It’s nearly Halloween, which means that haunted houses are in full swing. Many people would agree that haunted houses are a blast to visit, but unfortunately, there’s always those people who like to ruin it. Here’s a list of things to avoid doing when you go to a haunted house:
Don’t point out the actorsThis is not only obnoxious, but it ruins the opportunity for the actors to scare anyone else in your group who may not have spotted them.
Don’t try to act “hard”If an actor scares you, don’t proceed to act like you’re going to physically harm them. You don’t look cool, and it is grounds for removal from the haunted house without a refund. Also, insulting them? If you wouldn’t say it to a plain-clothed person walking down the street, don’t say it to a haunt actor.
Don’t touch the propsWhether it seems like it or not, a lot of time and money is spent when putting together a haunted house. When guests touch stuff that they shouldn’t be touching, props tend to get broken, which takes away from the appeal of the haunted house.
DO NOT TOUCH THE ACTORS!If your natural instinct when you’re scared is to punch/kick the closest thing to you, you probably shouldn’t go to a haunted house. The actors are there because a) it’s their job, b) it’s something that they enjoy, or c) some combination of the two. They aren’t there to get assaulted. Also, many times the actors may appear to be “fake.” This doesn’t mean that it’s okay to try to touch them, especially on their faces.
Don’t complainDon’t complain about how “fake” the haunted house is. If the props aren’t up to your standards – donations are always welcome! If you don’t think there are enough people working in the haunted house, feel free to fill out an application and volunteer/work there the following season. Plus, nobody likes complainers!
Don’t try to be funnyDon’t tell the actors how hot they are. Don’t tell the actors how ugly they are. Don’t point out obvious things, such as blood on the actor. Don’t ask the actors on dates. Don’t ask the actors if they’re single. We hear all of those dozens of times a night. You’re not funny OR clever.
Don’t cover your eyes and/or earsYou just paid actual money to be here. Seriously, what are you doing?
Don’t call an actor by nameIf you’re friends with an actor and you see them inside of the haunted house, don’t say their name. When you say “Oh! That’s Sally from my English class! She mentioned she works here” you ruin the thrill for everybody around you. The actors also work very hard to develop a character, and calling them by their real name destroys that!
All of the actors in haunted houses want you to have a great time! Enjoy yourself when you’re at a haunted house. Don’t be afraid to scream if you’re scared! That’s to be expected in that kind of environment. Even if you’re not scared, or don’t think that the haunted house is that great, don’t ruin the experience for the rest of your group or insult the people whose hard work and dedication made the haunted house possible. HAPPY HAUNTING!