In honor of Halloween, there are many things people find themselves enjoying. Young children and some high school students find themselves trick-or-treating, others watching a horror movie marothon, and the most spirited going to a football game. But what about all the famous haunted houses so many people go to for the thrill of fear? Normally, haunted houses open at the beginning of October, welcoming people who enjoy these little thrills; yet, most people have only been to the ones where you walk the dark halls not knowing what’s around the corner. Not many know what is going on through the minds of the actors working the house. What brings them to enjoy their job?

“This wasn’t the first time that I worked in a haunted house, but it was different this year because we had new ideas and volunteers,” said sophomore Andie Cloud

Andie Cloud worked a haunted house October 25th for the YMCA. Though it wasn’t all fun and games, or scares.

“Well, we all arrived at the site early in the morning, and assembled our sets. Then I left around noon to get makeup and props. I went home and made my costume, did my makeup, and returned to run the haunted house for 2-3 hours,” Cloud said.

As a customer to those running the show, people tend to overlook the work each person contributes in making the set what it is. Playing the part in a horror show has more preparation then some tend to realize.

“I did my and my sister’s makeup. Doing believable makeup for a zombie is a challenge, but I had a lot of fun.” Cloud said.

Set up is one thing, but looking the part makes a spooky house turn into a creepy nightmare . Where’s the creepiness in a makeup that isn’t well done? After all, a look helps show the roll the actor is playing.

“Being a zombie is harder then it looks. Keeping  a slow, shuffling pace is especially difficult. And your groans have to be believable, and not sound like you’re in pain. So basically I stumbled around and freaked everybody out.” Cloud said.

The fear may run high in a viewer’s mind, but amusement is more likely to be found in the one behind the mask, the one causing the frequent screams. The fun goes two ways, though different kinds of fun depending on which spot someone finds themselves in.

“I will definitely be doing this again next Halloween! It’s a great opportunity to serve the community and have fun while doing it. It gives me a chance to show off my creativity and individuality. Plus, who wouldn’t jump at the chance to be a member of the undead?” Cloud said.

Helping out the YMCA by working one of their haunted houses as a volunteer seems to be more then worth it, even if hard work is involved. A haunted house is enjoyable not only for the person walking through it, but also for those wearing the makeup and waiting to frighten.

Happy Halloween to all, enjoy your festive fun in the night where monsters roam.