The Haunting Experience Launches Recruitment for 40th Season Scare Actors and SFX Makeup Artists
COTTAGE GROVE, MN - July 17, 2026 - PRESSADVANTAGE - The Haunting Experience has opened applications for scare actors
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COTTAGE GROVE, MN – July 17, 2026 – PRESSADVANTAGE –
The Haunting Experience has opened applications for scare actors and special effects makeup artists ahead of its 40th anniversary season, inviting passionate individuals to join the team behind Minnesota’s longest-running haunted attractions. The family-owned operation along Highway 61 seeks creative talent to help deliver immersive experiences that have entertained visitors from the Twin Cities and beyond since 1986.
The recruitment drive emphasizes opportunities to develop skills in live performance and character creation while contributing to a collaborative environment. Selected team members will bring to life the various haunts, including close-quarters encounters in the Haunted House, dynamic interactions along the Haunted Hayride, and intense moments in the Massacre cornfield attraction. This behind-the-scenes effort supports the attraction’s commitment to practical, human-driven scares rather than heavy technological reliance.
Applicants can pursue roles as haunters or SFX makeup artists through dedicated online forms. The process highlights the chance to work with a dedicated seasonal crew that includes actors, artists, builders, and support staff. Training focuses on timing, improvisation within character, safety protocols, and creating memorable guest interactions that balance fright with enjoyment.
Bill Zywiec, owner of The Haunting Experience, stated: “Our team members are essential to maintaining the authenticity and energy that define our attractions each season. We look forward to welcoming new talent who share our passion for creating unique experiences as we celebrate four decades of operation.”
The 40th season preparations build on established traditions. The Haunted House features hallways with dark entities and disorienting elements that challenge visitors’ senses. The Haunted Hayride, recognized as the state’s longest-running, transports guests through haunted forests and the fictional Wilhelm Steelworks via tractor-pulled wagons, where live performers deliver timed scares. Massacre offers heightened intensity with permitted light physical contact for participants ages 13 and older.
These core experiences are complemented by the Fall Fun Fest on select daytime dates, providing family-friendly activities such as art projects, pumpkin painting, non-scary hayrides, lights-on tours of the Haunted House, and goat petting. The dual programming allows the attraction to serve diverse audiences throughout the October season.
Google reviews frequently acknowledge the contributions of the on-site team. Visitors describe energetic performances, creative setups, and friendly staff interactions that enhance the overall visit. Comments often note the unexpected scares and theatrical quality made possible by the live actors and supporting crew.
Group rates for parties of 20, 50, or 100 people facilitate school outings, corporate events, and family gatherings. The venue operates rain or shine with covered waiting areas, and on-site concessions provide refreshments. Safety guidelines remain consistent, including rules against running or interfering with performers, to create a controlled yet thrilling environment.
The Zywiec Family’s long-term stewardship has fostered a workplace culture that values creativity and community among seasonal staff. Participation in the haunt team offers not only the opportunity to entertain but also to form connections with fellow enthusiasts in a unique seasonal setting.
As applications continue, the recruitment underscores the attraction’s ongoing evolution while honoring its foundational approach to live entertainment. The influx of new team members will help refresh scenes and interactions, ensuring the 40th season delivers on the legacy of quality scares.
The Haunting Experience is a family-owned haunted attraction in Cottage Grove, Minnesota. Established in 1986 by the Zywiec Family, it features a Haunted House, Minnesota’s longest-running Haunted Hayride, the Massacre cornfield experience, and daytime Fall Fun Fest activities, serving visitors from the Twin Cities metropolitan area with seasonal Halloween entertainment.
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For more information about The Haunting Experience, contact the company here:
The Haunting Experience
Zywiec Family
651-459-3001
info@hauntingexperience.com
10900 E Point Douglas Rd S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016
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