Visitors to Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California, can immerse themselves in spine-tingling experiences this Halloween season, particularly at the annual Fright Fest. The event runs on select nights through **November 2, 2023**, and features an array of haunted attractions, including the newly unveiled **Carnage** maze.
As part of an invitation from Six Flags, I had the unique opportunity to work as a “scareactor” in the **Carnage** haunted house. This experience allowed me to step into a world where horror and entertainment collide, embodying a character designed to instill fear in guests.
Embracing the Role of a Clown
Before donning the clown costume, I toured the **Carnage** maze to grasp its backstory. The creative team at Six Flags crafted a narrative that frames **Carnage** as the leader of a sinister clown cult, operating from an abandoned circus prop warehouse in the fictional town of **Green Willow**. The maze guides visitors through chilling scenes, including a security room where **Carnage** urges recruits to join or face dire consequences.
The atmosphere shifts from eerie to chaotic as guests encounter a mad doctor performing grotesque transformations and a dive bar where the clown cult plots their next moves. I felt a rush of excitement as I prepared to embody this terrifying persona.
My transformation into a clown began in the wardrobe and makeup department, where talented artist **Bobbie Eller** spent **45 minutes** crafting my look. Sporting vibrant purple pants, a dramatic black cape, and a neon green wig, I was a far cry from my usual attire. Prosthetics added to the theatrical effect, turning me into a character ready to haunt the maze.
Scaring Guests: The Art of the Jump Scare
After a briefing with **Colin Orr**, the Fright Fest event producer, I learned the key goals of my role: scare guests while maintaining a safe distance. As I awaited my turn in the maze, the energy from the crowd was palpable. With nearly **100 people** in line, I felt the mix of dread and excitement from those waiting to enter.
Once the alarm forced a temporary evacuation, I mingled with my fellow clowns, who welcomed me to the team. Each member was friendly, yet I knew they would soon shift into their roles as terrifying figures once the maze reopened.
My designated scare spot was strategically placed before the final reveal of **Carnage** atop a graffiti-covered police car. I learned quickly that effective scares relied on understanding the dynamics of each group. Instead of jumping out at the first person, I focused on those who appeared anxious or fearful, creating a more impactful scare for them and their friends.
Through the night, I experimented with different tactics, shifting my approach based on the reactions of guests. By observing the groups as they moved through the maze, I could identify the “screamers” and tailor my performance to maximize their fear. This strategy proved successful, leading to several delightful reactions from the crowd.
Despite the heat and noise of the maze, my adrenaline kept me focused on delivering memorable scares. The constant sounds of police sirens and the blaring horn from the police car added to the chaotic ambiance. Each time I managed to elicit a scream from a visitor, I felt a surge of satisfaction.
After **three hours** of scaring, my shift concluded. As I walked past the entrance, I noticed a group of teenagers trying to convince a hesitant friend to enter the maze. I pointed at her, eliciting screams and laughter from her friends, a fitting end to my evening of thrills.
As I returned to the makeup chair for removal of my clown attire, **Colin Orr** congratulated me on my performance, having monitored my antics through surveillance cameras. His positive feedback was a gratifying acknowledgment of my efforts as a scareactor.
Reflecting on the experience, I am eager to return to **Six Flags Fright Fest** next Halloween season, armed with new insights and strategies to enhance my performance. The combination of creativity, camaraderie, and the thrill of scaring makes this event a unique highlight in the world of seasonal attractions.