The other night I surprised someone standing in line and they literally fell to the ground in fright. It was hilarious, but challenging because I wanted to laugh, but had to stay in character. – Hannah Van Ham
This Halloween, you probably have a few things to check off your list. And one of them may be a good old fashion scare at SpookyWorld’s “Nightmare New England Haunted House.” This must-visit New Hampshire Halloween destination employs quite a few actors to play all of the ghouls, goblins and zombies. But what is it really like acting, working and terrifying others at SpookyWorld? We decided to find out.
Hannah Van Ham (left), a 20-year-old actress at SpookyWorld, agreed to tell us about her typical day working at the Halloween locale. She is currently in her fourth season with the SpookyWorld company. Van Ham explained that she has “a passion for Halloween” and, when she’s not working her typical 9-to-5 job as a hair stylist in Bedford, NH, you can find her running around terrifying SpookyWorld patrons.
Here is her typical day …
How do you spend most mornings?
Typically, my mornings do not start until noon. I am a true night owl, which is why working at SpookyWorld is perfect for me. I enjoy working nights and weekends.
What are the top priorities on your to-do list right now?
What is most important to me right now is my health. I work two jobs and almost 70 hours a week. I strive to give SpookyWorld and anywhere else I work my all, so getting enough sleep and living a healthy lifestyle is very important to me. I am also planning a trip to another haunted house, Eastern State Penitentiary in Pennsylvania. I am very excited to have this opportunity because I love haunted houses so much but my schedule usually does not allow me to visit.
What is the worst part and the best part about your typical day at SpookyWorld?
The best part of working at SpookyWorld is the adrenaline rush and excitement I feel when I am scaring visitors. Every night gets better and better, and the atmosphere is positively thrilling.
The worst part of my job is how sore I feel the next morning. I work as a mid-way actor so I am constantly moving, always chasing people and running around the park. Each shift is an intense workout.
Tell me about a funny experience “spooking” a visitor at SpookyWorld.
It is really hard for me to pick one funny experience. I love scaring people, so my favorite has to be when I make someone cry or fall to the ground. The other night I surprised someone standing in line and they literally fell to the ground in fright. It was hilarious, but challenging because I wanted to laugh, but had to stay in character.
If you could impart one piece of advice to our readers, what would it be?
SpookyWorld was made to be a place of constant entertainment and energy. Enter ready to be scared when you least expect it. Don’t think that since you went last year you have seen it all. SpookyWorld changes each season and is a “must see” every Halloween.
What would you do if you were suddenly granted a day off from work tomorrow?
If I were granted a day off from work, I would want to do something fun. I would go shopping or see a movie. I would also go through SpookyWorld as a customer because it is a totally different experience than working there.
What’s one TV show you can’t live without right now?
If you had asked me this question a few weeks ago, my answer would have been “Breaking Bad.” But, now that the show is over my answer is the “Walking Dead.” In my opinion it is the best show on television.
If you weren’t answering my questions, what would you be doing instead?
I would be at Goodwill with my friend who is also an actor at Spookyworld trying to find some items for new characters this weekend. I like to change it up frequently, and always have good luck creating costumes at Goodwill.
