Designing for the Actor: Empowering Performers in Scare Attractions

Samuel Chamberlain | 02 December 2024 | 5 minute read

The lifeblood of any scare attraction is the performer. Of course the lighting, sound, and sets are important, but everything needs to work cohesively together to allow the actor to perform to the best of their ability. Rarely do customers walk through an attraction and come out excited about the soundtrack or comment on a well-positioned light. They will, however, rave about the terrifying murderer who chased them out of the finale with a chainsaw!

Static spaces restrict actors. Sets that are too delicate or impractical for an actor to work in make your attraction less scary. I have worked in several scare attractions in the UK in my time as a performer. Some sets have allowed me to play and experiment, and others have constrained me and restricted my creativity.

At Bad Moon Design, we believe that designing for the actor is just as important as designing for the guest. Here’s why empowering performers should be at the forefront of any designer’s mind.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Space to Perform, Not Stand

In many attractions, actors are confined to small, linear spaces, making it difficult for them to move, react, and adapt. When actors are cramped, their ability to deliver dynamic performances is ruined. Scare actors must be adaptable – after all, these are immersive and interactive experiences.

Designing for the actor means providing them with room to move, interact with guests, and adapt their scares. Whether it’s a hidden passage for a quick getaway or a platforms to create levels and variety, these design choices give performers the freedom to innovate and surprise. A well-designed space should even catch the designer off guard!

2. Tools for Terror

Actors love playing with props and the set. Thoughtfully placed lighting and sound triggers can work harmoniously with a skilled scare actor. It is important for designers to think about what will draw the audience’s attention and give actors tools to divert and distract.

When designing spaces, we consider how actors can integrate these tools into their routines. The audience is stepping into the actor’s space, and well-placed props, effects, and set design empower actors to remind the audience that they are the ones in control.

3. Comfort = Confidence

Imagine performing for hours in a space that’s unbearably hot (or cold as we usually struggle with in the UK!), poorly ventilated, or physically uncomfortable. Discomfort doesn’t just affect morale – it affects the quality of the performance.

Creating get-away spaces, comfortable and practical break rooms, and a clean environment is vital. A well-rested, comfortable actor is a confident actor, ready to deliver their best every time.

4. Safety as a Performance Enabler

Safety isn’t just a box to tick – it’s a foundation for creativity. Actors who feel safe in their environment are free to push boundaries and take calculated risks in their performances – and are more likely to return year after year to work at your event!

This means designing clear escape routes, providing PPE, ensuring stable platforms, and avoiding hazards like exposed wires or sharp edges. When actors trust their space, they can focus entirely on scaring – not worrying.

5. Collaboration is Key

No one knows what works in a space better than the people who inhabit it. Over the course of the season, scare attractions become an actors home and their fellow performers their family. Actors bring invaluable insights into how spaces can be improved to enhance both theirs and their victim's experience.

Involving performers in the design process ensures the space supports their craft. Their feedback can uncover blind spots and lead to innovative solutions that empower both the actor and the attraction as a whole.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When we design with the actor in mind, we create an attraction that not only looks great but allows the performers to bring the space to life. Guests will sense the difference when performers are fully immersed in their roles, supported by spaces that enhance rather than hinder their abilities.

At Bad Moon Design, we’re passionate about creating environments where actors can thrive.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Would you like us to help design your next attraction? Let’s collaborate to create a space where performers shine, and your guests scream!

📩 Contact us today!