Universal Orlando is in the midst of auditions for roles in its annual Halloween Horror Nights. (Go to www.UniversalAuditions.com for full details). This will be the 20th edition of the separate-ticket event, and the company is looking for folks to portray the undead, vampires, chainsaw-wielding fiends, orcs and the like, not to mention stilt-walkers, make-up artists and costume dressers, according to the site.

There are also opportunites for people who resemble pop-culture icons in “Halloween’s biggest comedy parody show.” <Coughbillandtedcough>

A couple of years ago, I sat in on auditions for scare actors and picked up a few tips.

+ Come out of your shell. If asked to scream bloody murder, do not hesitate or pull back. You’re supposed to be scary, not scared.

+ Go early in the audition cycle. There are fewers spots to fill later in the year.

+ Be very available. Horror Nights runs for 24 select nights beginning Sept. 24 (not to mention rehearsals beforehand). The more nights you have other obligations, the less attractive you are as a hire.

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