A team of talented actors is needed to ‘dread’ the boards and breathe life into the undead when Weston-super-(night)Mare’s Grand Pier is transformed into a Halloween Unfairground scream park.

The iconic seafront attraction is once again planning to add some extra chills to the dark October nights with some interactive themed Scare Zones.

The Pier’s Pavilion will be transformed into a petrifying palace of peril but what will add an extra dimension will be the actors who will get to work their black magic and cast a spell on visitors, to ensure they have an experience they will remember for a very long time to come.

The ‘scare actors’ are required to lurk in and around the various themed zones on the Pier during the fright night activities.

Hollie Otley, the Grand Pier’s Event Manager, said:

“We are looking for strong individuals who can bring high levels of energy, improvisation techniques and dedication to the team.

“Whether you have previous experience as a scare actor, or are just starting out, we have a range of roles available for people aged 18-plus, which may involve working outside, in the dark, in confined spaces and with a variety of special smoke, scent, lighting and sound effects.”

Auditions will take place and once again the Pier is turning to experienced actor, and author of “Through The Dead Eye – A Eulogy to the Art of Scare Acting”, Andy Rawlings, to provide expert training and teach the actors some of the top tricks – and treats – of the trade.

Sophie Marriott is a scare actor who has already signed up to be part of the Grand Pier’s terror team again this year, having played her part in last year’s fright fest.

She said:

“As someone who has always been quite shy, throwing myself into this acting role was a real challenge, but everyone was so supportive and kind, and the training provided was incredible.

“I had such a blast, scaring people. At times there were some rather funny reactions.

“I am so excited to be returning again this year. The Pier is such a great place to have this event as it gets very spooky once all the lights are off. Even the walk along the boardwalk can be unsettling, especially with the actors chasing you!”

Actor Matt Salmon has other commitments which will prevent him from returning to the Pier in 2019, but he has fond memories of his experience.

He said:

“I had the horrific pleasures of supervising and haunting the Grand Pier’s first scare maze, Freak Show, filled with crawling tunnels, caged freaks, crazed mystics and madmen with knives and chainsaws.

“I’d thrill, excite and scare each group of guests with a loosely scripted speech. By having the opportunity to improvise, I was able to control the timing throughout. Performing at the Grand pier was a true test of my skills and I loved every single second of that terrifying experience.

“The Grand Pier team was highly professional and ensured every actor received training on how to effectively approach guests using a variety of techniques that would terrify but, most importantly, ensure the safety of everyone involved.”

Ideal candidates for the Pier’s scare acting team will have a background, or interest, in physical theatre and/or qualifications in drama of performing arts, although this is not essential.

The Pier needs around 30 actors altogether – an increase on last year as they strive to make the experience bigger and better than ever before.

A dozen spaces have been filled by returning actors from last year and three new faces have been added, but the Pier still needs to find another 15 people.

Applicants must have full availability to perform on October 24, 25, 26 and 31, plus November 1 and 2, and also need to be able to attend the training and dress rehearsal sessions on October 22 and 23.

To apply for a position, or find out more, contact the Grand Pier’s events team at events@grandpier.co.uk

For full details of all the Halloween Unfairgound activities being planned for your delight – and dread – in 2019, and to book tickets, visit the Pier’s website, at www.grandpier.co.uk