Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California, has transformed its annual Fright Fest into an immersive experience with the introduction of the *Carnage* haunted maze. I participated as a scareactor, donning the guise of a menacing clown, and engaged in the thrill of frightening visitors during this elaborate Halloween event, which runs on select nights until November 2, 2023.
The *Carnage* maze is designed to establish the backstory for the clown-themed scare zone, City Under Siege. According to the creative team, the maze depicts a narrative where a serial killer known as *Carnage* has turned an abandoned circus prop warehouse into a hideout for his cult of killer clowns. Visitors journey through the maze, encountering various scenes, including a security room where *Carnage* invites them to join his ranks or face dire consequences.
As I prepared for my role, I began with a walkthrough of the maze in my regular clothes to familiarize myself with its layout and backstory. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement and anticipation, enhanced by chilling sound effects and dramatic lighting. My transformation into a killer clown began backstage, where makeup artist Bobbie Eller spent 45 minutes applying prosthetics and makeup, giving me an eerie, elongated appearance complete with a neon green wig.
Once outfitted in my costume, which resembled a flamboyant character from a vintage music video, I received a pep talk from Colin Orr, the event producer. He emphasized the importance of scaring guests while maintaining a safe distance. With around 100 visitors lined up for the *Carnage* maze, I felt a mix of excitement and anxiety as I prepared to step into my character.
The initial moments were delayed due to an alarm, but this provided an opportunity to connect with fellow scareactors. Each clown welcomed me to the team, and I embraced my role, adopting the name “Disco” to channel the spirit of fun and fright.
As the night progressed, I discovered effective strategies for scaring guests. Positioned just before the climactic reveal of *Carnage* atop a police car, I awaited unsuspecting visitors behind a fake wall. Initially, my attempts at scaring guests relied on loud introductions and catchphrases, but I soon realized that subtlety and observation were key. By targeting the more apprehensive individuals in each group, I was able to elicit genuine screams that echoed through the maze.
The atmosphere in the maze grew increasingly intense as the night wore on. With constant police sirens and the presence of *Carnage*, I learned to listen for screams from other sections of the maze, using them as cues to prepare for incoming groups. My confidence grew, and I began to experiment with my approach, ensuring that each scare felt unique and tailored to the audience.
After three hours of thrilling interactions, my shift concluded. As I exited the maze, I observed a group of teenagers trying to persuade a friend to enter. Pointing at them with a grin, I relished the playful fear I instilled. The event producer later congratulated me on my performance, noting that he had watched my antics via surveillance cameras.
Reflecting on the experience, I found that the combination of adrenaline, creativity, and community among the scareactors made the night unforgettable. I look forward to returning to *Fright Fest* next Halloween season, equipped with experience and perhaps a few earplugs to handle the noise.
