Ghosts, zombies, clowns, oh my!Halloween is fun until one of the monsters singles you out and turns your night into a nightmare.If you're going to go to a haunted house this fall, you should blend in with your group and respect the actors.You can enter at your own risk.
Step 1: If you don't want to be targeted, pretend you are not afraid.
To the actors, acting tough or saying "I'm not scared" indicates that you actually are.They will try to frighten you or pick on you.Pretending that you don't care makes it less fun for your friends.
Step 2: Your friends will be scared first if you walk in the middle of the group.
It's a good idea to keep someone between you and the actors.Your backside is also included.There's always someone behind you.Walk as close to your friends as possible if there are only 2 or 3 of you.If something jumps out, you can hide behind them.The front and back of the group are the scariest spots.
Step 3: The actors don't like being scared by other house-goers.
The actors are the ones scaring.They should be able to do their jobs by walking through the house and not being a part of it.If one of your friends is scaring people, ask them to stop.They are being obnoxious so you don't want to get kicked out.
Step 4: You don't annoy the actors if you pretend not to see a scare.
If you see an actor scaring someone in your group, don't point it out to them.That could cause the actor to turn on you.It's less fun to tell your friends that you're going to be scared.Don't say "Kate, watch out!" if you see an actor peeking out from behind a curtain.
Step 5: If you stay on the marked path, you won't get cornered by a monster.
Leaving a group is asking for trouble.If an actor finds you alone, they will pick on you.You're supposed to follow the route.Follow the group in front of you if you don't know where to go.Leaving the path can be dangerous.There are hidden dangers, like electrical cords.Don't enter a room if it is marked "Staff Only" or "Emergency Exit"
Step 6: The actors have less time to prepare a scare.
Don't walk too slowly or wait too long at one scene, keep moving through the house.The actors don't have to plan an elaborate scare because you can get to the next room quickly.Never run.Running in a haunted house can be dangerous.
Step 7: Don't ask the actors not to scare you.
They will try even harder to scare you if they say things like, "Leave me alone!" or "please don't scare me!"It is best to stay quiet and blend into the rest of the group.If an actor notices someone is upset or frightened, they will back off.
Step 8: Don't touch the actors with your hands.
There are rules against touching the staff in haunted houses.Even if this isn't explicitly mentioned, grabbing, pushing, or hitting the actors is enough to get you thrown out and even arrested.Light bumping and brushing against other people is normal.If you hit an actor, apologize immediately.If you strike out when scared, have a friend hold your "hitting hand" to keep you from doing so or keep your hands in your pockets.
Step 9: Don't scare the actors by staying on their good sides.
Attempting to frighten the actors will make you look foolish.You are being disrespectful if you are getting in the way of their job because they are there to scare you.They will try even harder to frighten you later on.Asking for an actor's phone number is not funny.You can be escorted off the property if you harass them.Don't try to break the character of the actors.It will make them angry because they won't do it.
Step 10: If you are too scared to continue, leave the house.
Unless you really want to leave, don't request to be taken out.The actors who have to break character to escort you out will be annoyed by a false alarm.To show you're serious about leaving, use a strong, clear voice to be heard over the noise.Guests at haunted houses can use safe words if they want to leave.Before entering the house, you should find out what the guidelines are for leaving.
Step 11: You should wear dark-colored clothes to be harder to see.
If you want to blend in, choose clothing that is equally dark.There are pieces that are black, navy, dark gray, or deep purple.If the haunted house has a black light, avoid bright white clothes and neon colors.You should also pay attention to your footwear.Both dark boots and black tennis shoes are good choices.
Step 12: To hide your feelings, wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants.
The tiny dots on your arms and legs are a sign that you are scared.You should wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants that cover your ankle.Adding layers like an additional sweatshirt or jacket will prevent you from getting cold easily.
Step 13: If you want to look intimidating, choose a large coat.
An oversized coat will make you appear larger.They won't mess with you if they mistake your size for muscle.Down parkas or ski jackets have extra padding.You will be even bigger if you wear a heavy sweatshirt underneath your coat.
Step 14: The masks need to be left at home.
Most haunted houses don't allow masks to be worn.If you're allowed to wear a mask on that day, remove it before going to the ticket booth, police officer or security guard.People might mistake you for an actor if you wear a mask in the haunted house.If masks are allowed, make sure they aren't offensive or gruesome.The haunted house may have kids in it.