Behind the Screams of Scare Acting & Show Ushering

Overview:

In this Halloween-themed episode of Live with Sondra, Gatemaster Technology’s CEO,  Sondra Shannon, welcomed Dustin Parro, a seasoned scare actor at California’s Great  America. With over a decade of experience in the haunted attraction industry, Dustin  shared insights into his unique role, from mastering scare techniques to fostering  memorable guest experiences. The conversation offered a deep dive into the artistry,  psychology, and collaboration that drive successful scare acting and ushering, providing  valuable lessons for professionals in the attractions industry.

5 Insights from This Live

• Role of Blackouts:
  Blackouts are pivotal figures in haunted attractions, guiding actors through the maze, addressing issues like broken props or safety concerns, and maintaining the
  flow of the experience.
• Passion Fuels Success:
  any performers and employees in theme parks find long-term fulfillment by discovering their passion within a diverse range of roles, from operations to creative performances
• Memorable Scares:
  Dustin shared anecdotes about guests’ reactions, emphasizing how scare actors create lasting impressions by eliciting fear in a fun, safe, and controlled manner.
• The Value of Dedication:
  Dustin’s nearly 10-year commitment to scare acting highlights the dedication required to sustain a career in the haunted attraction industry.
• Fostering Collaboration Among Cast Members:
  A supportive and collaborative environment helps scare actors bring their roles to life, creating an immersive experience for guests.
  

5 Notable Quotes:

•  “I would connect with the guest in terms of, if I was in their shoes to try to create a good experience for them.”
  -Dustin Parro
  • “[One time,] I scared a guest so badly he fell onto his rear end and crawled backwards to the next room.”
  -Dustin Parro
  • “At the end of the day, what I hope to accomplish here is just showcasing the real people behind these experiences.”
  -Sondra Shannon
• “In 2016, it dawned on me that scare acting was my true calling compared to regular acting.”
  -Dustin Parro
  • “You should dress for the job you want, not the job you have.”
  -Sondra Shannon

California’s Great America’s Approach

California’s Great America has adapted to changing audience preferences by offering both traditional scares and newer, family-friendly events. Dustin shared how the park’s 

leadership fosters a collaborative environment for scare actors, enabling them to return to beloved roles each season while ensuring a seamless guest experience.

Dustin’s Preferences and Technology

With a background in radio, TV, and film production, Dustin brings a creative edge to his scare acting. He also expressed his aspirations to delve into video editing, highlighting the intersection of technology and storytelling in creating immersive experiences.

Sondra’s Perspective

Sondra underscored the importance of recognizing the people behind the scenes in the attractions industry. From scare actors to ushers, their dedication is key to crafting unforgettable guest experiences.

Improving Guest Experience

Both Sondra and Dustin emphasized that great guest experiences stem from empathy and  understanding. Whether it’s an usher helping guests navigate a haunted house or a scare  actor delivering a perfectly timed fright, the goal is to make visitors feel seen, valued, and  entertained.

Creating Memories and Guest-Centric Culture

Dustin reflected on how his work allows him to be part of guests’ cherished memories.  From thrilling scares to playful interactions, every role in the haunted attraction ecosystem  contributes to a guest-centric culture that keeps visitors coming back year after year.

Connecting with the Speakers

Interested in learning more? Connect with the speakers on LinkedIn: