 8, 2026: Universal Destinations & Experiences released the official press materials for the Resident Evil takeover on July 7. Universal now names the
Orlando, FL — Registration is now open for IAAPA Expo 2026, and the Halloween-themed Haunting Grounds area will move into the Orange County Convention Center’s
Universal Horror Unleashed (Las Vegas, NV) announced its two-year calendar of seasonal events running through 2027 during a panel on May 30, 2026, at Monsterpalooza.
Melton Mowbray, England — The shortlisted nominees for the 2026 SCARE Awards have been announced, with winners set to be revealed at ScareCON on May
The East Coast Haunters Convention returns to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania for four days of haunt tours, vendor exhibits, seminars, live entertainment, and after-hours events running April 23-26, 2026. Produced by TransWorld Trade Shows, the convention is co-located with the East Coast Christmas Show and open to the public, drawing haunted attraction owners, operators, home haunters, actors, and Halloween enthusiasts.
TransWorld’s Halloween & Attractions Show returned to the America’s Center March 26 through 29 for four days of new product launches, vendor displays, and industry networking. We spoke with 16 vendors across the show floor to learn what they are bringing to market for the 2026 season. Here is what we found.
The Haunted Attraction Association honored the winners of the 2026 OSCARES Awards at an awards ceremony on Saturday, March 28, during TransWorld’s Halloween & Attractions Show. The OSCARES are the highest honors in the Halloween and haunted attraction industry. All winners are nominated by industry members, making the awards a peer-recognized honor.
The Haunted Attraction Association’s 2026 State of the Industry covered insurance pressures, AI’s role in the industry, and a call for collaboration over competition.
The Haunted Attraction Association elected Benjamin Gagne as its new president, approved a bylaws change opening the board’s 18th seat to non-owner/operators, and seated four new board members at its annual meeting during TransWorld’s Halloween & Attractions Show.
The Haunted Attraction Association is proposing bylaws changes that would allow a non-owner/operator to serve on its Board of Directors for the first time, with guardrails keeping the role out of executive leadership.
Salem, MA — Wicked New England, the Halfway to Halloween festival held at Old Town Hall in Salem, Massachusetts, returns for its second year on
Joliet, IL — The Old Joliet Haunted Prison, a seasonal haunted attraction operated by Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group inside a former state women’s prison, may
Kalamazoo, MI — Haunters Against Hate: the Event is returning for its fourth year, this time at the Radisson in Kalamazoo, Michigan on August 1-2.
Four Pennsylvania haunted attractions featured on pre-convention tours, with a Saturday night party at Shocktoberfest The East Coast Haunters Convention has announced its lineup of
Winners to be honored at awards ceremony during TransWorld’s Halloween & Attractions Show The Haunted Attraction Association has announced the winners of the 2026 OSCARES
Mt. Laurel, N.J. (Jan. 13, 2026) — The Halloween & Costume Association has announced the winners of the Second Annual Spooky Awards, recognizing standout products
CLEVELAND, OH – September 26, 2025 – Gothic horror instrumentalists Midnight Syndicate have released Darkened Corners, an EP compiling previously unreleased and rare material spanning
The Haunted Attraction Association (HAA) has announced its 2025 Top Haunts, recognizing 67 attractions across the United States and beyond. This year marks a significant expansion
Universal just announced it’s expanding its Horror Unleashed brand to Chicago—but the timing, location, and strategy raise more questions than answers. The company has yet
The Haunted Attraction Network’s annual Hauntathon is back for its 11th year—and your haunt could be part of it. Running from September 1 through October
The Midwest Haunters Convention (MHC) returns to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL, for three action-packed days on June 6-8, 2025. Produced by
The haunted attraction industry descended on St. Louis, Missouri from February 27 to March 2, 2025, for TransWorld’s Halloween & Attractions Show, the largest trade
LONG BEACH, CA – Horror legend John Carpenter will make an exclusive one-day appearance at Midsummer Scream on Saturday, August 16, 2025, as part of
Universal’s upcoming Horror Unleashed attraction in Las Vegas represents the company’s first foray into a permanent, year-round horror experience. Set to open on August 14,
The world’s largest Halloween and horror convention is making its highly anticipated return to the Long Beach Convention Center from August 15–17, 2025. Midsummer Scream
With tens of thousands of haunters and hundreds of hours of programming, TransWorld’s Halloween & Attractions Show can feel overwhelming. From networking events and free
Transworld Returns February 27th! Join Tens of Thousands of Halloween Professionals Will Gather February 27 – March 2, 2025, at America’s Center in St. Louis
2024 OSCARES Winners The Haunted Attraction Association recognized attraction owners, vendors, and others who have excelled in the haunt industry with the annual OSCARES awards ceremony on Saturday at TransWorld’s Halloween
Blumhouse and Lionsgate set up a freaky haunted house in LA for the “Imaginary” movie. Six scary rooms, live actors, and cool effects bring the villain “Chauncey” to life. From therapy sessions to facing Chauncey, it’s open until March 2, 2024.
Embark on epic journeys at Universal Epic Universe, the newest theme park in Orlando. Explore magical realms like Celestial Park and How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, where every moment promises thrilling adventures. Immerse yourself in a world of wonder and excitement, where epic journeys await at every turn.
A spooky celebration awaits fans of Disney’s Haunted Mansion! On February 25th, the immersive Ghostly Retreat near Disneyland welcomes former Imagineers, animators, and illustrators who crafted the beloved attraction. Meet & greets, autographs, and exclusive access to the Retreat await, along with limited-edition Haunted Mansion artwork and a chance to create your own ghostly photo memories. This unique event benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, so come dressed for the occasion and let the spirits guide you to an unforgettable afternoon!
Forget boring chocolates and candlelit dinners! This Valentine’s Day, dive into spooky romance with unforgettable haunted attractions across the nation. From California’s “WELCOME FOOLISH MORTALS” reunion celebrating the iconic Haunted Mansion to SoCal’s creepy axe-throwing gathering for horror content creators, there’s a unique thrill waiting for every adventurous couple. Ditch the clichés and embrace the chills – your unforgettable Valentine’s Day haunt awaits!
Hammond, Indiana’s iconic Reaper’s Realm haunted house is facing an uncertain future. After 34 years of chilling thrills, the beloved attraction sits precariously on the chopping block as the City of Hammond seeks to replace it with a riverfront development. Citing underutilization and a deteriorating building, the city filed an eminent domain lawsuit, but Reaper’s Realm owners cry foul, claiming the move would “devastate” their family business. With tensions high and emotions running as raw as the haunt’s spookiest scares, the question remains: will Reaper’s Realm rise from the ashes or be permanently laid to rest by progress?
Calling all haunt and horror fans! Join Ashland Library’s “Haunted Happenings” with “That Halloween Podcast” host Jeff DePaoli! Every 3rd Thursday, starting Jan 18th, dive into chilling talks with haunt creators, animatronics experts like Chucky creator Tony Gardner, and more! Free, interactive, global – register now and get spooked year-round!
Calling all haunt enthusiasts! Get ready for a season of screams and scares with the spooktacular lineup of Haunt conventions 2024. From TransWorld’s Halloween Show in St. Louis to Creep It Real OC in California, these events offer educational seminars, costume parties, vendor booths, and networking opportunities galore. Learn industry secrets, discover new products, and connect with fellow haunters to make your next haunted attraction the most terrifyingly thrilling yet! Don’t miss out on the fun!
Disney’s Hatbox Ghost has materialized at the Haunted Mansion in Florida, unnerving guests with his signature parlor trick! Brace yourselves for spooktacular fun as the iconic specter joins the endless hallway, bringing enhanced lighting and fresh paint to the queue and attraction. This marks his first visit to the East Coast haunt, while Disneyland’s version welcomes back the beloved ghost for another chilling season. Don’t miss your chance to encounter this eerie entity – he’s sure to add a wicked twist to your Haunted Mansion adventure!
Immerse yourself in the thrills and chills of Holiday Haunts this season. Experience haunted houses, festive frights, and unforgettable encounters that will leave you breathless. Embark on an adventure that will capture the essence of the season and leave you wanting more.
Dive into the heart of IAAPA and uncover the latest haunt vendor innovations that are set to transform the haunted attraction landscape. Explore Froggy’s Fog’s award-winning Thanos A-1 Fog Blaster and Poison Props’ groundbreaking Spider Animatronic. Elevate your haunt experiences with these cutting-edge products and stay at the forefront of industry trends.
Dive headfirst into the post-Halloween spirit at Creep It Real FESTIVE, happening this weekend at the Heritage Museum of Orange County! Shake off your Halloween hangover and get ready for a spooktacular blend of jolly and creepy festivities. Whether you’re a fan of the eerie or the merry, this event promises a perfect fusion of both worlds.
The Haunted Attraction Network’s “Hauntathon,” a 61-day celebration of haunted attractions, set new benchmarks in 2023, captivating over 140 million horror and Halloween fans worldwide. While the 2023 event has concluded, its impact continues to reverberate within the haunted attraction industry. As we look forward to Hauntathon 2024, we can anticipate even more thrilling content, featuring an expanded lineup of haunted attractions and engaging programming partners.
Happy Halloween from the Haunted Attraction Network! We’ve made it to the end of our 61-day Hauntathon, and we want to thank you for joining us on this spooky adventure. We covered haunts worldwide via podcasts, videos, and live events, and we hope you enjoyed all the scares and fun.
While the rising cost of living is putting a strain on many budgets, experts say that Halloween spending is expected to increase because it’s a relatively affordable holiday that doesn’t require the same level of familial expectations as other holidays like Christmas. Additionally, social media is driving sales by inspiring people to share their creative Halloween costumes and decorations.
Haunted Little Tokyo Returns for Spooktacular Halloween Celebration
Little Tokyo, Downtown Los Angeles’ vibrant historic neighborhood, is thrilled to celebrate the spooky season with the return of Haunted Little Tokyo. The frightful festivities commence with the inaugural Little Tokyo Ghost Tour from 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 22nd. Get into the spooky spirit with sinister stories of Little Tokyo’s ghostly friends. The following weekend, on Saturday, October 28th, experience a family-friendly Halloween Scavenger Hunt hosted by Terasaki Budokan from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. followed by the 7th annual Haunted Little Tokyo Block Party presented by The Little Tokyo Ghost Club from 6:00 p.m. to midnight.
Dark Nights at Hersheypark is back for 2023 with a new haunted house, Auntie Mortem’s Abattoir, plus all-new dining options, RIP buffet dining experience, tasting cards, and Spirit’s Rooftop Bar. Get ready for scares, thrills, and delicious treats for the whole family!
