Character Development

*Generating Ideas

*Research / Background

*Costuming

*Makeup / Props 

Acting

*Acting Styles

*Movement

*Voice

*Approach

*Interaction

*Suggestions For The Timid 
 
 
 

Character Development

Generating Ideas 

Inspiration

      *Movies, Internet, Books, Magazines

      *What are you or your friends afraid of?

      *Work with your strengths.

            -Skinny, tall, unique voice, etc.

      *Draw on your experiences.

            -Grew up on a farm, mechanic, etc.

      *Trying to copy a Hollywood character sets high

         costume and makeup expectations and expenses.

Be original.

      *It’s more fun.

      *It’s cheaper.

      *There are no legal implications. 

Research / Background

Give the character a name.

Create a story around your character.

      *Helps design the costuming and acting.

      *Brings your character to life! 

Costuming

Costume

      *Environment.

            -How do they live, etc?

      *Brainstorm with a friend.

      *Sketch it out.

      *Shop at thrift stores, garage sales, costume stores,

         and eBay.

      *Make your own.

      *Don’t forget the shoes.

Dark versus light clothing. 

Makeup / Props

Makeup

      *Airbrush. 

      *Gelatin.

      *Grease paint.

      *Water based.

      *Blood.

Rubber or latex masks are not ideal.

      *Hot

      *Limit field of vision.

Silicone masks work better than rubber masks.

Prosthetics.

Teeth.

Contacts.

Wigs or hoods.

Hide all skin, it ruins the believability.

      *Gloves or makeup for the hands. 
 
 
 
 

Acting 

Acting Styles

Slow or brainless.

      *Mummies.

      *Zombies, etc.

Loud or violent.

      *Clowns.

      *Beast characters, etc.

Insane.

      *Loud or quiet.

      *Intelligent versus brainless.

      *Quiet with possible sudden outbursts.

Victim. 

Movement

Pace.

      *Walking.

      *Speedy.

      *Dragging leg.

      *Crawling.

Lurches, twitches, or convulsions.

Posture.

      *Holding your head.

Eye contact.

Drooling.

Prop usage. 

Voice

Project!

      *Must be heard over a lot of noise.

Dialogue versus screaming.

Practice.

      *Try different voice styles. 

Approach

Various strike styles.

      *Sudden noise.

      *Statue.

      *Decoy scare.

      *Turnaround.

Try an above or below eye level strike.

Size them up.

      *Number, movement, screamers.

      *Screamers build momentum.

      *Some people have fun just watching their friends

         get scared.

Timing.

      *Wait until they think the are safe!

Try different hiding spots.

      *See what works best.

      *Watch where your groups are and are not looking. 

Interaction

Always stay in character!

      *Don’t destroy the alternate reality illusion. 

Touching.

      *Keep it to a minimum.

      *Keep it non-sexual.

      *Know your customer.

Throwing objects.

      *Warm water looks and feels like a lot of other

          liquids in the dark!

Safety first.

      *Look out for threatening or drunk customers.

      *Watch for flailing arms or pushes.

Know when to back off.

Queue Line Performing.

      *Put on a show for the bored crowd.

      *Target the skittish.

      *Have fun with the kids and screamers.

      *Comedy can be just as entertaining.

      *Surprise is your biggest advantage.

            -Catch a tough guy off his guard for a big laugh.

      *Props are key.

Remain in control of the interaction at all times.

      *Use social psychology to keep them off balance. 

Suggestions For The Timid

Practice projecting your voice.

      *Shout in your car, home, or makeup room.

Disguise your identity and release the inner-monster.

Go with your style.

      *Quiet and creepy.