New actor questions

[RobfromErie]

I have the good fortune of getting to act for the first time this year.

And although I know full makeup is much scarier than a mask, I still will probably be wearing a mask.

Specifically, I have that gates of hell zombie mask. I believe it's all latex.

Now the thing is, I still want to make it a little more gruesome and gross. So I'm wondering if it would damage the mask to add fake blood to it?

Would I simply be able to wash it off after I'm done without ruining the paint job?

If someone has a specific recipe for fake blood that is safe to use on latex, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks.

[scrymnstr]

As a 16 year veteran of the industry I would like to propose this tip..... Try being scarier in the way you act. Don't rely on your mask or the gore to scare them. I saw or read somewhere that "a good actor can scare someone in a plain room with no make-up and a single white light". And its true.
Dave B

[RobfromErie]

I definitely agree. I've been to sooo many houses in the past 2 years and have seen both extremes of the spectrum.

And as a first year actor, I expect to do a little learning, but plan to pick it up quickly.

But I would also like to make it look very creepy and realistic at the same time.

[soultrkr]

I depends on the mask and how they made it. David said it best though work on your scare technique if you are planning to continue haunt acting I would suggest
checking out allen's videos http://stiltbeaststudios.com/About.html

[scrymnstr]

Allen's videos are a valuble referance . I will second that. Also important is to keep an open mind, absorb all the knowledge you can. Watch other actors and heed the advice of seasoned veterans.... there is always something to be learned ...even a decaded and a half later
Dave B

[coasterfreak63]

Yea dont expect to do just a little learning, expect alot of learning.

Going into my second yea of acting I was constantly learning new things last season, I expect to be doing the same all this season.

[RobfromErie]

Anyone have an answer for the actual question?

[BruiseMuse]

Honestly it depends on the mask and the blood. Certain types of blood (especially the cheap "Bottle O' Blood stuff you find at temporary Halloween stores) tend to stain most things, including masks, and will leave a pink-ish stain. Many types of homemade blood will also stain due to the food coloring element. I've found that Ben Nye's stage blood will not stain at all, however it is more expensive (but you pay more for the high quality).

[Jim Warfield]

A newbie actor buy a $3.oo mask, spill some phoney blood on it and terrorize a well-known radio personality who was here for the tour.
He just sort of lurked behind him mostly and seemed to be able to appear always behind yet near him. (Know your house well)
We give newbies a flashlight and tell them to get lost in the house, my Wife believes this teaches them the best way, with no distractions either.
We have lost some employees this way, don't worry we are still "looking" 10 years later.

[Dr. Giggles]

I definitely agree. I've been to sooo many houses in the past 2 years and have seen both extremes of the spectrum.

And as a first year actor, I expect to do a little learning, but plan to pick it up quickly.

But I would also like to make it look very creepy and realistic at the same time.

A little learning? I have been doing this many years, and I am still learning. Always learning, from new actors, old actors, customers. Everyone, its when you think you know everything about scaring that you should quit. Because there will always be a new way to work a room, always a new noise you can make. You can be good, even the best in your respective haunt. But there will always be someone better. And you may loose your touch, it happens. But you gotta work it and get it back. But all this is just my opinion.
But a way to keep in practice, I just wear jeans, black shirt,, and a black coat with coattails. No makeup. And do my thing. Its a good way to get the hang of alternative scaring tactics. Mental more than in your face.