Chattanooga Scare Actors: Turning Fear Into Art
Each year, for about a month, an eclectic group of actors in Chattanooga focus on one thing: making people scream, laugh, and occasionally cry. These actors, known as scare actors, transform the craft of fear into an art form, embodying characters designed to shock and surprise guests at popular haunted attractions.
Josh Philpott, a 40-year-old nurse by day, turns into a blood-covered clown named Rikkets by night. As an owner of Dread Hollow, he emphasizes the unique skills that scare actors must possess. “If little Johnny isn’t leaving in tears, we haven’t done our job,” Philpott explains. For him, and the team at Dread Hollow, it’s not just about the fright — it’s about creating an immersive, memorable experience.
Scare actors, or “necrotechs” as they are sometimes called, often come from various backgrounds. Surprisingly, many have no past acting experience. The audition process, Philpott says, is reminiscent of “American Idol,” and the actors must undergo rigorous training. They learn Haunt 101, familiarize themselves with the lore, and sometimes complete homework assignments. For instance, last year’s theme was a slaughterhouse, so the staff studied movies like “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” and “The Devil’s Rejects.”
Dread Hollow’s scare actors get paid above minimum wage, with additional bonuses to keep the motivation high. But even with extensive training, scare actors face unpredictable situations. “I’ve been kicked, groped, punched. I’ve had rocks thrown at me,” Philpott shares. In one memorable incident, a terrified woman threw a milkshake in his face. “To me, that was a victory, as odd as that sounds,” he adds with a grin.
Despite the physical and emotional challenges, the adrenaline rush from the first scare is addictive for many actors. Take Kasey Patton, for example. At 27, she has been in the scare acting business her entire life. As Tootsie the clown, she slides around Dread Hollow on plates attached to her knees. “It’s more active than you think it is,” she notes. “This is the worst workout.” Even after being kicked or punched unintentionally (or intentionally), she takes only seconds to refocus and get back into character.
Kasey’s father, Todd Patton, is also an owner of Dread Hollow and has deeply influenced her love for scare acting. He once played a clown named Kandy, who soaked his costume in a bucket of cotton candy so people could smell him coming. “It’s like we are writing a book or directing a movie,” Patton says, emphasizing the level of commitment and theatrics involved.
Jeff Chambers, the owner of another haunted attraction, The Haunted Hilltop in Harrison, echoes similar sentiments. He employs about 100 scare actors each night, and they range from teenagers to a Navy chief. Regardless of their background, Chambers believes it’s the best job they’ve ever had. “They get paid to scare people,” he says. “They get paid to make people laugh and cry.”
The appeal of these haunted attractions lies in the high-quality, high-action performances that bring guests back year after year. Chambers even invested $2,000 in a top-of-the-line scare costume to ensure the experience is unforgettable.
So, if you’re in the Chattanooga area and looking for a thrilling experience, you might want to check out these dedicated scare actors at Dread Hollow or The Haunted Hilltop. Their commitment to their craft ensures that one visit will leave a lasting impression — whether you’re screaming, laughing, or running for the exit.
For more information:
- Visit Dread Hollow
- Learn about The Haunted Hilltop
