Day in the life: Haunted house staff
Melissa Cowan
Issue date: 10/26/09 Section: News
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Sara Hendrix has been working in haunted houses for 16 years. Her relative owns The Beast, The Edge of Hell, The Chambers of Edgar Allen Poe and Macabre Cinema.
This season, she manages the concession stand and gift shop at The Beast. Last season, she played Igor (from Frankenstein) at Macabre Cinema.
"I don't like haunted houses," Hendrix said with a laugh. "I've done both sides, but I like this side better."
She often lost her voice while working in the actual house.
"There's a lot of screaming involved," Hendrix said.
Her favorite part of her current position is getting to see people's reactions once they come out of the house.
"It's kind of funny to see the people there in my shoes that also don't like to get scared, but they still do it," Hendrix said. "It's not so funny when they come out crying."
Hendrix does her best to comfort those who had a bad experience, and reassure them the houses aren't real.
The haunted houses opened the first weekend of September and won't close until Nov. 1. But preparations for the grand opening start as early as August.
The houses are old and it is difficult to keep up with repairs and cleaning.
"There's a lot of uneven floors and it's dark in there so there's a lot of people who will trip or fall," Hendrix said.
But there's a disclaimer on each ticket stating that by entering, you are aware you may get hurt and the house will not be held responsible.
Those who have asthma or epilepsy are discouraged from going because it puts them and others at danger if they have an attack, Hendrix said.
However, one off-duty Kansas City Police officer and one paramedic are present at all times if something does happen.
Also, the houses are only three miles away from the Fire Department (where the ambulance comes from).
Though you're not supposed to touch the actors - they can't touch you, either - at least two actors have had their noses broken by customers this season.
"Their first reaction is to fight back," Hendrix said. "You should expect to get scared - you can't have your guard up and be defensive. I understand their reaction. However … the haunted houses are not for you then."
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