Scare Team

Scare Team (Actor / Gymnast / Circus Performer / Make-up Artist)

Department
Events, Halloween – Trail of Terror

Location
Colchester Zoological Society (CZS)

Employment Type
Temporary

Dates
16th, 17th, 23rd, 24th, 28th, 30th and 31st October 2026

Working Hours
5:00pm to no later than 11:30pm (finishing time may vary), minimum of 3 nights

Salary
Dependent on age bracket

Closing Date
31st August 2026

You must be 18 or over to apply for role within our Scare Team. Any applicants under the age of 18 years will not be considered.

If you are interested in applying for a role within our Scare Team, please complete the Application Form below and send toevents@colchesterzoo.org

Our Trail of Terror event gets bigger and better every year with screams and laughter at every turn. Are you prepared to make those visiting scared… Not only is it a great chance to experience working an event at CZS but it’s also a great opportunity to meet new people and join a special team whilst having fun. This event is produced by CZS staff and many staff are part of the Scare Team.

By joining the Scare Team, you will be responsible for scaring people to their core, on one of our four themed sections: The Strange & Unworldly, The Circus of Forgotten Performers, Twisted Fairy Tales and The Surge. All of the roles are energetic roles where you will need to scare and then reset, ready for the next group of visitors. We require energy, enthusiasm and dedication to each role to provide an amazing experience for all our visitors.

In addition to scaring, we are also looking for talented Make‑up Artists who enjoy transforming others into creatures of the night or scary clowns. This will be a great opportunity to practice your skills and be inventive with creative design. This is a fast‑paced role, where you will be expected to create your master pieces as quickly as possible (10-20 people in 1hr approx.) Are you up for the challenge and looking for the opportunity to add to your portfolio?!

Role Responsibilities

  • Roles available include Acting / Gymnastic Skills / Circus Performer / Make‑up Artist
  • No previous acting or scare experience required.
  • Scaring visitors in assigned zones along the Trail of Terror.
  • CZS Health & Safety and the Code of Code must be adhered to.

Dates: 16th, 17th, 23rd, 24th, 28th, 30th & 31st October 2026
Working hours: 5:00pm to no later than 11:30pm (finishing time may vary)

All successful actor applicants will be required to attend a Scare Training & Audition session (2hrs) on Saturday 5th September or Sunday 20th September (9.45am / 12.30pm / 2.45pm) You are only required to attend 1 session. Your time & date must be confirmed in advance by CZS.

You will be paid for attending our session upon completion of the agreed minimum working hours.

Actors Audition Requirements

Actors will be required to act out scare scenes in small groups with fellow applicants. These scenes will be approximately 2-5 mins and performed in front of the other applicants. Thsi will aid us in choosing successful applicants to join the Scare Team.

  • Crazy Lab Techs / Stranger Things characters / Doctors / Nurses
  • Circus Ring Masters / Snake Charmer / Fortune Teller / Mermaid / Sea Monster / Contortionist
  • Snow White / Alice in Wonderland / 3 Little Pigs / Werewolves

and more…

Working Hours

Working hours: 5:00pm to no later than 11:30pm (finishing time may vary)
Dates: 16th, 17th, 23rd, 24th, 28th, 30th & 31st October 2026

Uniform

All applicants will be required to wear black clothing on their scare nights (jogging bottoms, leggings, jeans, t-shirts, jumpers, trainers, walking boots etc.)

Additional theme elements will be provided to enhance characters (costumes, masks, props and make‑up).

  • CZS is a non-smoking environment and smoking is not permitted by members of staff whilst on the premises.
  • CZS is an equal opportunities employer.
  • Scare training will be provided.
  • Costumes will be provided.
  • You will be provided with a hot meal between 5:00pm and 6:00pm on your scaring nights.
  • You will be provided with a refreshment bag to take-away to your position on the trail which will include drinks and snacks.
  • We can also provide references after the event for future job applications if requested.
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