The job of the “scary actor” in the Requiem Haunted House

CALDWELL, Idaho (CBS2) — Nothing says Halloween like a haunted house. Attractions like the Requiem Haunted House prepare for 11 months to put on a show for you every October.

“We’re starting to tear down November 3rd,” said Requiem owner Krista Brower-Wood. “We work on it all year long.”

This haunting production would not be possible without Requiem’s ​​approximately 40 actors. Everyone I spoke to took their rolls very seriously and expressed how much they enjoyed scaring guests every year.

“I love this job and one of the reasons I always come back is Krista. She is a big support in my life,” said horror actor Angel Estrada. “This is my second home. I love this place with all my heart.”

Requiem is a 15,000 square foot, three-story haunted house that showcases many of Brower-Wood’s original ideas. She says they are not allowing groups of more than six people to go through at the same time to ensure the scare is as effective as possible.

“The smaller the group, the greater the terror. The larger groups put a strain on the actors,” Brower-Wood said. “My actors know how to scare, from beginning to middle to end. We train them on everything and work very hard on timing to make sure there are no Congo lines.”

Because everyone reacts differently to jump scares, actors sometimes find themselves in dangerous situations when people perform what’s known as a “scare hit.” According to Brower-Wood, ensuring the safety of the actors is Requiem’s ​​top priority.

“There are cameras everywhere and most of my actors have walkie-talkies so we all communicate with each other,” Brower-Wood said.

According to Estrada, people who want to get out of their comfort zone should try to scare them.

“I recommend it to everyone, it helps people who are stuck in their shell to express themselves more,” said Estrada. “I had been playing for years before Requiem. I just love the stage, and this is the best way I can find.” Being on stage and also scaring people, which is fun.

Requiem is a family-friendly attraction in the heart of downtown Caldwell.

“This is our ninth year. We are the only haunted attraction in the Treasure Valley that is completely indoors,” Brower-Wood said.

If you would like to bring your children, Requiem provides “Monster be Gone” sticks to allay their fears.

“Monster-be-gone sticks are glow sticks and we give them to the little kids and they are informed that the monsters can’t scare them, but mom and dad are fair game,” Brower-Wood said. “Little children love knowing that mom and dad have free play!”

If you visit Requiem on a Saturday, part of your ticket will go to the Don’t Be A Monster bullying prevention campaign.

“We give them $1 back per ticket to help them keep going,” Brower-Wood said.

Requiem is located at 810 Main St in Caldwell. You have until October 31st to visit! Click here to purchase tickets.